Occupying the top two floors of a handsome Victorian house is this wonderful three-bedroom apartment in leafy Willesden Green. Unfolding over 1,400 sq ft, the interiors have been playfully renovated by the current owners, who have created a light-filled, contemporary space celebrating its incredible period proportions. A south-facing terrace sits on the top floor, leading off a light-filled sunroom. Wonderfully located, the apartment is minutes from the Jubilee line at Willesden Green tube station, as well as a host of independent shops and eateries and an array of green spaces.
Setting the Scene
This apartment is particularly light thanks to the expansive windows and lofty ceilings. The owner, aware of the interplay between light and space, has carefully curated a palette of warm and saturated hues. These carefully chosen colours reveal a captivating play of light throughout the apartment, transforming from a gentle morning glow to a dramatic evening ambience, thereby enhancing its charm and character. For more information, see the History section.
The Grand Tour
The front door of the apartment opens into a generous hallway with a useful coat cupboard at one end. Behind an elegant door sits an expansive open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. Painted in ‘Red Earth’ by Farrow and Ball, the room is wonderfully characterful, with an ornate fireplace surround, high ceilings, and wooden floors. A tall box bay window sits at the front, framing the spectacularly green views, thanks to the many trees planted along the street. The kitchen comprises yellow cabinetry with a marble splashback. This time painted ‘Orange Coloured White’, helping to delineate one space from the other.
Beyond the guest WC, nestled at the rear of the apartment, lies the versatile third bedroom, currently serving as a functional office space. Its walls have a limewashed finish, painted in the captivating hue of ‘Carmine’ from Bauwerk, a deep and rich brownish red that beautifully complements the elegant grey stone slate featured in its en suite shower room.
The stairs, fitted with a textural sisal stair runner, lead to two further bedrooms on the upper floor. The principal bedroom, painted in a soothing pistachio green, has a charming box bay window mirroring the one below. A wall of fitted cupboards ensures plenty of storage. The charming third bedroom, painted in a soft marigold yellow, is perfectly serene, making it an ideal space for a child’s bedroom or a welcoming guest retreat. Its pitched ceiling creates a voluminous atmosphere, adding to the room’s allure. Notably, each bedroom has an en suite bathroom or shower room.
The entrance to the bright sunroom has a domed ceiling, amplifying the sense of space. The current owner has highlighted this feature by painting it in ‘Orangery’ by Farrow and Ball, harmoniously echoing the colour scheme in the room. Skylights and a glazed wall of bi-fold doors bathe the space in natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the outdoors. This versatile room is a tranquil oasis throughout the year, reminiscent of a “jardin d’hiver” or winter garden, providing a delightful retreat even during the colder months.
Above is a large attic providing additional storage space.
The Great Outdoors
A remarkable south-facing terrace sun terrace unfolds from the sunroom, revealing an oasis of tranquillity. Enclosed red brick walls, this haven invites alfresco dining, sun-drenched lounging, or even rejuvenating yoga sessions. Carefully curated by the current owner, this private sanctuary has palm trees, lending a tropical ambience that harmoniously complements the sun-drenched hues permeating the surroundings. Views stretch beyond neighbouring rooftops and leafy trees.
Out and About
Dean Road is within walking distance of the green open space of Gladstone Park with its café, tennis courts, rose garden and playgrounds. Less than ten minutes away by car is Queen’s Park, with more green space, tennis courts and playgrounds.
The area is also home to three great pharmacies and a range of independent shops, including health food shop Walnut, which stocks organic produce, excellent wines and cheeses; Revital is another good health food shop; there is a great butcher O’Farrells a flower shop by the tube station is always full of beautiful tulips, hydrangeas and lavender. There are many good supermarkets nearby too.
Restaurants include a highly-rated fish & chips shop and brilliant sushi at Sushi Masa. Beer and Burger is great, and Casa di Anna is an Italian deli/restaurant serving great piadina.
There are several good schools in the area, including Living Spring Montessori. There are also two schools, Jesus and Mary infant school (rated Outstanding) and St Mary Magdalene (rated Good), OFSTED-rated outstanding, respectively.
Willesden Green Underground Station is around the corner from the apartment for Jubilee Line services into the West End. Cricklewood Station is a mile from the house. It runs regular Thameslink services to London St Pancras International (three stops) and Farringdon (four stops) for fast Crossrail connections to Heathrow and Bond Street.
Council Tax Band: D
History
Wellesdone, now known as Willesden Green, has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book. Initially recorded as ‘Wellesdone,’ this humble settlement emerged in the 14th century around a picturesque woodland clearing, eventually evolving into the vibrant Willesden Green it is today.
The advent of the Metropolitan Railway in the 19th century heralded a new era of growth for the area, attracting professionals who constructed grand townhouses alongside the existing agricultural lands—a pivotal moment arrived in 1879 with the opening of the tube station, propelling Willesden into becoming one of London’s fastest-growing districts.
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