Puma Court

The Grand Tour

Entry on the ground floor of Puma Court leads directly to a reception room that extends the full width of the house. It is currently arranged as a dining room and has a charming wood-burning stove. The building’s history is immediately apparent here: brass fittings in the original hardwood floorboards evidence its 19^th-century function as a weaving workshop, and a shadow in the ceiling indicates where the old staircase used to be. This was replaced c1830 by a box spiral staircase, in situ today. The basement below is home to a wood-store for the stove, lined with tiles believed to date from the late 18^th century. The main room of the basement is currently used for storage, it is dry and warm so could easily be reimagined and serve an alternative purpose .

To the rear of the ground floor are the elegantly appointed bathroom and kitchen. The kitchen has recently been refitted with Plain English cabinetry, although antique features such as the large Belfast sink (believed to date from the late 19^th or early 20^th century) have been carefully preserved. A recessed arch contains shelving; the arch itself is believed to have held a display case at a time when the ground floor was a ribbon shop for milliners. To the left of the arch is a glazed pocket door in the American federalist style. Skylights bathe the space in light and unique vents, which open onto the first-floor terrace, allow for proper circulation of air.

Upstairs, at the front of the first-floor plan is a room extending the full width of the house, and to the rear a smaller room with hand-painted floral walls and access to one of the two roof terraces. Currently, the rooms are arranged as a reception and study. However, they could easily be reconfigured as a main bedroom suite or two adjoining bedrooms. Both have wood panelling reconstructed and restored by renowned local artisan Matt Whittle.

On the second floor is the main bedroom at the front, clad in the same stylish wood panelling. To the rear is a large shower room with Miele laundry appliances. Ascent to the third floor leads to a large single room currently arranged as a home office/cinema; however, this too could be reconfigured as a further bedroom. Access to the third-floor terrace is from the stairs, via a wonderfully romantic small door redolent of Alice in Wonderland.

The Great Outdoors 

The house has two south-facing roof terraces. These are a haven of tranquillity and benefit from a wonderful view of the aforementioned Christ Church Spitalfields.

Out and About

The neighbourhood surrounding Puma Court is renowned for its vibrant cultural life. At the turn of the century, cheap studio space and restaurants like St. John Bread and Wine, Mark Hix’s Tramshed and the Golden Hart pub attracted the Young British Artists; the area has enjoyed almost unparalleled popularity ever since. The art galleries at Truman Brewery, Modern Art, Maureen Paley and Raven Row are all within walking distance of Puma Court. The restaurants, bars and pubs in Shoreditch rival any neighbourhood in the capital and include St. John, Lyles, Brat and Clove Club, as well as more casual offerings at Brawn and Rochelle Canteen.

The city’s financial district is less than ten minutes walk from Puma Court; as are the stations at Liverpool Street, Aldgate East, Aldgate and Shoreditch, offering both Underground, Overground and National Rail services.