This five-bedroom detached former warehouse in Kensal Rise has been brilliantly enhanced by the architects Powell Tuck Associates. The sprawling plan of over 5,800 sq ft of internal accommodation celebrates the building’s industrial past, with a wealth of original features spread over its three voluminous levels. Outside space has been carefully integrated into the redesign; the ground floor is arranged around an internal courtyard garden, in addition to the private gardens at the front and rear, along with far-reaching views from the two terraces. Situated on a quiet residential street, the house is moments from the energetic bustle of Chamberlayne Road, just north of Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill.
Setting the Scene
First recorded in 1253, as ‘Kingisholt’ – meaning ‘The King’s Wood’ – the name Kensal Green didn’t appear until 1550. An arable landscape, Kensal was part of the manor of Chamberlayne Wood and seems to have been used as sheep farming land around the 17th century. As the population of London grew, residential houses and a community sprung up in the area, including the mid-18th century pub The Plough. Even up until the 1850s, people could travel into London on a horse-drawn omnibus.
Things changed dramatically after 1888, when All Souls’ College, Oxford, built Chamberlayne Road. Surviving buildings from that era include the Kensal Rise Baptist Tabernacle, founded in 1890, and the 1896 construction of the Kensal Rise School which is now known as the Ark Franklin Academy. The famous American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, most commonly known as Mark Twain, opened the Kensal Rise Library in 1900 while he was staying in Dollis Hill.
The Grand Tour
The house is set far back from the street behind an electric-gated front garden. A towering Crittal entrance, framed by wisteria, provides access through the centre of the symmetrical façade and leads into an open foyer denoted by a partition wall.
Routes right and left provide access to the expansive open-plan kitchen and dining room. The former is bespoke and arranged around a stainless steel island. Timber cabinetry is set against a stone worktop and painted brick walls. Steel beams and pillars are left exposed and provide a fantastic freedom in plan. Light pours into the space from Crittal windows in a lounge area and a courtyard garden beyond the kitchen area. Engineered oak with underfloor heating extends across the level, with the exception of the bathrooms which have polished concrete.
Two bedrooms are situated across from the courtyard: one with direct access, both with windows to the outside space. The bedroom with access to the courtyard has its own bathroom with a stone sink and a freestanding bath. The other has use of a bathroom across the hall. Fixtures throughout are by Vola.
An east wing of the house offers immense versatility. For current purposes it has been labelled as a cinema room and reception, however, with its own kitchen and en-suite shower room, the areas can be used as an independent apartment with living and bedroom areas, or as an office space or studio. The south-facing elevation of the wing follows the large rear garden and both areas have windows and doorways onto the outside space.
A steel staircase with open timber treads rises along the eastern wall to reach the first-floor reception. This enormous space is afforded an open plan by the steel frame and enjoys staggeringly high ceilings and incredible light from a trio of floor-to-ceiling windows along the front façade and a window over the void of the courtyard garden. Flooring here is also oak, and a large gas fireplace by Neville Stephens is set within the western wall of painted brick.
The rear of the level is dedicated to a brilliant principal suite with bare plaster walls, a gas fireplace, also by Neville Stephens, and a window over the courtyard. It has its own dressing room, which is lit from above by a roof light, as well as a spacious bathroom accessed through a sliding pocket door from the dressing area.
The second floor is given entirely to a second bedroom, as impressive as the main. It also has its own bathroom, along with access to a large, decked, south-facing roof terrace.
Out and About
Positioned between Kensal Rise and North Kensington, the house is well-located for village-style amenities. Chamberlayne Road is within easy reach, with its fine selection of independent cafés, restaurants, delis, pubs and shops – including a butcher, greengrocer, specialist bakery and one of London’s finest florists. Local favourites include Sacre Cuore pizzeria, indie cinema The Lexi and Retrouvius for design lovers. Charming Italian restaurant Ida is a short walk away heading towards Maida Vale.
Ladbroke Grove and the perennially popular Notting Hill are close by. Old-school pubs The Cow, The Oak and the much-loved The Pelican are local favourites. Popular brunch spot TAB X TAB is close enough for a weekend morning’s coffee and pastry run. The rest of Notting Hill lies only slightly further beyond; here, Orasay, Empire Empire and Kuro London are popular haunts. Also within easy reach are Sociale Café, The Cleveland Arms, The Dorian and The Ledbury. The Electric Cinema shows both blockbusters and art house films and is under a 30-minute walk away.
The house lies a five-minute walk away from Kensal Green Cemetery, which was inspired by Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. It spans over 72 acres for peaceful reflection and greenery, as well as a beautiful art deco chapel and the final resting place of Charles Babbage.
There are several highly regarded state-run primary schools within walking distance, as well as a handful of private options. Ark Franklin and Queen’s Park Primary School, along with Brondesbury College and Kensington Aldridge Academy are all excellent choices.
The house’s nearest station is Kensal Green, which runs both Bakerloo Line and London Overground services. Further Overground services run from Kensal Rise, a 10-minute walk away, with connections to Highbury and Islington in one direction and Richmond in the other. The area is well served by a wide range of bus services into central London and elsewhere.
Council Tax Band: H
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