This fantastic two-bedroom duplex apartment was redesigned by renowned studio Barber Osgerby Associates in 1999. It has recently been the subject of a sensitive renovation, which has preserved the impeccable architectural design of the duo. The apartment also retains its carefully configured Victorian features and large sash windows. It sits above a private courtyard garden, which is accessed via a steel staircase at the rear.

The Designers

Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby founded their design studio in the mid-1990s. Famed for industrial and furniture design classics including the ‘Tip Ton’ chair, the London Olympic torch and the ‘Loop’ table, designed for Isokon Plus. They have also designed several works of note for public spaces, including the De La Warr Pavilion, The Royal Institute of British Architects and Portsmouth Cathedral. Their studio Barber Osgerby Associates, now Universal Design Studio, worked on Albion Grove.

The Tour

The apartment is accessed via a courtyard set back off Albion Grove, a quiet residential street close to Clissold Park, and mid-way between Newington Green and Stoke Newington Church Street. The apartment is configured across the raised and lower ground floors of a grand former Victorian residence, which was renovated and divided into apartments around the time of the original renovation. The original interior design took place during Barber Osgerby’s strong affiliation with plywood; as such, the material is used frequently and with ingenious execution throughout, chiming wonderfully with the carefully preserved Victorian features.

Upon entry, the apartment’s excellent proportions are immediately apparent. Large sash windows punctuate the west and south-facing aspects of the dining room, Victorian solid pine floorboards run underfoot and ceilings extend overhead to a height of more than three metres. There is a restored marble fireplace at one end and the partition doors have been removed to allow the interiors to flow through to the living room. This room has Barber Osgerby-designed joinery on either side of the fireplace, as well as a custom-designed fire grate.

The kitchen is positioned to one side of the plan. Barber Osgerby’ s original design has been lovingly restored, and the custom-made kitchen door handles and plywood cabinet fronts carefully preserved. There are integrated appliances, including an integrated dishwasher, washing-machine and a Smeg range cooker; black ceramic tiles run underfoot. The remainder of this floor is taken up by a simple family bathroom, clad in minimal white tiling with sleek black fittings.

The lower ground floor comprises two large double bedrooms and a carefully restored Barber Osgerby-designed wet-room. The larger of the two bedrooms has an adjoining snug, or study area, as well as a generous walk-in wardrobe. It is particularly bright, drawing in natural light from the front and rear of the plan. Additional storage space can be found under the stairs.

Outdoor Space

A steel staircase leads down from the kitchen to a private courtyard garden at the rear. This area has been laid to paving, lined with easily managed borders including including a fruit-tree, rose bushes and climbing honeysuckle.

The Area

Albion Road is located within easy reach of the independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs of Stoke Newington and Newington Green; Esters and Jolene are particular neighbourhood favourites. Much-loved Church Street is home to The Spence Bakery, Whole Foods and The Good Egg, as well as many other independent businesses. A short walk away is Primeur; recently described as “the perfect neighbourhood restaurant”, it serves modern European cuisine and natural wine.

There are several green spaces nearby; Abney Park & Cemetery and Clissold Park with its tennis courts, cafe, beautiful lakes, and resident deer are local favourites. Stoke Newington is very popular with young families, in part due to the number of good schools in the area. Particularly noteworthy are the Betty Layward Primary and Stoke Newington School.

Canonbury, Dalston Kingsland and Stoke Newington stations are all within walking distance of Albion Grove and run London Overground services to Liverpool Street in around 10 minutes, or Highbury & Islington in around two minutes, for connections to the Underground. A number of buses run into central London and the neighbouring Dalston area.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 123 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £390 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £100 per annum
Council Tax Band: E

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.