Private Client

We were approached to look at the refurbishment and extension of this detached property close to Highgate Wood in Crouch End, North London. The current home sits at a lower level than the main road to the front however due to the topography of the plot the rear garden lies considerably lower than the current rear rooms – living, kitchen and dining. This transition from front to rear restricts access and therefore reduces the use of the large rear garden, being an unusual asset for London properties. The existing house has become tired and some recent modifications including a loft conversion were poorly configured to make the best of the large floor area to each level.

Our challenge was to re-think the current configuration and functionality of the house on all levels demonstrating a coherent programme on how it could best be adapted and extended to address the needs of a young family with four young children. Initially, we have sought to carry out extensive modifications to each floor however after careful analysis we have retained the main living rooms but rather punched openings and introduced a dropped level to the rear half of the ground floor which more suitably addresses the topography and allows for better interaction with the rear garden.

The existing bedrooms on the first floor have been altered to provide more ensuites and bathroom provision as well as addressing access across to the new hipped side extension at first-floor level. Altering the location of the loft staircase helps refine the access to each internal room permitting a more integral staircase which feels more in keeping and generous.