This apartment in on the second floor of the building, with three flights of stairs up to the entrance (it's quite the climb - but worth it for the stunning designer interiors and stunning skyline views). It is set in a beautiful red brick Victorian building, that was formerly a school before it was converted. Its roots in the 1880's mean that it enjoys features such as 4 metre high ceilings, sash windows and beautiful parquet flooring- which zig-zags across the apartment in the kitchen, the living area and bedroom. The retro theme of the furniture and decor reflects the owners’ passion for antique hunting, with many unusual reclaimed and up-cycled features.
ENTRANCE HALL
One wall of the entrance hall is decorated with antique wooden printers’ blocks, while an old school locker partially converted to shelving contains vintage metal toys and old leather bound books, plus a rather more modern model of a McLaren Formula One car. No pets are allowed in the building, but a full size guide dog (actually a 1950's charity collection box) stands guard!
KITCHEN
This kitchen has an eye-catching, reclaimed metal island. The island becomes a piece of abstract art in its own right- with swirls of burnt orange and muted turquoise. Below the industrial-style lighting, this kitchen is fully equipped with all the amenities you will need during your stay, including a dishwasher and a washing machine. The kitchen is open-plan in layout and looks on to the living area.
LIVING AND DINING SPACE
A theatrical space, with double-height ceilings and bold artwork occupying the large walls. On the geometric, monochrome rug there is a large, reclaimed dining table-made with floorboards from a cotton mill mounted on a cast iron base from a Victorian agricultural machine-and chairs to seat 6 people. The chairs themselves are retro in design- including a classic dentist chair, at the head of the table! On the wall behind, the engine cover of a 1997 Benetton Formula One racing car serves as a highly unusual lamp shade.
On the left of the room is a seating area that features the timeless 1920's designs of Le Corbusier, including a sofa, armchair and his classic reclining chaise longue, the latter decorated in sheepskin. There is also an iconic Wassily-style armchair.
On the exquisite parquet floor is a cow skin rug, and next to it a television sits on an up-cycled metal and glass side table, adorned with industrial pressure and electrical gauges. The gallery wall is decorated with framed illustrations and original Tate Gallery posters. A theatre spotlight, mounted on a tripod, is one corner – and a lamp converted from a 1950's hair salon dryer is in the other! Original artworks featuring 1960's icons Jimi Hendrix and Eric Burdon are also on display.
Between the two areas, giant industrial-style lightbulbs hang down above, highlighting the vast height of the ceiling and enabling the artwork to shine. From here, you can also see the mezzanine level above.
FIRST BEDROOM
This bedroom is a tranquil space, with a double bed and bedside tables either side. The retro touches continue, including the reclaimed bedside lamps. Above the bed hangs an original 1960's London bus “destination blind” which lists some of the city’s most famous locations. Orange lightboxes are mounted on either side. Orange lightboxes hang either side.
The bedroom also has a small study space, which is filled with books, including hundreds of Penguin paperbacks. There are also many London guides, atlases and history books that visitors are welcome to peruse. There is a desk with an industrial office chair, and a hanging rail for storage. The perfect, snug hideaway to enjoy a good book during your stay.
BATHROOM
With sleek metallic tiles, this bathroom has a luxurious feel, featuring a bath and overhead shower, a rectangular basin, a WC and stone counter tops. Calming house plants decorate the space.
A unique custom-made industrial metal and wooden staircase leads up to the mezzanine level. Please note that this staircase has no banister, and thus the home is not suitable for under-12's.
MEZZANINE
The mezzanine level is a great feature of this home, with views down to the beautiful living room below. The mezzanine itself has white wooden floorboards, with an original 1950's wicker flower chair and fur rug on the floor. This space also has a day bed, which can be made into a single bed for one guest if needed. There is also a television mounted to the green wall. Below is a desk and stool that can be opened out for use, with an industrial stool.
MASTER BEDROOM
The master bedroom includes a comfortable super-King size bed, white wooden floors and a wardrobe. The room has a relaxing feel due to its neutral colour scheme. A sliding glass door with blinds adds to the unique feeling of the space.
MASTER EN SUITE
The en suite bathroom includes a walk-in shower that features tiles in the style of a Japanese tatami mat, plus a designer basin, and WC. Bespoke cupboards and shelving are made from marine plywood and contribute to the zen feeling that the owners were seeking.
COMMUNAL ROOF TERRACE
On the fourth floor of the building there is access to a spacious communal roof terrace. From here, you can see wonderful views of the London skyline – from Canary Wharf, via the top of Tower Bridge, the City (including the Shard, the Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie and other landmarks), Tate Modern, St Paul’s, the London Eye and even the Houses of Parliament. A rare luxury in the capital! There are tables and chairs here where you can relax and enjoy the views, especially at sunset.