A beautiful Parisian-style apartment in a blue-plaque mansion block, with lush views of Hampstead Heath beyond
On a peaceful no-through street next to Parliament Hill sits Clevedon Mansions, an exquisite red-brick block that was built in 1901. Part of the charm of a mansion block lies in its exterior: there’s something European about the architecture, which arguably feels more at home in cities like Paris or Berlin – and this particular structure is no exception. The private front garden, however, is quintessentially English, with its paving stones and picket fence, its bright and bushy hedges, roses and cherry trees.
If it wasn’t for the delightful views of Parliament Hill and Hampstead Head, which are best admired from the south-west-facing balcony, the feeling of being in Paris is firmly evoked once inside. The French doors certainly attribute to this, which are framed with light floor-to-ceiling curtains that flow beautifully in the breeze. There’s a second balcony too, one with more privacy for when the time calls for quiet and solitude, or perhaps a place to enjoy an evening tipple while the sun goes down.
The serene interiors are the result of glossy grey-painted floorboards, an abundance of natural light that pours through the glazing, and the white-washed walls. It’s free-flowing and lofty, with an open doorway connecting the kitchen and the living space, while also defining the areas of the home. This place just calls for a weekend of simply being; of wandering from one zone to the next, with the French doors open wide, so that sunshine comes knocking and can create playful shadows on the walls and floors.
The location is glorious – Hampstead Heath has all the charm of a quaint village, and more greenery than a city dweller could wish for, all while being within reach of London’s heart. We could go on, but instead we’ll point you in the direction of our Residents’ Guide on the area. (La Crêperie de Hampstead, the pint-sized pancake stall, is our hot tip.)
The timing for this apartment to come on the market couldn’t be better – act fast and you might just in by the height of summer. A sun-filled day that involves a dip in Hampstead Heath’s ponds, followed by a sunset seen from the balcony sounds like one very well spent indeed.
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