1960s Harley Sherlock time capsule in London N6
Well, this is rather special. First time on the market for this 1960s Harley Sherlock time capsule in London N6.
This isn’t the first time I have featured one of these houses, but it is the first time the one has featured because it hasn’t been for sale since it was constructed in the early 1960s. That’s quite something when you consider the location and how sought-after these houses are.
But here it is, preserved in ‘entirely original’ condition, with all of the details just as they were intended by the architect. That architect was Harley Sherlock, by the way, working out of the Andrews, Emerson, Sherlock & Keable practice.
It sits on the Southwood House Estate, which was developed between 1958 and 1962 on the site of the former Southwood House, which had apparently become derelict and in later years suffered fire damage.
The new houses were set around the grounds of the old house, which created a sizeable communal space for the sole use of residents. The kind of thing that would never happen in the 21st century. That’s why these places are so popular, particularly with families and especially those with young children.
The houses on Jacksons Lane were the last to be completed, following on from development on Hillside Gardens and Southwood Lane in Highgate Village. That includes the one here.
Obviously the architecture here is oh-so-60s, but that applies to all the houses in this run. The difference here is the interior and the detailing.
For me, it’s hard to avoid getting drawn towards the furnishings here, which are unlikely to be part of the deal. There are so many midcentury modern and modernist classics on display.
Yes, many have been reissued, but it’s a sure thing that these are originals from the era, fitting in perfectly with a house of a similar vintage. Have a look round and pick out your favourite. It might just inspire you to pick one or two up.
If I had to pick out a favourite it would be the yellow and blue ‘flag’ metal wall art. But the wall art, in general, is quite something. Details you would struggle to recreate in the modern era.
Talking of details, the trademark staircase in all of these houses is here in all its glory, there’s an original kitchen still in place, original wall coverings and cedar-clad ceilings are present, the 1960s hardwood window frames and probably the original flooring.
The only real updates are the TV and audio. Not that I am suggesting this is perfect – a new bathroom is pretty much essential here. But beyond that, I can’t find much to criticise or change here.
A good amount of living space in these houses too. This one offers something like 1,400 sq. ft. over three floors and a decent amount of outdoor space too, especially when you consider the communal land.
Enter the house and you access an entrance hall with a guest cloakroom to one side. Or carry on through to the ‘bright’ open-plan kitchen (please don’t rip that one out) and reception room, which runs from front to back and opens onto the garden.
Head up the wonderful and distinctive staircase to the first floor, which has a reception room at the rear and a bedroom with an en-suite shower room at the front. Hop up a further level and you will find three further bedrooms and a family bathroom on the second floor. Note that the master bedroom has access to its own balcony.
That’s not quite all as there is a front garden with off-street parking for two cars. At the rear of the house is a private garden with brick paving and decking that leads onto the communal gardens I mentioned earlier. Your very own oasis.
Of course, a house of this size and with a Highgate location does come at a price, even if some work is required. If you want to be just the second owner of this house, you are looking at an asking price of £1,350,000.
Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
