1960s apartment in Southwood Park, London N6
I love this development, and this 1960s apartment in Southwood Park, London N6, is one of the more stylish units within it.
Stylish because it has been updated, but without taking away the character. It’s not easy getting a modern apartment ‘just right’ I think this one pretty much does.
Described as one of Highgate’s most notable modernist estates, the development dates back to 1965, the work of Robert Maxwell for Douglas Stephen and Partners.
It even caught the eye of Pevsner, who noted that it was built at ‘the height of fashion for expressive concrete construction’ and is a ‘forceful example’ of this kind of build.
And it still maintains that ‘wow’ factor, a mix of wood and concrete, eye-catching balconies and more galling than you would see in the majority of apartment blocks constructed today. Unmistakably 1960s, but with a look and a layout that still works in the 21st century.
Access is via a private driveway, which leads to a building that has been impeccably maintained over the years (which isn’t always the case for mid-20th-century architecture). Red brick, polished wooden garage doors and those white balconies effectively framing each unit within.
If you are wondering, the apartment for sale is on the second floor, accessible by stairs or via the lift, with additional storage space available on the ground floor (which is always useful).
Once inside, you first access the large lobby area, which has been converted into a second living space, with dotted Bocci lighting and walls partly lined in reclaimed Iroko wood.
It’s a hint of what’s to come, which is an apartment that has been carefully updated over the years, right down to rewiring and re-plumbing. But without losing the midcentury modern aesthetic. Modern, but with a knowing nod to the past.
Beyond the lobby is a galley kitchen and living room at the front of ‘the plan’, both overlooking the communal gardens. The kitchen has sage-coloured matt linoleum cabinets by Danish designer AndShufl. The living room, with its bespoke joinery, benefits from glazed doors opening onto a large balcony.
The bedrooms are at the back, with what are described as ‘spectacular views’ of many of London’s noted landmarks. There is more bespoke joinery in each of the bedrooms, and, like the rest of the house, they have a minimal feel that’s broken up by the occasional splash of colour.
Finally, an en-suite is connected to the main bedroom, with a family bathroom also present. Well, not quite all, as there’s a private garage as well if you opt to pay an annual fee.
Outside space, too. Of course, the large balcony is all yours, which looks out onto ‘expansive’ communal gardens.
Talking of the gardens, behind Southwood Park, you will find lawns dotted with mature trees and bordered by shrubbery. All ‘impeccably maintained’ and secluded. At the lower end of the lawn is a seating area with several tables and chairs for residents to use, as well as a barbecue. There is also a recently planted herb garden next to a gravel path. Oh yes, residents also have access to a 20-metre-long heated swimming pool in the gardens, but you will have to opt into the annual membership fee. The swimming pool and changing rooms have been recently renovated, with new poolside sun loungers and umbrellas added.
Fancy it? £1,100.000 if you want to live here.
Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
