1950s apartment in Chamberlain, Powell and Bon’s Golden Lane Estate, London EC1Y
A cool, minimalist finish for this 1950s apartment in Chamberlain, Powell and Bon’s Golden Lane Estate, London EC1Y, which is up for sale.
Thanks to the seller (who has lived here for many years) for pointing this one out to me. It’s always nice to get more background and insight on the property in question. If yours is going up for sale, feel free to get in touch.
As you may already know, the Golden Lane Estate was built between 1952 and 1962 to the designs of architects Chamberlain, Powell, and Bon. Known as a key example in the UK of post-war urban design, it was influenced by modernist theory and form, particularly the work of Le Corbusier.
It was groundbreaking in its day and influenced social housing for some years after. In recognition of its architectural and historic significance, it was listed as grade II / II* in 1997.
As for the apartment here, you’ll find it in Hatfield House, which is situated along the northern boundary of the estate and overlooks an open communal garden to the south. Access is via the upper ground floor of the building.
As you can see, the apartment has been updated over the years, but positively. I think you would describe it as ’sympathetically’ or ‘sensitively’ restored, with key features still in place.
Those include a timber screen with mahogany shelves, birch wood flooring, quarry tiles, the original bath and WC, and aluminium door furniture.
Of course, the show’s star is the cantilevered open-tread terrazzo staircase. Perhaps not for everyone, but it looks stunning in a minimalist way and is something of a trademark of these apartments.
Like the majority of Barbican apartments, space is at a premium, but it is also very considered in its use. The bright living room is the definition of an open plan, with a large window to the front and unique vertical sliding double-height glazed doors leading onto a private balcony.
A dining space is at the rear, and beyond that, there is the kitchen area. Again, not the biggest of spaces, but making the most of the space within.
Head up that staircase to the upper floor, which has two double bedrooms and a bathroom.
Living on the estate also comes with the benefit of the Golden Lane Sports & Leisure Centre, which has an indoor swimming pool, gym, fitness studios and two tennis courts. Of course, you are also in the heart of London, which is likely to appeal to many.
Note that there is a service charge, estimated at around £1,431.33 for the year. As for the asking price, that’s £695,000.
Images and details courtesy of Yopa at Rightmove. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
