3 bed flat for sale

Belsize Crescent, London NW3

Designed by its architect owner, this exceptional three-bedroom apartment occupies the top three floors of a handsome terrace on Belsize Crescent. It has soaring ceilings and makes masterful use of a considered material palette of steel, timber and glass. A series of striking suspended zigzag staircases connects the different levels, and a private roof terrace captures panoramic views of the city skyline. For travel across the city, Belsize Park (Northern line) and Swiss Cottage (Jubilee line) stations can be reached in 15 minutes, with Hampstead Overground only slightly further afield.

The Tour

Neat brickwork and ornate stucco detailing in an Italianate style form the façade of this remarkable building. A set of handsome stone steps leads to the front door, which opens onto a communal entrance hall. The entry to this apartment is on the first floor, accessed via a single-flight staircase.

Beyond the apartment's front door, a staircase leads to a light-filled entrance hall on the second floor. The apartment was designed by Douglas Paskin of the celebrated practice pks Architects, known for its diverse portfolio of projects.

The eye is immediately drawn to a dramatic suspended zigzag staircase, which ascends to a voluminous open-plan reception room and kitchen on the third floor. Maple floors run underfoot throughout the apartment, and cast-iron radiators are painted in a dark hue. Interiors are finished in a neutral, calming palette.

In the top-floor reception room, steel-framed Maxlight windows fill the space with light and offer arresting views across London’s roofscape. Cabinets with a black finish line a wall here, incorporating glass shelving. Stainless steel and beech units and white walls characterise the kitchen, where sloping ceilings create geometric lines. A freestanding island makes the perfect entertaining space; for further storage, there is a large unit finished in steel and wood, with a pull-down metal roller shutter. Stainless-steel units house an oven, hob and dishwasher, and large sliding Maxlight windows span the length of the wall, flooding the space with light.

Three bedrooms sit on the second floor of the apartment. The two largest have soaring ceilings with original cornicing, and bespoke freestanding wardrobes offer ample storage space. The principal bedroom has a large sash window and a single step leading to a bathroom area with a walk-in shower. An additional bedroom is currently used as an office. The shared bathroom on this floor has a bathtub and an overhead shower, with a Calacatta marble wall.

Outdoor Space

Above is a private decked roof terrace with captivating 360-degree views across London. Surrounding planters with bay, hydrangeas olive and willow lend visual appeal and an enhanced sense of privacy.

The Area

Belsize Crescent is a peaceful residential street in the heart of Belsize Park. Hampstead Heath, with its freshwater Bathing Ponds and beautiful woodland walks, is within easy walking distance. Primrose Hill and St John’s Wood are also close by, with a host of excellent independent shops, restaurants and cultural hubs.

The Swiss Cottage Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Wednesday, and the Hampstead Theatre are both approximately a 12-minute walk away, on Eton Avenue. In the immediate Belsize village area, popular spots include The Washington pub, famed locally for its Sunday roasts, Bournes fish bar, Retsina, Terra Moderna, a delicious Antipodean-inspired Italian restaurant, and a baker's, greengrocer and delicatessen. There are also several convenient day-to-day amenities, including dry cleaners and local shops.

The Basil Spence-designed Swiss Cottage Library and Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre and swimming pool, an Everyman cinema (Screen on the Hill) and an Odeon cinema are around a 14-minute walk away. The shops, delis and cafés of England’s Lane, including boulangerie and patisserie Sable d’Or, are close by, as well as a Waitrose in Finchley Road.

There are a number of excellent schools in the area, including Holy Trinity CofE, St Mary’s, North Bridge House, South Hampstead High School and University College School.

Transport connections are excellent, with Belsize Park (Northern Line) and Swiss Cottage (Jubilee Line) stations reachable within 15 minutes. Hampstead Overground station is only slightly further beyond, and the area is well-served by buses.

Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 186 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £2000 per annum / Council Tax Band: G