Property Match: light-filled party pad WLTM fan of Modernist architecture
The house on Belsize lane has fantastic dual aspect windows that flood the property with natural light - Credit: Archant
With an impressive architectural pedigree, drool-worthy windows and plenty of room for parties, this Modernist home in Belsize Park is suited to a buyer who enjoys la dolce vita.
The 2002 kitchen extention brings the outdoors indoors with plenty of room for informal dining - Credit: Archant
Built as part of a pair in 1970 by acclaimed architect John Winter, this Belsize Lane property is looking for a new owner to make it whole again.
Gemma and her husband have lived happily in the house for 21 years, and are reluctantly selling before they follow their family back to Milan.
“We had looked at some more traditional properties, but we loved this Modern house because it has so much light,” says Gemma.
“There’s not as much light in London as there is in Italy, so we loved the windows on both sides.”
The ground floor features a full-width deck and a garden with mature trees - Credit: Archant
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Located on a corner plot drenched in sunshine and surrounded by greenery, this home makes the most of both natural assets with full width windows opening onto the garden.
Up on the first floor, the living room is flooded with light from dual aspect windows and warmed by a covetable wood burning stove.
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On the second floor, two of the bedrooms have access to balconies overlooking either side of the property, with floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors.
The kitchen extension was knocked down and redesigned in 2002 by a friend of the family at Adjaye Associates architects, the practice responsible for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC and the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo.
Belsize Lane, NW3, The Modern House - John Winters - Credit: Archant
The unique wedge shape complements the original architectural style and provides plenty of space for parties, opening out on to a full width deck and large garden.
“I practically lived in the new kitchen, I used it all the time,” says Gemma.
The family love to entertain informally for friends, making the most of the indoors/outdoors space.
“We’ve been very happy in this house,” says Gemma. “There have been lots of parties, lots of happy moments. It has a good feeling to it.”
Belsize Lane, NW3, The Modern House - John Winters - Credit: Archant
Matt Gibberd, founding director of The Modern House, says: “What sets this house apart is its unique architectural history.”
Not for nothing are Hampstead and Highgate reputed to be two of the top locations in the world for Modernist architecture, which is still prized today for its minimalist philosophy.
With its open plan style and light-filled approach to space this 70s gem is a fantastic example of Winters’ blueprint of rational structuring.
The interior layout is designed around the geometry of the three main bays on the structural façade, whilst the white ceramic tiles on the exterior reflect the bright and light exterior within.
“This is a proper family-sized modern house with a garage and a beautiful full-width garden, a short walk from Belsize Village and all of the area’s outstanding schools,” says Gibberd.