See inside one of Highate’s oldest houses

PUBLISHED: 18:43 26 February 2016 | UPDATED: 18:43 26 February 2016

Prudence Ivey

Parts of the house date back to 1666 and the exposed wooden beams give a lovely period feel to the master bedroom

Noga Photo Studio

This Grade II-listed house on Southwood Lane in Highgate dates back to 1666, the year of the Great Fire of London

Built in 1666the four-bedroom house dates from a time when City gentlemen were first building smart residences in the hilltop area, in part to escape the Plague, which decimated the city’s population the year before.

In 1666 King Charles II and Samuel Pepys were both in Highgate visiting Lauderdale House where the king’s mistress, the actress Nell Gwynn, lived for a period.

The house has ample communal space including a grand drawing room, a more informal snug and a conservatory/family room

“We very rarely see properties this old,” said Philip Green, director of Goldschmidt & Howland who are marketing the property.

“I didn’t even know there were houses that old in Highgate. Rarely does a property of this age in this part of London come to the market. It’s a true piece of London history.”

The house has a 35ft patio with steps leading to a secret garden

The property has been substantially remodelled since it was first built and despite it’s impressive age, it is arranged for full modern convenience.

The four floors are stylishly decorated, while a contemporary rear extension in the kitchen adds valuable space and light to the property.

The separate dining room opens on to the kitchen/breakfast room

There is also a secluded private garden and a 35ft patio while wooden beams and fireplaces nod to the longevity of this Highgate Village gem.

The property is on the market for £2,350,000. Find out more here.