A Victorian Home with a Rich Color Palette and a Lush Garden
On a peaceful residential street in Bounds Green, London, a handsome Victorian façade offers just a hint of the treasures within. Behind its freshly stripped, repointed, and limed brickwork lies a four-bedroom home that its current owners (designer Jess Alavi-Ellis) have lovingly transformed into a showcase of craftsmanship, color, and texture.
Throughout the house, period cornicing has been painstakingly reinstated, and tactile details like unlacquered brass switches and handles add quiet luxury.
Every inch of this house speaks to careful thought and impeccable taste, from the reimagined interiors to the garden that bursts with life and seasonal fruit.
At the front of the home, a generous double reception room blends Victorian character with contemporary flair.
Soft taupe walls in Paint & Paper Library’s ‘Soba’ complement a reclaimed marble mantelpiece and cast-iron fireplace, while a smart chequered zellige-tiled hearth provides a subtle pattern play.
Toward the rear, a second fireplace rests against walls painted in the gentle grey of ‘Lusi,’ with engineered oak floors and underfloor heating flowing seamlessly between the two spaces.
A clever internal picture window frames views through to the kitchen, allowing light to ripple across the plan.
The heart of the home lies in its striking rear extension, where a dusky red limewash by Bauwerk envelops an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and informal living space.
Bespoke birch ply cabinetry pairs effortlessly with brass worktops and a shimmering zellige-tiled splashback, while a black steel beam adds architectural edge.
Smart design is everywhere: a fold-out larder, pull-out cabinetry, and a discreet island extractor fan keep the space as practical as it is beautiful.
Natural light pours in from three skylights, an angled picture window, and full-height glass doors, which open directly to the garden for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
The hallway is paved in striking geometric tiles, an eye-catching design collaboration between London Encaustic and Anna Hayman.
The first floor hosts three generous bedrooms, each with its own distinct personality. The largest, at the front, retains original pine floors and a cast-iron fireplace with a replica pine mantel.
Double-glazed sash windows ensure tranquillity, while a full-height wall of wardrobes offers ample storage.
Two additional bedrooms embrace rich tones of deep blue, green, and yellow, with one benefiting from built-in wardrobes.
The family bathroom is a serene sanctuary, finished with ochre yellow walls and ceiling, a terrazzo floor, and a spacious walk-in shower.
Crowning the house is the main bedroom suite, a private escape awash with light from a skylight and a dramatic picture window that frames sweeping views across north London.
Chequered cork floors bring warmth and texture, while clever eaves storage and air conditioning provide comfort year-round. A striking en-suite bathroom with a brilliant blue suite adds a playful splash of color.
Flowing directly from the kitchen, the west-facing garden is designed for both relaxation and entertaining. Sunsets bathe the space in golden light, highlighting thoughtful planting that includes apple, fig, almond, and olive trees, a grape vine, and aromatic herbs.
At its centre, a terrazzo-tiled island, clad in charming Otto tiles, invites al fresco dining, with a built-in bench and connections for gas and electricity should you wish to create a full outdoor kitchen.
Beyond, a raised bed overflows with vegetables and a cutting flower garden, while a Petanque court edged with wildflowers offers playful charm.
At the rear, a good-sized shed, currently used as a workout studio, completes this remarkable outdoor retreat.
The house is listed for £1,250,000 at The Modern House.