Grand Spaces Featuring Lush Velvet in a Reimagined Victorian Townhouse
Behind its traditional and elegant London stock brick and stucco facade, this early Victorian townhouse in Islington’s Colebrooke Row Conservation Area reveals interiors you wouldn’t expect from such a classic exterior.
Radically reimagined by Andrew Phillips Architects in collaboration with interior designer Melissa Johnston, the townhouse showcases a masterclass of balancing historic character with bold contemporary design.
The front door opens into an entrance hall with bespoke storage. Beyond the traditional Victorian plan, the entire sequence of spaces is entirely reconfigured for modern living.
At its heart is a spectacular double-height volume that transforms the experience of the house. Suspended above, a dramatic mazzanine living room overlooks the space below, creating a striking sense of connection and scale.
Wrapped in burn-orange velvet and smoked mirrored glass, the mezzanine evokes the glamour of a 1970s private lounge.
From this elevated vantage point, the architectural vision unfolds in full, with floor-to-ceiling glazing replacing the original rear walls and framing views of the south-facing garden beyond.
Descending to the lower ground floor, the material palette takes center stage. An extraordinary elongated Morseletto marble island anchors the kitchen, creating a sculptural centerpiece for everyday life and entertaining alike.
Bespoke cabinets on either side conceal integrated Gaggenau appliances, maintaining the clean architectural lines, while the expansive south-facing glazing draws sunlight deep into the space.
Exposed concrete ceilings, concrete flooring, and underfloor heating create a look that feels both luxurious and industrial.
Large doors open directly onto the terrace, where a mature Acer tree provides a beautiful natural focal point.
A large artwork by Lita Cabellut hangs on the double-height wall.
Outside, the landscaped rear garden features built-in seating, a dedicated dining area, and mature planting, creating a private oasis sheltered from the city.
At the front of the lower ground level, an additional living space has been created, enhancing the social atmosphere of this level.
Staircases with plush green carpet by Govindia Hemphill lead you to the house’s upper floors.
A tiny room off the staircase has been turned into a charming home office.
The entire first floor is occupied by a grand master suite with two original six-over-six sash windows that flood the room with natural light, while bespoke wardrobes provide storage.
Beyond lies a beautiful en suite bathroom, complete with a freestanding marble bathtub and a walk-in shower.
The second floor houses two more bedrooms, each with built-in storage and served by an elegant shower room.
One floor up, a carefully executed loft conversion creates a versatile pitched room that can be an extra bedroom, a home office, or a studio.
On either side, roof terraces offer elevated views across the surrounding cityscape and down toward the garden.
The house is listed for £4,000,000 at Aucoot.