A Modern Extension for a Grand Victorian Family Villa in London
In Barnsbury, London, a handsome Victorian villa has been completely restored and extended, creating a magnificent family home divided over five beautifully designed floors spanning nearly 3,300 sq ft of living spaces.
The renovation, led by Dow Jones Architects, restored and honored the townhouse’s classical proportions and original fabric, while adding a modern extension and elements defined by their craftsmanship, natural materials, and sculptural detailing.
French oak flooring runs across the main floors, while restored Victorian details remain a central feature of the home. Original fireplaces, intricate cornicing, high ceilings, sash windows, and cast-iron radiators reflect the house’s historic character.
The lighting introduces a refined, modern layer, with pieces by Serge Mouille and Charlotte Perriand adding sculptural form, atmosphere, and timeless design.
The grand house currently features five bedrooms (this could be up to six), and the modern extension opens up toward a landscaped back garden with a separate studio.
Entry to the house is on the raised ground floor, which houses the kitchen and dining room. The beautiful arched windows that define the facade of the Victorian house take center stage in the kitchen.
The Shaker kitchen, designed by a specialist kitchen architect, features marble slabs chosen directly from European quarries. These marble tops display a soft, natural blush, adding warmth to the kitchen space.
The open-plan ground floor features a cozy dining room at the back of the house, overlooking the garden. A bench is built between the bookcase, which also runs above the seating space.
On the same level, the new extension connects the indoor spaces with the landscaped garden. The architectural extension is a beautifully crafted wood-and-glass structure, featuring a poured concrete floor and a generous skylight that floods the space with natural light.
Storage is beautifully built in the wooden wall.
The newly added lower ground floor is a versatile space with a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. This can be used as a separate apartment or as an extra living space for the entire family.
A cozy seating area sits at the center of the plan, featuring a built-in sofa with ochre velvet upholstery and a television above the marble fireplace mantel.
The first floor houses the formal living room, featuring grand Victorian proportions, sutcco, large windows, and a marble fireplace.
A soft, curved sofa faces the beautiful original fireplace, and the pink rug adds a warm color touch to the space.
The open-plan layout features a home office at the back of the plan, also featuring an original marble fireplace. The large windows at the front and the back add light and volume.
The floor also features a small bedroom with a long skylight. The walls are decorated with the New Haven Stripe wallpaper by Thibaut.
A staircase with tiger print leads you to the second floor that houses the master suite.
The entire second floor is home to a grand master suite with a bedroom at the front of the house, featuring large sash windows and a carpet floor.
Built-in wardrobes connect the sleeping area with the master suite bathroom.
The bathroom is a shiny marble haven with a shower and a bath under the window facing the garden.
The top floor is home to another bedroom and bathroom with storage under the slanted ceiling.
The house is listed for £4,850,000 at Grant J Bates.