Positioned at the end of a quiet enclave in Islington, this three-bedroom house is an excellent example of postmodernist domestic architecture. Designed by the acclaimed architect Piers Gough, the house bears all the hallmarks of the postmodern movement with its distinctive curved façade and bold use of colour and materials. Two balconies extend off the upper levels while a stainless steel spiral staircase leads to a tranquil courtyard garden at the rear of the ground floor. Set on the south edge of Rosemary Gardens, the house is located just off Regents Canal between De Beauvoir and Angel.

The Architect

Piers Gough studied at the Architectural Association and co-founded CZWG in 1975 with Nick Campbell, Rex Wilkinson and Roger Zogolovich; he is widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading postmodernist architects. British Postmodernism has often allowed for eclectic decoration, but Gough’s unique style combines a sophisticated understanding of architectural tradition alongside formal control and wit. He was awarded a CBE in 1998, and from 2013 to 2017, he was a Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy Schools.

The Tour 

The house sits at the end of Rosemary Street, a quiet mews which runs off Shepperton Road. Its striking façade is characterised by an undulating form of polychromatic brickwork, punctuated by expansive glazing and an open terrace that crowns the house. The interior spaces have been carefully updated to reflect the postmodern origins of the house with the introduction of a bold colour palette and creative use of contemporary materials, including ply and mosaic.

The front door opens onto a striking central hallway with yellow lacquered walls, and marble and Vietnamese basalt trompe-l’oeil tiled flooring. The current owners have converted the garage to create a useful study area, separated by glazed bi-fold doors, which slide open to create a wonderful sense of extension to the internal plan.

At the rear lies a spacious double bedroom with direct access to a private courtyard garden. Bespoke birch-ply joinery, which continues throughout the house, adds ample storage. There is also a bathroom on this floor, with arresting charcoal grey tiling, also Vietnamese basalt and a walk-in shower.

The open-plan living, kitchen and dining spaces unfold across the entirety of the first floor. Carefully preserved oak floorboards flow throughout while floor-to-ceiling glazing on the front and rear elevations allows an excellent quality of light to fill the room. The voluminous, dual-aspect living space occupies the curvature of the bay at the front of the plan.

A recently renovated kitchen spans the length of the wall, where a Corian worktop sits between black ply cabinetry and open shelving, which provides easily accessible storage. A built-in bench runs along the wall opposite, providing a relaxed dining area with leafy views across Rosemary Gardens.

The central stairwell leads to the second floor, where there are two well-proportioned double bedrooms and a spacious family bathroom with minimalist white and dark grey tiling. A large terrace extends off the main bedroom at the front of the plan. Expansive built-in wardrobes lie in this room, adding further storage, while wall-to-wall glazing frames sweeping views across a canopy of mature trees.

Outdoor Space

In reference to the futuristic aesthetic of postmodern architecture, a stainless steel balcony extends from the kitchen at the rear of the first floor. Ideal for entertaining through the summer months, a curved balustrade wraps around a spiral staircase which descends to a decked courtyard garden below. A mature European fan palm rises from a garden bed which extends the length of a brick wall, adding a leafy outlook from the interior. There is also direct access from the double bedroom at the rear of the ground floor.

On the second floor, a glazed door opens onto a south-facing terrace that seamlessly extends from the main bedroom. Black iron fencing atop a low stone wall follows the house’s curved façade, with space for planters and a small table and chairs to enjoy the sunshine.

The Area

Rosemary Street is excellently located next to the Regent’s Canal towpath, which leads towards Angel in one direction and Victoria Park in the other. The independent shops, cafes and restaurants on Southgate Road are reachable in five minutes, notably De Beauvoir Deli, Sweet Thursday and De Beaviour Arms. Just around the corner are The Rosemary Branch, The Baring and 2 & 4 Vintage Furniture, which sells an extensive collection of mid-century furniture and homewares. Towpath is also a five-minute walk away along the canal.

The Victoria Miro and the Almeida Theatre are both a 15-minute walk away. Bustling Upper Street and Islington are just 10 minutes to the north-west, where local favourites include The Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Essex and Afghan Kitchen, as well as Pophams and Jolene bakeries. The cultural hubs of Dalston and Shoreditch are within a 20-minute walk to the north-east and south-east, respectively.

Rosemary Street borders Rosemary Gardens and is conveniently positioned for easy access to the city. Both Angel and Old Street stations are a 20-minute walk, providing access to Northern Line services. Haggerston station is reachable in 15 minutes on foot, with overground services running to Highbury & Islington, Clapham Junction and Crystal Palace.

Council Tax Band: F

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.