Gospel Oak Cottage
The small houses in this pretty street near the bottom of Hampstead Heath can feel congested, with too many rooms feeling just that bit too small. Our client loves the area and wanted to downsize from a bigger house we had renovated around the corner, but didn’t want so many pokey rooms. We turned this terraced cottage into a free-flowing contemporary place to live.
Aluminium sliding folding doors completely open the main living area to its south-facing garden. Granite paving of rear terrace continues indoors to unite the spaces. We designed the simple, handle-less kitchen units combining oak, slate and white back-painted glass.
A large lean-to roof light brings natural light into the centre of the ground floor. A slate breakfast bar separates kitchen from dining area.
With a central bank of shelving and roof lighting, the generous stairway is turned into a real space rather than just a connecting route. Purpose-made oak joinery visually unites the house.
The oak-floored study opens to the stair through generous double doors.
Simple shower room of oak and white-painted panels, large slabs of Carrara marble, mirrored recess, 1930s style pedestal basin and back-to-wall WC.
The view from the roof terrace shows the contribution this garden makes to the local landscape. Granite stepping stones bridge the pond with its minimalist waterfall. Pond filtering equipment is in the cedar storage cabinet at the lower left.
Shawn Slovo writes:
Over the last 15 years Dale Loth Architects have designed and supervised the conversion of two houses on my behalf, with startling results. They addressed my priorities, which I would say are their priorities: maximising space and light. It was Neil Fletcher who sourced my current property, and who could see and convince me of its potential. They supervised the rebuild throughout, with impeccable taste, and right down to the smallest detail. The result is everything I hoped it would be, and more, and has contributed hugely to my wellbeing and happiness.