A picturesque Gothic Revival property in an unusual part of Highgate has just hit the market for £3 million. The house is one of just twelve in the north London enclave Holly Village, which was designed by the well-known architect Henry Darbishire and completed in 1865 and is now Grade-II-listed in its entirety. The house was initially built for the philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts, who became Baroness Burdett-Coutts of Highgate and Brookfield in 1871.
The detached house has an elaborate, gingerbread-house-like exterior, with pointed arches, steep gables and decorative stonework, characteristic of the Gothic Revival movement. Its design was very much part of the wave of Gothic style that was at its peak in the UK and across Europe in the mid-19th-century. Several famous buildings in London were built in the same style, including the Palace of Westminster and St Pancras railway station.
The house is part of a private estate of houses in Holly Village which is arranged around a grassy quadrangle, designed to create an idyllic community atmosphere for the twelve neighbours. Originally the brainchild of Angela Burdett-Coutts, it is thought to be one of London's first gated communities. The entryway to the enclave is marked by a dramatic, carved gothic entryway, whose masonry features carvings of the Baroness herself on the left, holding a little dog, and her friend, Mrs Hannah Brown on the right, holding a dove, according to 'The Story of Holly Lodge' by Margaret Downing. The house itself is surrounded by large trees and bushes, making it feel extra secluded and romantic.
Inside, the house has undergone major modernisation, though its architectural features (such as the recognisable pointed windows) remain intact. There are three bedrooms, as well as three reception rooms, two bathrooms, a cellar and a garage. Despite its castle-like exterior, the white-washed walls inside make this a bright and light-filled house, ready for a family to move into.
Highgate is one of London's loveliest and richest neighbourhoods, famous for its proximity to the sprawling green, woods and ponds of Hampstead Heath, as well as its beautiful architecture and quaint village atmosphere. Lots of celebrities have chosen to put down roots here due to its idyllic feel and seclusion, including Geri Halliwell, Kate Moss, Liam Gallagher and the late George Michael. Despite feeling like a country village, Highgate is only about half an hour from central London by car or tube, making it a desirable spot for families looking for a rural feel in the middle of a city. Holly Village is especially close to all the coffee shops, greengrocers and restaurants on Swain's Lane, as well as being in the catchment area of lots of ‘Outstanding’ schools.
Highgate Cemetery is just a stone's throw away from this Holly Village house. Established by the architect Stephen Geary in 1839, the famous graveyard, home to the remains of Karl Marx, shares many of the decorative, gothic features of the house.
The house was put on the market for £3,500,000 in September but has since been reduced by half a million. It is now on sale with Winkworth for £3 million.
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