Waterlow Court, Heath Close, London, NW11

Covering 455 square feet on the second floor of the block, Flat 8 is filled with light from windows on both sides. It has an unusually large reception area for a one-bedroom flat in this price range, with a fully functional wood burning stove. Reclaimed pine flooring, consistent with the Arts and Crafts style of the block, runs through the reception room and kitchen. The ensuite double bedroom includes an alcove looking into the courtyard, which perfectly fits a writing desk. The bathroom is light and well sized. It is separate from the toilet, which has space for utility storage. The flat has been much loved and well looked after. This is particularly evident in the little details — for example, the mid-century Italian light shades, solid oak shelves, and hand turned oak light pulls in the bathroom. The flat is net zero ready with fully electric and efficient hot water, heating, and cooking appliances. It is offered for sale chain free. The seller is also open to including some of the unique items of furniture that have been matched to the style and character of the space. The Location The flat is approx 100m from Hampstead Heath extension, which runs up the hill towards Hampstead and joins the Heath proper. A hike or run around the perimeter of the Heath is around 13km on paths, with only five road crossings on the whole route. The open air swimming ponds are a short drive or cycle away, and cyclists heading into town can cut across the Heath for 5km of car-free commuting. The flat is a ten minute walk from Golder’s Green station on the Northern line (there is a private shortcut through the back of the block) and the shops and restaurants nearby, including a Gail’s opposite the station. Hampstead village is a 20-25 minute, very pretty walk away across the Heath Extension. Within a kilometer are communal tennis courts, Big Wood, Lyttelton Playing Fields, and access to the Capital Ring Walk, which runs for 78 mostly-off-road miles around London. Heath Close has free parking for residents. A resident parking permit can also be obtained for Hampstead Way. The Block Waterlow Court was built in 1909 to provide respectable communal living for professional women. Arts and Crafts architect MH Baillie Scott designed a cloistered courtyard with forty nine 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom flats, arranged around a shared dining room and library. Gardens around the courtyard provided space for games and gardening. The dining room and library were gradually converted into flats but the gardens remain, as does some of the spirit of the original design — for example in the fruit and herbs grown for the use of all residents. One particularly lovely feature is the bicycle shed — one of the first purpose-built bike sheds in the country and one of very few to be a listed building in its own right. CHAIN FREE! Practical Details: • Leasehold & Share in Freehold Company • Lease: 999 years from 11 December 1985 (961 years remaining) • EPC Rating: E • Monthly service charge: £351.77 • Annual ground rent: £40 • Council tax band: D (£161.94 / month) • Pets are permitted so long as the managing agent is notified