Rising four storeys alongside its Georgian neighbours in one of Clerkenwell’s most desirable locations, Britton Street is an energetic and celebrated example of post-modernism. It was designed by the architect Piers Gough, principal of CZWG, for Janet Street-Porter in 1987. It occupies a corner plot, left vacant since the Second World War, with a conventional elevation of fenestration in alignment with the neighbouring terrace. The windows, however, are overlaid with interlinking diamond frameworks above log lintels, creating, in contrast, a contemporary lattice effect. Entry is within a gated courtyard intended for off-street parking. The ground floor opens to a hallway with three bedrooms, two adjoining. These have use of an en-suite bathroom and there is also separate shower room, utility room and a cleverly incorporated kitchenette. A stone staircase spirals to the first floor, where the main bedroom, with an en-suite bathroom and a dressing room, extends in an arch. The second floor serves as the main living space, open plan with a birch plywood ceiling and huge windows filled with the foliage of surrounding plane trees. Behind curved walls, echoing the stairs and courtyard wall is the kitchen, which opens onto a semi-circular balcony on the south-facing elevation. Through the dining area is a door to the external staircase, leading to a decked roof terrace and a further bedroom with an en-suite shower, which exists behind the enormous, triangular portion of glazing visible from the front.
How wonderful would it be to own such a beautiful example of post-modern architecture in such a prominent location. For sale (£3,750,000) via The Modern House.
