Francis Terrace, Archway, London, N19

Architecture & History  

Not far off the beaten track, Francis Terrace is a quaint cul-de-sac set between Tufnell Park and Archway.   

There is a distinct allure as you walk up the stairs to the raised ground floor entrance, the grand brick facade and solid oak door. The beauty of these homes is the big proportions, tall ceilings and original windows throwing dappled light throughout the home.     

As you enter there is a traditional hallway and sitting room, which is the fulcrum of all Victorian homes, a social space designed to be warm and bright.  

The second reception room is filled to the ceiling with bookshelves creating the perfect library or home office and has a quaint south-facing view over the rear garden.   

Descending to the lower ground floor, there is a functional family bathroom and separate W/C, alongside ample under-stairs storage.

From the hallway there is a deep kitchen and dining room, this space oozes comfort and personality. The dining area is wide and doubles well as a sitting room; it is a calm oasis where you are not overlooked and you can truly relax. There is an additional entrance on the lower ground floor which could provide a separate living space. Further generous storage is provided under the stairs (at the front of the property) which could be transformed into a bathroom (STP).  

Flowing off a much-loved country-style kitchen is a private 60ft south-facing walled rear garden that feels like a secret hidden away from the world. Capturing the sun from east to west, the garden is broken down into separate spaces with a patio area, a cherished treehouse and a former vegetable patch.  

On the first floor landing there is a beautiful original stained-glass window which throws mottled light over the walls and ceilings; a favourite spot of the current owners. There are two substantial double bedrooms off here providing a calm, uncomplicated space to rest.  

Continuing upstairs, the top floor is incredibly bright and has been uniquely modified with a kitchenette, bedroom and pump room, and it's an easy conversion into an ensuite bathroom (STP) if required. The views over the urban landscape from here are unchanged for 150 years and is a marvellous area to spend time.  

There is additional further storage via a loft hatch on the second floor landing, perfect for any large or bulky items, and approved (expired) planning permission to erect a mansard roof extension, with dormer windows.

Local Area & Transport  

On the border between Tufnell Park and Archway, Francis Terrace benefits from the vibrant high streets of Fortess Road and Junction Road. From bakers to butchers, there is a fantastic array of local amenities and independent coffee shops too including Sweet Cooky, Bread and Bean and Intrepid Bakers. The vibrant local pubs: St John’s Tavern, The Lord Palmerston and Archway Tavern (of ‘The Kinks’ album cover fame) are all a short walk.  

The area has an abundance of green spaces with Dartmouth Park a few minutes away providing one of the best views of the city (amazing for the fireworks), Tufnell Park Playing Fields is only 5 minutes away, and Hampstead Heath, less than 10 minutes.    

Primary schools are a premium in this area with St John’s C of E, Eleanor Palmer Primary and Yerbury School (subject to catchment) all within a 10-minute walk. There are excellent state and private secondary schools within a commutable distance, with one of the best in area, Acland Burghley School, just down the road.   

The Northern Line from Tufnell Park and Archway stations takes you to King’s Cross in under 15 minutes and to Bank Station in under 20 minutes. Upper Holloway Overground Station has trains via Gospel Oak to North West London and to Stratford International, with onward connections into Essex, Kent and beyond. A network of 24-hour buses serves the area, running along Holloway Road and Junction Road, with routes straight to London Bridge, Camden and the City. 

Material Information

• Property construction: Traditional Brick
• Heating type: Gas Central Heating
• Utilities: Gas, Electricity, Water, Sewerage
• Gas & Electricity Supply: Independently supplier by Octopus Energy?
• Water supply & Sewerage: Mains connected via Thames Water
• Broadband: Standard (Download speed 12mbps; Upload Speed 1mbps). Ultrafast available (d/s & u/s 5000Mbps, u/s 5000Mbps). Source: Ofcom
• Mobile signal/coverage: Likely external cover on all major networks with internal reception potentially variable. Source: Ofcom
• Restrictions: Building also located within St. Johns Grove Conservation Area.
• Flood risk: Very low risk of any type of flooding. Source: Gov.uk
• Planning permission:
  Approved (expired, subject to conditions) planning permission to erect a mansard roof extension. Source: Islington Planning Portal. Approval of rebuilding a replacement dwelling at far end of road. Source: Gov.uk
• Accessibility/adaptations: Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Coalfield or mining area: No. Source: The Coal Authority
• Flight path: Yes. Source: Flightradar24?