Balls Pond Road, Hackney, N1 4BL

The Home -

A four-bedroom Grade II listed Georgian townhouse with over 1,250 sq ft of internal space, a beautiful rear garden and an exceptional collection of original period details. Arranged across four floors, the house retains much of its architectural character, from tall sash windows and arched recesses to original fireplaces, timber floors beneath the engineered wood and traditional joinery. The interiors are relaxed and thoughtfully furnished, with natural materials, warm colours and a mix of old and new.

The garden is a particular highlight, with established planting, mature fruit trees and a vine-covered pergola that has been part of the house for more than four decades. Balls Pond Road sits between Dalston, Canonbury and Newington Green, placing some of east and north London's best independent shops, restaurants and neighbourhood cafés within easy reach.

The Indoors -

The raised ground floor is home to two reception rooms. At the front, a sitting room is framed by a tall arched sash window, with timber flooring, an ornate black fireplace and soft white walls. A glazed internal door brings additional light into the space.

To the rear, the dining room is arranged around an original fireplace with a timber surround. Two sash windows overlook the garden, while pale wooden floorboards, original cabinetry and a long dining table give the room an informal, lived-in character. Hidden behind the fireplace is a time capsule placed there around 1980, a small piece of the house's personal history.

Downstairs, the lower ground floor has a second sitting room and a separate kitchen, both finished with traditional terracotta floor tiles. The sitting room has a fireplace, built-in storage and a glazed door connecting the two spaces.

The kitchen retains its original cabinetry, designed and installed by Charlie Smallbone during the early years of his career. White painted units, solid timber worktops and a cream range-style cooker sit alongside open shelving and a large iron frame window overlooking the garden. A glazed timber door provides direct access outside.

The first floor accommodates one bedroom and a family bathroom. The bedroom is particularly appealing, with tall sash windows, an original fireplace and arched alcoves fitted with bookshelves and cupboards.

The bathroom is bright and simply finished, with a full-sized bath, overhead shower, glass screen and a sash window bringing in natural light.

Two further bedrooms occupy the second floor, both with period fireplaces. One is currently arranged as a children's room, with a wooden French casement window, while the other is a comfortable double bedroom with integrated storage.

Throughout the house, original details remain remarkably intact. Sash windows, arched openings, dado rails along the staircases and period fireplaces speak to the building's history. Four fireplaces are exposed, with a further four concealed behind later finishes and offering the possibility of reinstatement.

The traditional London roof, with its central valley gutter, was completely rebuilt in 2022 using upgraded materials.

The Outdoors -

The rear garden extends approximately 50 feet, combining paved seating areas, lawn and established planting.

Immediately outside the kitchen, a sheltered terrace sits beneath a timber pergola covered by two mature grapevines, planted in 1980. The vines have a history of producing grapes for homemade wine and create a beautiful canopy over the outdoor seating area.

Beyond, the garden unfolds through a series of planted spaces, with mature shrubs, climbing greenery and a small lawn leading to a further seating area at the far end. A Cox's dwarf apple tree and Victoria plum tree add to the garden's established character.

Enclosed by brick walls and timber fencing, it is an outdoor space with a distinctly personal feel, shaped and cultivated over many years.

Loving The Location -

The home is situated perfectly between Dalston, Islington, De-Beauvoir and Newington Green. Close by is the entrance to Ridley Road market, considered by many to be the beating heart of Dalston’s community. It has run every Monday to Saturday since the 1880s and includes over 150 stalls, offering fresh produce from around the world. Dalston has an eclectic range of bars, restaurants, cafes and lifestyle including Oren, Popo's Bagels, Brilliant Corners, Mangal II and many excellent pubs including the Hunter S and The Duke of Wellington. Other local favourites include De Beauvoir Wholefoods and Deli, alongside Strelitzia and Bread & Butter cafés, all popular spots that reflect the neighbourhood’s creative, independent character.

Newington Green is a short walk away, at the heart of which is a four-way junction where Stoke Newington, Canonbury, Dalston and Green Lanes meet. Residents love Newington Green because of the close community and village atmosphere. Plenty of tree-lined residential streets just off the main thoroughfare lead to a plethora of fantastic cafes, bars and restaurants, some of the highlights include the ever popular Jolene, Yield wine bar and the lady Mildmay pub. If you like to eat, drink and be merry, you’re in for a treat here. Its approach road are sprinkled with bustling cafés, lively dog-friendly pubs and popular independent shops. The north-east London postcodes are high in demand and are awash with creativity, boutique shops and the latest restaurants.

Dalston Junction and Kingsland stations are both a short walk away, providing transport links on the east/west and south-bound branches of the London Overground. Nearby Hackney Downs station provides links to Liverpool Street in less than ten minutes. Buses run regularly to London Bridge and the City from nearby Kingsland Road and to the West End from Balls Pond Road.