Tucked quietly behind Upper Street and the tranquil church gardens, an exceptional three-bedroom townhouse on Dagmar Terrace offers the perfect blend of heritage charm and contemporary luxury. This architect-designed Georgian home was stripped back to its shell in 2016 and redesigned in collaboration with award-winning Studio M R, including a new rear extension and even an additional floor. The result is a refined, light-filled residence spread across five impeccably finished levels, seamlessly integrating period character with modern comforts. It’s a rare architectural home that feels like a private oasis in the heart of Islington – ideal for urban professionals and families alike who seek style, comfort, and an unbeatable location.
Modern Elegance Across Five Floors
Step inside and discover a world of interior elegance where classic design meets contemporary flair. The raised ground floor welcomes you with a bright dual reception area framed by elegant Crittall-style glazing, which subtly separates the living spaces while amplifying natural light. High ceilings, original-style steel-framed windows, and sleek finishes create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and inviting. This level is perfect for both formal entertaining and casual relaxation, allowing for versatile use of the space.
On the lower level, the heart of the home is a bespoke Roundhouse kitchen equipped with high-end Siemens and Miele appliances, sleek stone worktops, and a central island – a dream for any home chef. The kitchen’s clean lines and premium finishes exemplify modern luxury, while its open-plan layout maintains a warm, social atmosphere. Towards the rear, the kitchen flows into an airy dining area and a cozy garden lounge (snug), where bi-fold Crittall doors open out to a landscaped courtyard. This indoor-outdoor connection bathes the interior in sunlight and encourages al fresco dining or morning coffees in the private garden. A discreet guest cloakroom and a handy utility room are also tucked away on this floor for convenience.
Moving upward, each of the three double bedrooms is thoughtfully situated on its own private floor, providing excellent privacy and flexibility. The principal suite occupies an entire level – a luxurious haven featuring bespoke built-in storage and a spa-like en-suite bathroom. Here you can soak in a standalone tub or enjoy a walk-in rain shower amid premium Italian tiles and fittings (by luxury maker Antonio Lupi). The ambiance is that of a boutique hotel, right in your own home. Another floor hosts a separate study/home office, perfect for remote work or creative pursuits – an essential feature for the modern professional. The upper two bedrooms are equally impressive, each boasting its own stylish en-suite bathroom (with underfloor heating for those chilly mornings) and custom wardrobes, meaning family members or guests enjoy hotel-level comfort and privacy in every room.
Throughout the interior, craftsmanship and technology go hand in hand. Impeccable finishes – from the warm hardwood flooring to the contemporary lighting fixtures – create a polished yet comfortable aesthetic. Meanwhile, an integrated smart-home system underpins the house, giving you fingertip control over lighting, sound, security and climate. Sonos audio zones and Rako mood lighting are seamlessly integrated, allowing you to set the perfect atmosphere in every space with ease. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a movie night, or working from home, the environment adapts to suit your lifestyle at the touch of a button, enhancing both convenience and luxury.
Architectural Heritage Reimagined
While the interiors impress with modern style, the architectural bones of this late-Georgian townhouse provide timeless character. From the street, the home greets you with a classic London Georgian façade – elegant brickwork, tall sash windows, and wrought-iron railings that speak to its 19th-century heritage. Yet behind this historic frontage, the house has been ingeniously reimagined for 21st-century living. The extensive 2016 renovation added a new rear extension and a fifth floor, all carefully designed to respect the building’s period charm while introducing contemporary design elements.
Inside, original features like the steel-framed windows and lofty proportions have been preserved or echoed, giving a nod to the home’s storied past. These sit in harmony alongside new architectural additions such as the Crittall-style internal partitions and skylights that flood the stairwells and lounges with light. The five-storey layout is highly efficient and flows naturally, a testament to the thoughtful redesign by Studio M R. Every level feels connected yet distinct – from the social hub of the kitchen/dining level to the quiet retreats of the bedroom floors – providing a harmonious balance between open convivial spaces and private sanctuaries.
Despite spanning multiple levels, the home maintains a cozy, intimate feel thanks to the consistent design language and high-quality materials used throughout. Each floor reveals subtle design surprises: a glass balustrade here, an exposed brick accent wall there, or custom cabinetry that maximizes storage in an unobtrusive way. The palette blends neutral tones and natural textures with the occasional bold focal point, achieving that difficult feat of being both on-trend and timeless. In essence, this property stands as a masterclass in marrying old and new – it’s a Grade II style period townhouse at heart, rejuvenated into a cutting-edge London residence without losing an ounce of its original character.
Importantly, the architects prioritized livability alongside aesthetics. The addition of a new top floor and extension was done not just to impress, but to improve the way the space works for daily life. High-performance insulation, updated utilities, and that central smart-home hub mean the home is as comfortable and efficient as it is beautiful. For the buyer, this means enjoying the charm of a historic home without the usual draughts or quirks – all the hard work of modernization has been taken care of, creating a turn-key luxury experience.
Tranquil Outdoor Retreat
Though situated in the heart of the city, the townhouse provides its own slice of tranquility. French doors with Crittall-style frames in the garden-level lounge swing open to reveal a landscaped courtyard garden. This private outdoor space may be compact in size, but it is beautifully designed as a calm urban oasis. Surrounded by tall fences and lush planters, the courtyard affords a level of privacy rare for central London, with no neighboring houses directly overlooking. By day, sunlight streams in, making it an ideal spot to nurture potted herbs or enjoy brunch in the fresh air. By evening, the space transforms under subtle outdoor lighting – imagine ending your day with a glass of wine on the patio, the city’s buzz softened to a murmur. The courtyard’s low-maintenance greenery and chic paving mean you spend more time relaxing and entertaining, and less time on upkeep. In essence, it’s a secluded sanctuary for anything from alfresco dining to quiet meditation, proving that urban living can still include a breath of fresh air right at home. And for those with a love of gardening, the space offers enough room to exercise your green thumb with container plants or seasonal flowers, all within the serene confines of your walled garden retreat.
A Coveted Islington Lifestyle
Owning this Dagmar Terrace home isn’t just about the property – it’s about embracing the coveted Islington lifestyle. The setting is truly special: peaceful, green, and almost hidden, yet right in the heart of North London. Dagmar Terrace is a quiet, leafy side street that sees little through-traffic, imparting a village-like atmosphere that’s hard to find so close to the city center. In fact, the house faces the historic St. Mary’s Church garden, meaning your front outlook is of trees and lawns rather than another row of houses. Waking up to birdsong and greenery, you could momentarily forget that the vibrant energy of Upper Street is just around the corner.
Upper Street, Islington’s main artery, is mere steps away – yet blissfully out of earshot. This means that fine dining, cozy cafés, boutiques, and culture are all at your doorstep when you want them. Stroll over to grab your morning coffee at Gail’s Bakery or a gourmet lunch at Ottolenghi, two local favorites, just minutes from your door. Even daily errands are a pleasure: a Waitrose and M&S Food Hall are conveniently nearby for groceries. In the evenings, you have a world of entertainment within walking distance – from catching a production at the Almeida Theatre, to enjoying live music at the iconic Union Chapel, or simply meeting friends at one of Upper Street’s many trendy bars and pubs. The area’s blend of independent shops, restaurants, and cultural hotspots means there’s always something new to explore, whether you’re a foodie, a fashion enthusiast, or an art lover.
For families, the neighborhood is equally attractive. Islington is home to numerous well-regarded schools and nursery options, as well as community parks like Islington Green and Canonbury Square which are perfect for weekend playdates and picnics. The sense of community here is strong – neighbors greet each other on morning dog walks, and there’s often a local street festival or farmer’s market to enjoy. Despite being so central, the area maintains a friendly, residential feel that makes it easy to feel at home.
Another huge advantage is the exceptional connectivity. From Dagmar Terrace, you can easily access several transport links: Highbury & Islington Station (Victoria Line and Overground) and Angel Underground (Northern Line) are both within a short walk, putting the West End, the City, and beyond within minutes of travel. Need to catch a train to Paris or a flight abroad? King’s Cross and St Pancras International are just one stop away on the Tube, making weekend getaways or business trips remarkably hassle-free. For more local adventures, a network of buses and cycle paths radiates through Islington, or simply enjoy the pleasure of walking – many essential destinations are reachable on foot thanks to the home’s truly central location.
In summary, this Dagmar Terrace townhouse promises a lifestyle that marries London buzz with peaceful retreat. It’s the kind of home where you can host a dinner party in a designer kitchen, unwind in a serene private garden, then step out your front door to some of the city’s best shops and eateries. It offers space and flexibility for family living and work-from-home convenience, all wrapped in a stylish package of period architecture and modern design. For the discerning buyer seeking style, comfort, and location in equal measure, this Islington gem truly has it all. Embrace the heritage, relish the luxury, and make this urban sanctuary your own.