When Sarah began her property search, it started with something wonderfully impractical: a chandelier that demanded a ceiling worthy of it. After months of viewing homes that fell short of her hoped-for four-metre height, she realised she would need a property with potential rather than perfection—somewhere that could embrace a dramatic, double-height transformation.
The House on the Hill revealed itself slowly. From the street it appeared to be a modest two-storey Edwardian home, but its steep plot meant it dropped into four storeys at the back, connected by a charming sequence of half-landings. Much of it was untouched, a warren of small rooms set behind a grand front reception. The garden was wild and north-facing—almost a deal breaker—but the reward came in the unexpected glimpses of Alexandra Palace from every level. With vision, those views could be extraordinary.
Light was what the house lacked most. Sarah knew that opening the rear elevation would unlock both the landscape and the possibility of soaring internal space. The existing basement, leading straight into the garden, was clearly destined to become the primary living area. To give it purpose, Sarah sacrificed part of the floor above to create a double-height opening linking the two levels, allowing light—and conversation—to flow freely.
The House On The Hill
Lowering the small kitchen at the top of the basement stairs created its own lofty volume, forming a generous, unified living–kitchen–dining space with room for a snug and expansive glazing framing the views. Embracing the home’s darker corners, Sarah used the colour drench method in rich teals, terracottas, sands and charcoal, bringing depth and a sophisticated cosiness to every room.
Sarah was able to finally apply her years of experience designing dream kitchens for others to herself, creating a long-awaited dream kitchen of her very own, complete with a stylish dedicated coffee corner and a hardworking butler’s pantry hidden behind a fluted glass sliding door, the work horse of the kitchen. A striking white-veined black marble runs across the island, counters and splash back, stitching the blend of dark blue and oak cabinetry together like a tapestry.
And the chandelier? It finally found its rightful place—glowing proudly in the formal front room.
