£4,750,000 /Sale price

Architecture & interiorThis distinguished townhouse, constructed circa 1720, stands on Wilkes Street, named for John Wilkes (1725–1797), the radical London politician and noted champion of civil liberties.It forms part of a handsome run of houses, Grade II listed and recognised for their collective value since 1950. Wilkes Street runs between Hanbury Street and Fournier Street – the latter basking in the presence of Hawksmoor’s Christ Church, Spitalfields – and is one of the precious surviving cluster of streets that make up this historic urban village, just moments from the City of London.Over more than three centuries, the facade has remained remarkably unspoiled, its red and yellow stock bricks still defining the street front. Triple sash windows, each a classic six over six, march across the elevation and rise to the third floor, where the original weavers’ loft still crowns the house.Ground–floor shutters, door casements and canopy are a faithful reproduction of the joinery that would once have hugged the deep red brickwork. The heavy panelled front door appears to be original. Above, where a fanlight is likely to have sat, there is now a period style leaded light, complete with a boxed in candle arrangement, added by the owners.Step across the threshold and the atmosphere wastes no time in casting its spell. The current owners have treated the house with gentle reverence, preserving as much of its original fabric as possible. For roughly 150 years, it lived another life as a furrier’s factory — a period when much of its fine detailing was hidden away, at a time when age and patina weren’t quite in fashion.The hallway combines beautifully waxed original floorboards with heritage tones applied to the walls and panelling, creating a graceful introduction that flows seamlessly into the bright, open kitchen. Here, a deep central island doubles as a breakfast bar, drawing the eye toward the large sliding glass doors that frame the exquisite walled garden beyond.Adjoining the kitchen, the ground-floor breakfast room has been thoughtfully preserved. A panelled wall, reclaimed from a Georgian building of similar age on Bond Street, has been installed to recreate the original interior. This faces an opposing wall with its restored fireplace, complete with authentic Delft tiles.From the entrance hall, the preserved kite winder staircase threads its way upward through four floors to the weavers loft.The formal reception room occupies the front half of the first floor, its generous, well balanced proportions framed by tall sash windows looking down onto Wilkes Street. The original fireplace provides a natural historic focal point, its hob grate set within a marble surround and hearth. Deeply toned waxed floorboards and panelled walls complete the sense of quiet Georgian grandeur.Also on this level is a bedroom, presently arranged as a home office. The same level of craftsmanship runs through the space, with an entire wall of bespoke cabinetry flanking the original fireplace. Elsewhere, panelling rises to meet an ornate cornice, while a sash window draws the eye out over the calm of the rear garden.On the second floor, a family bathroom has been created within what would once have served as a family room, at a time when these houses accommodated multiple occupants. The original cast iron wood burner and stove, still set within its historic surround, offers a tangible reminder of that earlier pattern of life. It’s a generous space, filled with historic hall marks that make this home such a special place.The principal bedroom sits on this floor beside the bathroom, wrapped in the soft patina of lime washed plaster that gives the walls and ceiling a palpable warmth and depth. Irregular wall panelling, incorporating a discreet cupboard, feels reassuringly original, its gentle imperfections speaking of some 306 years of continuous use. Another original fireplace anchors the room, quietly acknowledging the house’s long history.Above, the dappled light that filters through the weavers’ loft windows on the top floor is captivating – the same natural illumination that once allowed its original occupants to work by day. Now the loft accommodates two generous bedrooms and walk in shower room with WC. One of the rooms, a vaulted space, still retains its original distempered finish. From the rear bedroom, layered views of the City skyline against the historic roofline of the surrounding streets offer a poignant reminder of London’s evolving story over the last three centuries.At lower ground level, the house opens into a remarkably versatile, almost self contained suite. Two interlinked rooms, finished with York stone floors and tongue and groove walls, create a snug and utility area with a step in wet room and ample built in storage. In one corner, a solid stone trough – likely a survivor from the former scullery – sits quietly beside yet another fireplace, a tactile echo of the building’s working past.NB. A previous consent to add a rear dining room/conservatory plus additional bedroom has expired but could easily be re-applied for.OutsideThe verdant, walled rear garden, accessed via bridge across two ornamental ponds, is a small world of its own, a quietly secluded retreat far removed from its former factory yard character. Its careful revival has been carried out slowly and assuredly, with evident passion, and has in turn attracted considerable attention in the design and garden press – clippings of which now line the galleried kitchen walls as a paper record of its transformation.At the far end, a beautifully time worn door opens into a storage room, once part of the night soil alley that slipped along the backs of the houses and now presenting itself as an intriguing space, ripe for sensitive renovation (STPC).In The NeighbourhoodHeading out on the town? In truth, you are already there. Step outside and you are surrounded by almost every kind of hospitality London can offer: from inventive street food to quietly stylish dining rooms, a short stroll in any direction will bring you to something tempting, with countless galleries and independent shops along the way.Brick Lane is a constant hum of coffee shops, bars and late night venues, its world famous market flaring into life on Sundays alongside those at nearby Spitalfields and Columbia Road.Transport & ConnectionsThe City is an easy ten minute walk, while Liverpool Street Station sits effectively on the doorstep, offering a major interchange of four Underground lines (Central, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Circle), National Rail, the Elizabeth Line, Overground services and the Stansted ExpressMaterial InformationProperty construction: Traditional BrickHeating type: Gas central heating & electric radiatorUtilities: Gas, electricity, water & broadbandGas & Electricity Supply: Independently supplied by Octopus EnergyWater supply & Sewerage: Mains connected via Thames WaterBroadband: Buyers are invited to check HERE .Mobile signal/coverage: Buyers are invited to check HERE .Restrictions: Grade II Listed – Listing 1357532, Located in Brick Lane & Fournier Street Conservation Area.Flood risk: Buyers are invited to check HEREPlanning permission: Buyers are invited to check HERE.Accessibility/adaptations: Not suitable for wheelchair users.Coalfield or mining area: No. Source: The Coal AuthorityFlight path: Yes. Source: Flightradar24 EPC rating: D. Tenure: Freehold,