Ainger Road, London NW3

This handsome five-storey Victorian house lies on Ainger Road, minutes from the open expanse of Primrose Hill. Ingeniously designed by award-winning practice William Tozer, it has been transformed into a cohesive, interconnected five-bedroom home, defined by light, space and uninterrupted lines of sight. It has three distinct outdoor areas: a third-floor balcony, a ground-floor terrace, and an abundant rear garden, oasis-like in its private, leafy feel.



The Tour



William Tozer’s treatment of the internal spaces draws light deep into the plan, enhancing volume and clarity throughout. Carefully positioned openings and uninterrupted sightlines create a strong sense of flow and a constant visual connection to the garden, grounding the home in its natural surroundings.



Slightly deeper in tone than its neighbours and wholly in keeping with the area’s character, the house’s tall silhouette makes a striking impression on Ainger Road. A short run of steps ascends to a tomato-red front door, set beneath a transom light. This draws brightness into the hallway beyond, where original pinewood boards and white-painted walls begin. The pine was treated by the owners and architect as a ‘found object’, a deliberate move to preserve part of the original fabric within what was a substantial renovation. There’s underfloor heating on the lower-ground floor, and trench heaters from the ground floor through to the second floor, with freestanding radiators on the top floor.



Large ceiling-to-floor magnetic fire doors have been installed throughout the house. These are typically left open, adding a natural sense of spaciousness and movement from room to room.



An expansive reception room, formed by the joining of what was once two separate spaces, lies on the left. The front part of the room has an open fireplace and a wall of Vitsoe shelving (subject to negotiation), while the rear is orientated towards towering black-framed Fineline sliding doors that open onto the terrace. Light enters from here, meeting the generous amount ushered in through a tripartite bay window at the front.



An opening lead back to the hallway from the rear reception space, lending the plan a circular feel. At the far end of the ground floor is an airy study; open to the roof, it has a large skylight that allows light to cascade in. Bespoke cabinets and shelving have been added on one side, next to a playful burnt-orange wall.



Open-tread stairs, formed of pine and with simple white handrails, connect the home’s five levels. The living spaces continue to the lower-ground floor, with a large, open-plan kitchen and dining room at the rear. Another set of doors here slides to reveal the garden — a restoratively verdant backdrop to daily life. Just to the left of the doors is a bespoke cat tunnel, designed so that nothing had to be cut into the glass.



The kitchen was designed by Forza and tailored to the current owners’ love of cooking and entertaining. It features 12 cupboards (including a long pull-out pantry), over 20 drawers, and heat-resistant composite stone worktops. A vibrant yellow glass splashback sits behind a Mercury range cooker, which includes a gas hob, two electric ovens and a separate grill. There is a large central island with a breakfast bar overhang. Polished concrete floors spread out underfoot, a utilitarian contrast to a spirited sunshine-yellow splashback and matching wall.



At the front of the lower-ground floor is a versatile reception space with another tripartite bay window. A door here leads to an outdoor vault and a wine cellar. There’s also a convenient WC and a large storage room.



There are five bedrooms across the home’s upper three levels; all have built-in storage, bright outlooks and the same original pine floorboards underfoot. Their versatility as spaces means that the current owners use the two rooms on the first floor as a drawing room and a study.



There are almost identical bathrooms on the first and second floors, differentiated only by the yellow or green tiles that frame a large walk-in shower. Tall cupboards provide plenty of storage space in both.



Crowning the house, the peaceful principal suite occupies the entirety of the uppermost floor. Its generous proportions are amplified by a white carpet, white-painted walls and a steeply pitched ceiling. A smart shower room extends on one side, and wide doors open to a private balcony.



Outdoor Space



Facing south-east, the garden benefits from wonderful morning light on the stone-paved patio and lovely evening sun at the far end, where a gravelled area is perfect for a pair of deckchairs.



The planting here is beautifully considered: fragrant jasmine, climbing roses and purple salvias line the borders, with forget-me-nots and bulbs blooming in spring. There are three enormous terracotta pots just off the patio, currently planted with purple salvia, though also ideal for camellias. An integrated watering system runs throughout the garden for easy maintenance.



There is also a smart terrace accessed from the ground-floor reception room. Like the garden, its orientation makes it a great morning coffee spot. The top-floor terrace is a completely private retreat with lovely views out to the city and beyond.



The Area



Ainger Road is mere minutes from Primrose Hill and only slightly further from the larger Regent's Park, with its zoo and beautiful Queen Mary's Gardens, once described by poet Sylvia Plath as a "wonderland".



Primrose Hill village is also close, with dining spots that include Arvo, Lemonia and Greenberry Café. Favourite pubs include The Enginneer and The Lansdowne, the latter of which also serves delicious food. We've written more about the area in our residents' guide.



The house is also a short walk away from Kentish Town, where there are plenty of well-loved pubs, including The Pineapple and The Parakeet, as well as the brilliant Panadera bakery.



Ainger Road's position means that other favourite north London neighbourhoods, including St John's Wood and Belsize Park, are within walking distance, along with central London.



Some of London's best schools are nearby, in the state and private sectors, and at primary and secondary levels.



Chalk Farm Underground station (Northern line) is just across the bridge and runs quick services to the West End and the City.



Council Tax Band: H