The Retreat, London

A perfect nest from which to explore London or to escape to for a romantic weekend in the beautiful Richmond area. As featured on 'The Modern House', this property is exquisitely finished, providing a sanctum of peace. This carefully crafted one-bedroom apartment sits on a peaceful tree-lined street, a short walk from the River Thames, Richmond and a short train to London. The apartment is well located for a range of independent shops, restaurants and cafes. The space Well deserving of it's name 'the Retreat', this property creates a tranquil environment to escape the noise of the day to day. With a focus on simplicity, beauty and health (with a choice of non-toxic materials in every component) the apartment welcomes its guests to surrender to simply existing. This exquisitely crafted one-bedroom apartment sits off a peaceful street between Richmond and Twickenham, set in the rear section of a handsome Victorian semi-detached villa. Curated by a designer and architect, everything is impeccably well thought through, as is evidenced by the tactile material palette of Siberian larch, Birch ply, clay pavers, natural brass and lime mortar set against a muted colour scheme. The apartment is accessed via a private pathway with secure entry. The front door of the apartment opens into the entrance hall. Here, bespoke fitted Valchromat cupboards run along one wall and create storage; the floor is pale birch ply with underfloor heating and cleverly concealed storage. A natural oak block forms a step down into the dining room. The dining room is laid with slender boards of solid American walnut, and the Valchromat wardrobes continue in this room, creating a clever sense of cohesion. On the back wall, brick has been exposed and painted ‘Shadow White’ by Farrow and Ball. The chimney breast has a BellFires real flame gas fireplace with a hidden frame of black steel, creating a focal point with its striking and minimal design. The kitchen leads from the dining room. The walnut boards continue on the floor, and Valchromat, again, creates storage and conceals appliances. This is topped by a classic brown emperador marble worktop and splashback; a stainless-steel sink is served by a Vola tap. Bespoke cabinetry in Birch ply flows opposite, and a run of open ply shelving sits at one end of the worktop. The double bedroom (Kindsize bed) is constructed from solid masonry walls with a solid sapele painted hardwood timber frame. Full-height glazing is set between black Siberian larch and overlooks the courtyard garden. The internal London stock brick walls are set in lime mortar, and the space is grounded by Dutch clay pavers by Weinerberger, which are bonded with mild steel edging in the courtyard. Underfloor heating adds warmth in colder months. Our main living are is set behind against a backdrop of tall, ply-fronted wardrobes complemented by ply wrap around the lower sections of the wall. On the rear wall, brick is once again exposed and painted white and is punctuated by a frameless, Velfac window overlooking the courtyard garden. The bare-faced brick continues in the bathroom which lies behind a concealed, full height Valchromat sliding door. The room has underfloor heating, with walls are clad in tiles by Mutina. There is electric heating element behind a tiled wall and towel rail, and the mirrored cupboards door is heated with a demister pad. The wc has a bespoke ply cover and there is a concealed, full height storage cupboard in birch ply. Water goods are by Vola in natural brass to match other finishes around the apartment. Outdoor Space The secluded courtyard garden is south-facing and planted with an eclectic selection of plants, including achillea, jasmine, verbena, lavender, sage, prairie grasses, eucalyptus and hydrangea. The space is laid with the same, charcoal grey pavers as the extension, ensuring a seamless flow between inside and out. Parking Parking available at the front of the property upon request. Guest access Full property