Flat for sale in Altior Court, Shepherds Hill, London N6

This bright two-bedroom apartment is positioned in an elegant mid-century block in leafy Highgate, north London. An especially spacious living room looks out onto a large, terraced balcony framed by mature trees. Residents of the building share a communal garden space, garage and off-street parking. Altior Court is well-placed to reach the City and central London from nearby Highgate Station.

The Building

Completed in 1965, Altior Court is characterised by sleek elevations of pinkish brickwork and geometric patterns of horizontal glazed openings, with concrete string courses and protruding balconies. Mature trees shield the building from Shepherds Hill and create a peaceful, verdant setting for residents looking out. The building is set back from the road and in a slightly elevated position.

The communal areas, particularly the entrance lobby and hallways, maintain much of their 1960s atmosphere and detail, including artfully patterned tiling, pink marble and mirrored panelling. Original teak front doors complete with teak postal storage boxes punctuate the wide communal walkways. A communal lift and shared staircase provide access to all floors.

The Tour

As is common with buildings of the period, the layout of this apartment is considered and well-proportioned. Arranged laterally, the space is orientated towards Shepherds Hill and is bathed in generous ambient light.

The apartment opens into a hallway, where there is ample space for a console table. There is also a recessed cupboard to neatly store away coats and bags. A fresh neutral palette has been used throughout, with soft carpet flooring running throughout the living spaces. Double glazing across all windows aids energy efficiency.

At the heart of the apartment is the large living and dining area. The generous size of this room is exaggerated by an original wall of mirrors that cast light across the space. At the front of the plan, floor-to-ceiling glazing invites light to flood the room and connects the interior to the outside. There is a door to the outside balcony here.

Entry to the kitchen is via a sliding pocket door from the living room. Here, dark green walls sit behind grey cabinetry finished with rich brown leather handles and a quartz worktop. Integrated appliances include an oven, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer.

The main bedroom is accessed by a corridor from the central hallway. In keeping with the original design, recessed wardrobes make for a clutter-free room. The large window at the front of the plan encourages light in and fosters an airy feel.

At the rear of the living room, another pocket sliding door opens to reveal a space currently used as a study area that could also be a walk-in wardrobe to the second bedroom, which sits just beyond. Here, a wide window looks directly into the canopies of mature trees outside.

In the bathroom, grey marble patterned tiles echoes the marble used throughout the rest of the building. There is an overhead shower above the bath and the basin sits upon a grey vanity unit with storage underneath. A discreet lighting system allows different lights for different vibes.

Outdoor Space

The balcony looks out onto a mature tree across a vista of treetops surrounded by the sounds of birds including many types of owls, according to the current owner. From its hilltop vantage point, views stretch as far as Epping Forest. Terracotta tiles grace the floor and there is space for seating to relax and unwind.

The building is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. A driveway sweeps down towards a large communal garden at the rear of the building. Lawns are surrounded by broad-leafed trees, plants and shrubs, as well as green spaces for sunning, relaxing and playing. Many well-established fruit trees, including apple and pear, dot the ground and are ripe for picking.

The garages are at the back of the gardens and one, recently upgraded, is included in the sale. There is parking for cars on the driveway on a first-come first-served basis.

The Area

Altior Court on Shepherds Hill is perfectly positioned within a short walk to enjoy the delights of Highgate Village and Crouch End. Of note in Highgate is Tarn Bakery and north London institution, The Flask, a pub with an amazing menu, garden and history. In nearby Crouch End, there is a whole host of independent shops, restaurants and coffee shops including Velasquz and Van Wezel and Caffeinate N8.

There are several large areas of green space to choose from in the immediate vicinity. Rambling Highgate Wood and Queen's Wood are approximately 12 minutes away on foot. For racquet sports enthusiasts, Coolhurst Tennis & Squash Club is nearby.

Hampstead Heath, home to Kenwood House as well as extensive sports facilities, walking trails and a café, is less than a five-minute drive from the apartment. The magical Parkland Walk is also close by and traces the route of a disused railway line linking Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace through Stroud Green, Crouch End, Highgate and Muswell Hill. Common Ground is conveniently placed at the other end for an excellent brunch after a weekend morning's walk.

There are excellent local schools in the area, including St Michael’s C of E Primary and Coleridge Primary; both are currently rated as "Outstanding" by Ofsted. Local independent schools include Highgate and Channing.

At the end of Shepherds Hill, the Northern Line at Highgate Station, provides direct access to King’s Cross, the West End and the City. Bus routes W5 and W7 are a handy way to access Finsbury Park Station for the Piccadilly and Victoria Line, as well as National Rail services. There are convenient road links to the A1, leading to the M1, A406 and M25.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 90 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £3,000 per annum (including buildings insurance, freeholders’ administration charges, cleaning services, communal gardening)
Ground Rent: Approx. £240 per annum
Council Tax Band: E