Description

A two-bedroom maisonette with private roof terrace, set within the acclaimed Mansfield Road development in Gospel Oak, designed by Benson & Forsyth for the London Borough of Camden in the 1970s. The building is part of one of the most distinctive and celebrated housing schemes of the period, moments from Hampstead Heath.

Occupying the upper levels of the building, the flat is entered from a raised deck with its own private front door — a hallmark of ‘Cook’s Camden’. The entrance corridor leads to a fitted kitchen with space for dining and a skylight that draws light into the centre of the plan, typical of Benson & Forsyth’s work.

A half-flight of stairs leads to the south-facing living space, where a sliding partition conceals generous built-in storage and allows the area to be opened up or divided as needed. A WC is also on this level.

Up another half-flight are two bedrooms. The first bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a private terrace with far-reaching, 360-degree views. The second bedroom faces north, making it useful as a study, guest or child’s room. The apartment was refurbished a few years ago in a neutral palette with new radiators throughout, and offering flexibility for someone wishing to make design updates or put their own stamp on the space.

The building underwent a major works programme within the last decade, including the installation of double-glazed windows throughout, in-keeping with the original architecture

Area

Mansfield Road is located in Gospel Oak, positioned between Belsize Park and Kentish Town, and moments from Hampstead Heath. The Heath itself is home to the Parliament Hill Lido and its famous bathing ponds, as well as a farmers’ market every Saturday.

Shops and cafés are close by at South End Green in Hampstead, while Kentish Town offers a wider range of everyday amenities, restaurants and high-street shops. A little further north, Swain’s Lane in Highgate has a cluster of independent cafés and food shops. The local pub scene includes the much-loved Southampton Arms on Highgate Road, known for its excellent real ale.

Transport

Gospel Oak Station (London Overground) is directly across the road, with trains west towards Richmond and Clapham Junction, and east towards Stratford and Barking. Belsize Park and Kentish Town Underground stations (Northern Line) are both around a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride away, and Kentish Town Main Line Station offers direct connections to St Pancras International and beyond.

Schools

For families, there are strong schooling options. Gospel Oak Primary School, located on Mansfield Road itself, is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

History

The long terrace of flats on Mansfield Road was the last part of the Gospel Oak Redevelopment Area to be completed, designed by Gordon Benson and Alan Forsyth as part of the London Borough of Camden’s Architects’ Department during the period led by Borough Architect Sydney Cook. Rendered blockwork is painted white with contrasting black-stained timber, and many of the motifs that came to define the so-called Camden style can be seen here.

The terrace is set slightly below street level to match the height of the houses behind, with access via a raised internal gallery that is both separate from the street yet still part of it. The quality of detailing is exceptional and creates a strong sense of unity between exterior and interior. The clever split-level cross-section, skylights and full-height glazing make the flats and maisonettes feel far larger than their actual size. Each dwelling has its own front door and is given either a generous balcony, terrace or garden.

There are 64 flats and maisonettes, and the building is Locally Listed.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

— Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Current Energy Rating C — Lease length: 86 years — Service charges: Approx £2,087 per annum (includes heating and hot water) — Council tax: Band C (2025/26 £1,873) London Borough of Camden — Onward plans: The current owners are upsizing

The descriptions, photographs and floorplans are provided for general guidance only. Please note that all areas, measurements and distances are approximate, and may be rounded up or down. Modernist Estates has not tested any services, appliances or fittings and we recommend that prospective buyers carry out their own inspections.