Portobello Road W11

Set right at the heart of Notting Hill’s most iconic street, this considered two-bedroom duplex offers a calming reprieve from its colourful surroundings.

Amid the bustle of lively Portobello Road, this duplex celebrates soothing, streamlined simplicity, wrapped in a characterful period façade. The result of an extensive two-year renovation project, the apartment occupies the top two floors of the building where design studio Golborne 44 have brought a sense of finesse with white-walled backdrops, Dinesen Douglas Fir flooring and marble accents. The result is refined but relaxed. An inverted layout places both bedrooms on the third floor, while a living space on the level above capitalises on natural light.

Positioned under the eaves, the kitchen, dining and reception room has been conceived with everyday living and entertaining in mind. Herringbone floors and neutral tones bring cohesion, while dual aspect windows lend a bright, open feel. To one side, white kitchen cabinets sit beneath a trio of sash windows, illuminating a series of refined finishes. Note the mottled marble worktop and Zellige-tiled splashback.

At the opposite end of the room, two sets of French doors open onto a southwest-facing terrace. Step out to take in views over the market stalls below. High ceilings draw attention to the generous footprint, which accommodates work and play; tucked neatly into a corner, an integrated desk provides a study area, without detracting from the living space.

Linking this floor with the bedrooms below, a curved wooden staircase makes an architectural statement. Understated yet refined, the principal suite is finished with considered details and custom storage. A sash window brings warmth to the all-white colour palette and frames a view of the acclaimed Electric Cinema opposite. But the real showstopper is the striking en suite. Set behind a sliding Crittall glass partition, a marble-topped vanity and Zellige-tiled rainfall shower emanate luxury. The guest bedroom strikes a similarly peaceful note. White walls and built-in wardrobes create a restful setting, free from distractions. It’s served by a separate shower room layered with textural detail.