St Quintin Gardens

A masterclass in materiality. Stripped back to expose original brickwork and steel beams, architect Felix von Bechtolsheim has infused this two-bedroom North Kensington home with textural charm.

For sale, a calming, considered home has been created within a period framework at St Quintin Gardens. This newly renovated two-bedroom apartment has been transformed by architect Felix von Bechtolsheim.

A teal stairwell ascends from the first-floor entrance to a half landing, where paint gives way to exposed plaster. Contrasted with white frames and skirting boards, this pared-back palette flows into the second-floor kitchen and dining area.

In the main social space, three south-facing windows draw in channels of light while double-height ceilings create an uplifting atmosphere. Herringbone wooden flooring and marble countertops pair with the pastel pink walls, creating tones and textures reminiscent of a Mediterranean farmhouse.

The simplicity of the colour palette allows architectural details, like the white-painted steel beams, to take centre stage. A brick chimney breast adds another layer of texture and an additional reference to the building’s past.

Playing with positive and negative space, original brickwork has been carefully revealed to create a triangular void – a heritage centrepiece for the third-floor mezzanine reception. At the very top of the home, this room benefits from a generous skylight.

The principal bedroom sits on the second floor, featuring a double-height ceiling and an exposed brick chimney breast that follows the line of the vaulted ceiling. A guest bedroom, accessed from the half landing, offers access to a private roof terrace – perfect for catching the afternoon sun. Both bedrooms are quiet and rear-facing with leafy views.

A family bathroom is hidden under the mezzanine level. Exposed plaster and overhead beams continue into this carefully considered space, which features a freestanding bath and gold taps. A frosted skylight provides privacy while channelling daylight from the mezzanine above. This design-forward apartment combines double-height living with heritage features including the most intact pair of chimney breasts ever revealed by the architect. A boldly reimagined home, it speaks volumes of light, proportions and materiality.