Independent Place,
Dalston,
E8

“My wife and I were looking for over two years for a property. We spent a lot of time browsing online, and then viewed nine properties in Stoke Newington, six in Islington and one in Dalston, a location that was not really on our radar.

We knew this place was special when we first walked through the private gates and were really surprised by how well the gardens are kept. We were almost waiting for the moment when we would find something wrong with it, but that just didn’t happen.

What stood out the most was the entertaining space. We spend most of our spare time in the kitchen and garden. We love cooking, and really enjoy having friends over, or just coming home after work to eat together and relax. Being split over three floors means you can get away from the mess from the dinner party the night before and deal with it the next day!

My favourite spot is the sofa in the lounge. I can spend hours here listening to music and love the way the light comes in from both sides of the building at different times of day. The front faces East and the back faces West, so you can imagine what it is like at the golden hour.

Saturday mornings are one of my favourite times in Dalston. I recommend that you head down to the Dusty Knuckle for either breakfast, or just to pick up one of their tasty loafs. My wife says it is the best bread she has ever had and she is French!!

There is so much choice for good coffee, but our favourite is the London Roastery. As you’d expect from the East End, it is located in a converted warehouse and the baristas turn the coffee making process into quite a show. It is lovely in the summer too as there is a large terrace out front.

The Hand of Glory pub is really relaxed, with a local feel, and is only a 3 minute walk. Hackney Downs Studios is a great spot with various retail and restaurant spaces.

The choice of restaurants is endless, and they are great value. My favourites are Magool on Arcola Street and Madame Pigg, both serve quality interpretations of classic dishes and seasonal inspired dishes.

Most of all I love how quiet the home is, considering how close it is to all the action. We can retreat from the madness of our lives with complete privacy. When are friends come over they often say our home makes them feel like being on holiday, especially in summer where the back of the house opens up onto a courtyard garden.

During our search, we had to decide whether to buy a place with a second bedroom or outside space as our budget wouldn’t allow for both. We are glad we went with the outside space. It really is an wonderful space, especially during the summer months. The garden gets direct sun from around 10:30 to 18:30 during the height of summer, and even on the hottest days it stays cool due to the vaulted ceilings.

Commuting is easy, I can be in the West End in 30 minutes, two stops on the over ground to Highbury and Islington and then Victoria live direct to Oxford Circus.”