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Anna Stathaki

Victorian Terraced House Without a Side Extension

forresterarchitects as Architects

forresterarchitects have taken a refreshingly minimalist approach to the renovation of a mid-terraced house in Archway, North London. Unlike the typical full-width rear extension often seen in similar homes, this design avoids the need for a large side extension altogether, opting instead for a subtle yet transformative reconfiguration. The result is a space that feels more connected to the garden and sky, while maintaining the house’s original proportions.

photo_credit Anna Stathaki
Anna Stathaki

The clients wanted to reconnect with the garden without sacrificing the house’s character. With long rear gardens providing ample space and expansive views of the sky, the architects saw an opportunity to open up the back of the house while avoiding the bulk of a traditional side extension. The only structural element retained from the rear outrigger wall is a single pier, while the removal of the existing bay window and French doors allows for large, framed views of the garden pond and beyond. The result is a seamless connection between the inside and outside, with a balance between transparency, privacy, and a harmonious relationship with the neighbors.

photo_credit Anna Stathaki
Anna Stathaki

Internally, the traditional layout of the house has been respected. The generously proportioned lounge rooms on the ground floor remain intact, preserving the classic Victorian feel. However, the circulation route through the house has been simplified, creating a more direct and elegant flow. A newly configured cloakroom marks the end of the primary circulation route within the main reception space, while the dual routes typical of terrace homes have been reworked into a more processional and celebrated entrance.

photo_credit Anna Stathaki
Anna Stathaki
photo_credit Anna Stathaki
Anna Stathaki

Guests are now welcomed into both the front and rear reception areas, where an intimate color palette enhances the drama of the traditional architectural features. The front and rear lounges lead naturally into the reimagined kitchen, which is the heart of the new design. A practical peninsula kitchen offers ample preparation space, complemented by a walk-in larder. Beyond, a breakfast area sits adjacent to oversized bi-fold doors, perfectly framing views of the east-facing garden—an ideal spot for morning coffee as the sun rises.

Upstairs, the two main bedrooms have been left largely untouched, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation. The family bathroom has been reimagined as a stylish shower room, while the home’s iconic freestanding roll-top bath has found a new home in the top floor dormer extension.

photo_credit Anna Stathaki
Anna Stathaki

The addition of a  dormer is a rare architectural move in this area, where local hearsay suggests dormers are rarely approved by the council. forresterarchitects have bucked this trend by creating a dormer that serves a unique purpose—not as a bedroom but as a dedicated jazz dance studio. The client’s passion for jazz is reflected in the installation of a sprung dance floor, making the space flexible enough to double as a large bedroom with an ensuite when needed.

This renovation proves that bigger isn’t always better. By eschewing the typical side extension, the design celebrates both the original charm of the Victorian terrace and the expansive natural beauty of the garden. Thoughtful, understated, and functional, this Archway home is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, with a unique twist on how space can be redefined to suit its owners' passions.

photo_credit Anna Stathaki
Anna Stathaki
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