Leybourne Road, Bushwood, London, E11

Spaciously cosy and filled with beautiful natural light, this charming first-floor flat in Bushwood is finished with an array of period features, as well as a contemporary kitchen and bathroom. Outside, a private, low-maintenance garden offers a peaceful escape from the eclectic mix of eateries and shops in the town centre, while stunning scenery and acres of green space await just at the end of the road.

Lying only a few minutes’ walk from Leytonstone’s Overground and Tube stations, the flat is nestled on a pretty street lined with trees and original Victorian houses. The London stock brick exterior blends in with its characterful neighbours, with the traditional recessed front door framed by an ornate colonnaded entrance that echoes the bay window and lintels.

STEP INSIDE – VICTORIAN ELEGANCE, REIMAGINED

Follow the period tiling across the front patio and step through into a spot-lit hallway warmed by exposed floorboards and dado rails. The generously high ceilings and wooden flooring continue in the large double bedroom ahead, which would work equally well as a relaxing living room. Crowned by an exquisitely decorated cornice, the space is illuminated by a central pendant and flooded in sunshine by a broad south-facing bay window fitted with discrete roller blinds.

Between the picture rail and tall skirting boards, the rich-toned paint softens the bold architectural lines, while an original cast-iron period fireplace is set within a tiled surround and coordinating mantelpiece – a nod to the home’s heritage. Alcoves flank the fireplace, offering chunky white shelves to match the floating TV cabinet and desk space.

Further along the hall, you’ll find another spacious double bedroom, which is decorated in a warm neutral tone and a cream carpet. Once again, there’s plenty of headroom, with a stylish hanging pendant and a tall sash window brightening the atmosphere. Warmth comes from a radiator, but the cast-iron Victorian feature fireplace also brings a sense of comfort. Beside a wooden shelf, a full-height wardrobe in glossy white fills the corner alcove for a tidy finish.

Return to the hallway to find access to a handy storage cellar and a bathroom warmed by a heated towel rail. Large white-format tiles combine with a textural mosaic splashback for a deep bath, featuring a glass screen and a wall-mounted rainfall showerhead. A modern back-to-wall toilet and a wall-hung basin with mounted chrome taps complete the suite, while carefully placed mirrors, in-built storage, and an obscured sash window give the bathroom a practical air.

A well-planned kitchen with living or dining area lies to the rear, blending functionality with light from dual-aspect windows and character from the exposed floorboard underfoot. Fitted with a range of glossy white cabinetry with matching white worktops and a dark grey glass splashback, the layout of the spot-lit kitchen maximises the space to include a breakfast bar and an impressive sash window.

Integrated appliances include a Neff oven with a gas hob and a hidden extractor. There’s also a concealed fridge-freezer and dishwasher, as well as a sink with chrome tapware seamlessly integrated into the worktop.

The living/dining area has a wonderfully cosy feel thanks to its coved ceiling, two-tone paintwork, and chunky bookshelves that frame a space for a decent-sized table. A part-glazed door with a stained-glass feature and surrounding windows captures the gentle morning light and opens to a useful utility area leading to the garden.

OUTDOORS – THOUGHFULLY LANDSCAPED AND TRANQUIL 

Heading into the fully enclosed garden, which enjoys the sun until mid-afternoon, you’ll find a restful space that begins with a large slate terrace with storage in the side return. Beyond, a gravelled pathway leads past planting beds, peppered with shrubs, grasses, and trees, across a pond to the rear deck. Shaded by a cherry blossom tree, it’s a lovely place to sit and watch the koi carp, listen to the trickling fountains, or socialise by the wood-burning stove. Cobblestone walls help to frame the different planting areas, which are ready to be enriched with more varieties and fragrant flowers.

A NOTE FROM THE OWNERS 

‘The garden is so beautiful in the summer – the koi carp and trickling fountains are so peaceful – and with Wanstead Flats right on the doorstep, it can feel like you're in the countryside, except in the middle of London with close access to the Central line.’

GETTING AROUND

Leytonstone Tube (Central Line) is a 10-minute walk, and Overground services are reachable in 15 minutes at Leytonstone High Road.

IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Bushwood has a wonderful mix of long-term residents and newer arrivals, who are quickly welcomed into its vibrant community. Just an eight-minute walk from High Road, with its cluster of local favourite hangouts, you’ll never be short of places to wine and dine. Some top spots include The Birds and The Red Lion pubs, Wild Goose Bakery (try the carrot cake), Mum Likes Thai Food, and Bushwood's excellent local tavern, The North Star.

Don’t forget to try Panda Dim Sum and Mammoth Tap – a great wine bar hosting a Mexican fried chicken pop-up every Friday night. Other highlights include Bocca Bocca for authentic Neapolitan pizza, Red Camel and Marrakech Delight for their respective Afghan and Moroccan cuisine, Back to Ours for coffee, and Homies on Donkeys for tacos.

The property is also close to Wanstead's bars and restaurants (stop by Provender) and Forest Gate (check out Ramble and The Wanstead Tap). Only moments from home, you can explore Wanstead Flats, with Henry Reynolds Gardens a short walk away. The Olympic Park and Hackney Wick also offer many family-friendly activities and retail shopping opportunities.

SCHOOLS

Nearby schools include the Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ George Tomlinson Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes, and the ‘Outstanding’ Davies Lane Primary School, eight minutes on foot.