Waterloo Road
Full Renovation
2024
Islington
From Derelict to Dream Home: A Loft Conversion and Full Renovation by Grain Property
At Grain Property, we believe that a home’s story doesn’t begin with bricks and mortar, it begins with vision. Our latest transformation in North London is a testament to how a derelict property, once overlooked and neglected, can be reimagined into a modern, luxurious residence that still honours its original charm. Through our fully integrated project management and architect-led design, we took this property on a complete journey, from blueprint to bespoke.
Spanning 12 months from initial architectural drawings to the final finishing touches, this full-scale renovation included a loft conversion with en-suite, open-plan kitchen living space, outdoor landscaping, and carefully restored period detailing. The result? A house that’s both classically beautiful and functionally modern, every corner curated, every decision intentional.
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The project began with a property in significant disrepair, vacant, unmodernised and in need of structural and aesthetic vision. With Grain Property overseeing the entire journey, the client benefited from our complete design and build service. We managed everything: planning permissions, architectural consultation, build programming, sourcing and scheduling trades, and daily on-site coordination.
With a single point of contact and a team of experts managing every phase, the process remained transparent and seamless. Our meticulous project management approach not only ensured clarity and communication, it gave the client confidence at every stage.
Architecturally Designed Loft Conversion - Islington
One of the most impactful changes to this home was the loft conversion, designed in collaboration with our architectural partners to maximise both space and light. The new upper floor features a bright and spacious bedroom suite complete with a beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom, featuring brushed brass fittings and elegant marble-effect finishes.
Skylights were thoughtfully placed to frame treetop views and flood the space with natural light, while bespoke built-in wardrobes were designed to follow the slope of the roof, every inch tailored for both form and function.
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Adding this upper level not only increased the living space dramatically but also elevated the property’s value and lifestyle potential, delivering a serene retreat tucked away from the bustle below.
Open Plan Living and Kitchen Flow
At the heart of the home lies the newly created open-plan living and kitchen space, an area designed to feel both expansive and intimate. By removing several structural walls and integrating steel support, we were able to unlock the full potential of the ground floor footprint.
The kitchen, custom-designed in collaboration with our workshop team, features minimalist cabinetry, soft-close joinery, and a natural-toned stone worktop. It flows effortlessly into the dining and living space, which in turn opens out through full-width glass doors to a lush garden—inviting the outdoors in and framing views of greenery from every vantage point.
This seamless integration of interior and exterior space is the essence of modern living, practical, social, and beautiful.
Preserving Character with Modern Sensibility
While the layout and materials have been updated for contemporary lifestyles, it was essential to preserve the character of the original house. The Grain team worked carefully to restore the original floorboards, sanding them back to reveal their grain and finishing them with a matte lacquer for durability and elegance.
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Original cornicing and ceiling roses, removed during earlier unsympathetic refurbishments, were reinstated using traditional moulding techniques, bringing back a sense of architectural continuity and historic integrity to the space.
This blend of restoration and modernisation is a hallmark of Grain’s approach: honouring a building’s past while preparing it for the future.
Considering a Renovation?
If you're looking for a thoughtful, design-led renovation that blends modern aesthetics with luxurious practicality, Grain Property is here to help. From concept to completion, our team brings experience, creativity, and care to every home.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our workshop in Hertfordshire to see where the magic happens.
