Channelling an intriguing, playful, and wholly unique aesthetic, this stunning Portobello Road townhouse, once home to Hollywood actress Gillian Anderson, also operated as a recording studio, and was a go-to hub for some of the biggest names in British music. With a past as colourful as its distinctive interiors, which include a kaleidoscopic staircase and a slide, the authentic exposed brickwork and elevated ceiling heights give the space a cool, quirky look and feel, in keeping with its A-list sensibility.


Originally designed by Carolin Larsberg, the three-bedroom home is arranged across four floors, but has the feel of a lateral home due to its wide and thoughtfully curated warehouse-like proportions, as well as the abundance of natural light. An iconic property in more ways than one, it is centred around a spiral fibreglass staircase by AB Rogers Design, which acts as the sculptural spine of the sensational interiors.

Flooded with daylight from the ten large sash windows, the beautiful first floor is made for entertaining. With a natural flow and welcoming feel, the gorgeous reception leads into a spacious dining area. The voluminous ceilings, generous dimensions and open sightlines enhance the calm aura, while, in-keeping with the home’s individual nature, a discreet trapdoor offers a more unconventional route back to the reception room: lift it and simply slide down.

The second floor is dedicated to slumber and privacy and is one of the stand-out features of this unique property. Boasting skylights and triple-aspect windows, which make the most of the shifting light and shade throughout the day, floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobes add volume, depth and drama to the principal suite.

On the lower ground level, a flexible open-plan space can be arranged as an additional entertaining zone or used for guest accommodation when required. Snug, private and cosy, an extra enclosed room can be found at the rear of the property, and could work for several purposes, be it a study, bedroom, or intimate chill-out zone. 



The gorgeous kitchen also sits on the lower ground level. Set against exposed brickwork and dark cabinetry, the clever combination of colours and textures balances beautifully with the room’s natural light. An enviable west-facing roof terrace, offering fantastic views from one of the best postcodes in town, crowns the top of this effortlessly cool home.

Situated in one of the capital’s most distinctive addresses, known for its creativity, colour and village vibe, resident permit parking is also available for the immediate streets, which are peppered with boutiques, cafés and restaurants, while the famed market beats to its own lively drum.


Josh Ratcliffe, senior sales director at United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty, says: "This property is a genuine one-of-a-kind find. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Portobello Road, yet just a stone’s throw from UKAI, Electric House and The Fat Badger, it offers lateral-style living that is increasingly hard to come by. Not only is it in a fantastic location, but it also has a fully integrated slide from the bedroom to the first floor. Not many homes can claim a feature like this - it’s fun, unusual and always impresses."



Miles Meacock, head of the Notting Hill office at Strutt & Parker adds: "Set behind an unassuming entrance, it’s easy to see why this expansive home once attracted Gillian Anderson, the acclaimed actress who called it home during the early 2000s.



"Very little on our books compares – its musical heritage as a former recording studio is still felt the moment you step inside, with lofted ceiling heights creating an almost warehouse-like sense of space, amplified by ten generous windows on the first floor alone. The property also carries real artistic flair and an element of entertainment. With the freehold also available to purchase, this really is an exceptionally rare opportunity."

On the market for £4,150,000, visit sothebysrealty.co.uk

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