Canonbury Square

Canonbury · Grade II listed · Completed 2022

LocationCanonbury, London N1

DesignationGrade II listed · Canonbury Conservation Area

GlazingCantifix

PhasesTwo, for two owners

Completed2022

The comprehensive restoration and adaptation of a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse overlooking Canonbury Square.

01Repair of historic interiors and Welsh slate roof

02Rear extension and garden terrace

03Reconfigured lower-ground accommodation

The house occupies a prominent position on Canonbury Square, one of Islington’s most distinguished historic residential settings.

After a period of deterioration and partial strip-out, the project began with an extensive programme of conservation: repair of historic plasterwork, joinery and architectural features, renewal of the Welsh slate roof, and the sensitive upgrading of the building’s services.

We carried out similar works to the neighbouring house in 2025. See Canonbury Square (2025) →

Approach

Guided by the building

Throughout the project, each intervention was guided by the significance of the existing building: retaining historic fabric, preserving the Georgian hierarchy of spaces, and keeping a clear distinction between original and contemporary elements.

The completed refurbishment has secured the long-term future of the townhouse as a family home, while preserving its contribution to the historic character of Canonbury Square.

Before

The house as they bought it

Phase 1

We worked on this house for two owners. For the first, we secured planning and listed building consent and the house was stripped out ready for the works. It was then sold during the pandemic.

Phase 2

We already knew a couple looking for a house like this, and were helping them with their search. We showed them the house, and they bought it in this condition. They kept us on, and we gained further listed building consents to adapt the scheme to the way they wanted to live, before the house was completed in 2022.