Some addresses do half the work for you. This one-bedroom flat sits on Albany Street, a few minutes' stroll from the green expanse of Regent's Park, with Great Portland Street Station practically on the doorstep. Inside, it's bright, well proportioned and easy to live in.
A generous living room lined with windows forms the heart of the home, looking out across handsome honey-coloured brick terraces. Add a proper double bedroom, a separate kitchen and a bathroom with its own window. It all makes for a calm, light-filled base right on the edge of one of London's great Royal Parks.
The reception room is the star of the show. At over 20ft long, it holds a sitting area and a round dining table with room to spare. A run of wide windows and a glazed door out to the balcony let daylight pour in. A full wall of built-in white shelving offers a home for books, records and the odd treasured find. Soft neutral carpet runs underfoot, while a line of recessed spotlights along the ceiling's edge adds a gentle glow come evening.
Through a reeded glass door, the galley kitchen is fresh and practical. White Shaker-style cabinets with brushed steel bar handles sit beneath speckled granite-effect worktops and crisp white tiling. There's a four-burner gas hob with a stainless steel chimney extractor, a built-in oven and a window over the sink, so washing up comes with a view. It's well equipped too, with a Russell Hobbs fridge freezer, a Hotpoint dishwasher, a Bosch washing machine and a microwave. A wall-mounted Vaillant boiler sits neatly in the corner.
The bedroom is a restful double with a whole wall of fitted wardrobes. Sliding doors below and high-level cupboards above mean clothes, suitcases and winter coats all have somewhere to go. A window brings in plenty of natural light. The bathroom has its own window too (always a bonus) along with a bath and shower over, set against cheerful cornflower-blue tiling. A mirrored cabinet above the basin keeps the essentials in order.
A central hallway links everything together, with a handy storage cupboard for the hoover and all the bits that need a place to live. Chester Court itself is a purpose-built block with a covered entrance and entryphone. Better still, Regent's Natural café is right beside the front door for your morning coffee or a lazy weekend breakfast.
The Neighbourhood: Regent's Park
Chester Court sits at the southern end of Albany Street, minutes from the gates of Regent's Park. Its boating lake, rose gardens and wide lawns are made for early morning runs and long Sunday walks. Closer to home, the Queen's Head & Artichoke on Albany Street is a beautifully restored Victorian pub with a first-floor dining room, a daily-changing menu and a well-chosen wine list.
Getting around couldn't be simpler. Great Portland Street Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines) is a couple of minutes' walk away. Regent's Park Station (Bakerloo) and Warren Street Station (Northern and Victoria) are also close by, putting the West End and the City within easy reach.
EPC Rating: C