What if these walls could talk at The Old School House? This Grade II listed property whispers stories of Shoreditch’s past. It stands on Leonard Street in London EC2.
The Old School House wasn’t always offices. Once it was a church building. Danesborough Properties acquired it on behalf of Avignon Capital for £5.1 million.
The building measures 4588 sq ft. It spans the ground and two upper floors. Imagine the echoes of hymns and sermons that once filled these spaces. Now, modern businesses occupy this historic site.
Let’s rewind to when The Old School House echoed with children’s voices. It’s easy to picture a strict Victorian school teacher. She would stand at the front of a large double-height Victorian schoolroom.
Later, imagine a creative personality from the restaurant business. He transformed a flat inside The Old School House. The flat included a mezzanine floor. It was formerly a large schoolroom.
He wanted a more liveable space. He wanted a dining area for entertaining. The client loved cooking. He desired a modern uncluttered feel. The work needed completion on a tight budget and within a strict time-frame.
The most significant change involved moving the kitchen. It moved from the living room into a storeroom. This needed planning permission. It also required ventilation and compartmentalisation. The execution had to avoid visual intrusion on the Victorian exterior.
The client wanted a “commercial kitchen” feel. This was to reflect his day job. A bespoke stainless-steel worktop was installed over standard Ikea units. The laminate floor was damaged. There was no time to change it. So they decided to use floor paint. This brightened the space up. It created a neutral backdrop for rugs.
New steel radiators were fitted. Chrome wall lights enhanced the warehouse feel. Mid-century modern furniture filled the double height space. Some pieces came from East London boutiques and furniture makers.
The Old School House stands as a testament to Shoreditch’s evolving identity. It’s gone from a church to a school to modern offices. Next time you pass The Old School House, remember its layered history.