Rathcoole Gardens House
Victorian Side Return Extension & Kitchen Renovation in Crouch End, North London
This Victorian terrace renovation in Crouch End transformed a narrow side return and outdated layout into a bright, contemporary family kitchen designed for modern living. Completed in spring 2025, the project combined a rear side infill extension, full kitchen redesign and first-floor bathroom refurbishment to create a cohesive, light-filled home for a young family.
The original property featured an external WC outbuilding and an underused side return typical of many Victorian houses in North London. By removing the outhouse and extending into the side return, Studio : MASS created a generous open-plan kitchen and dining space that now forms the heart of the home.
The new extension blends traditional and contemporary design. Bespoke oak hardwood doors retain the character of the original terrace, while a structurally glazed roof and angled rear window introduce a modern architectural element that floods the space with natural light. The kitchen itself balances classic detailing with contemporary finishes, including colour accents and modern handle profiles.
A balustrade was introduced between the dining space and lower kitchen level to manage existing changes in floor height. This thoughtful design feature enhances the flow of light from the glazed roof and allows visual connection between spaces, currently providing a playful zone where children can be supervised easily.
With the removal of the external WC, a new downstairs toilet was integrated beneath the staircase, complete with bespoke storage. This internal reconfiguration ensures that practical family needs are accommodated without compromising space or layout.
Upstairs, the first-floor bathroom was fully redesigned to create a spacious, contemporary family bathroom featuring a freestanding bath, walk-in shower and stone vanity unit.
Studio : MASS managed the project from concept design through planning, Building Regulations and technical detailing, assisting with contractor selection and overseeing construction to completion. The result is a thoughtfully executed Victorian side return extension that maximises light, improves flow and delivers a modern family kitchen within a classic North London terrace.
This Victorian terrace renovation in Crouch End transformed a narrow side return and outdated layout into a bright, contemporary family kitchen designed for modern living. Completed in spring 2025, the project combined a rear side infill extension, full kitchen redesign and first-floor bathroom refurbishment to create a cohesive, light-filled home for a young family.
The original property featured an external WC outbuilding and an underused side return typical of many Victorian houses in North London. By removing the outhouse and extending into the side return, Studio : MASS created a generous open-plan kitchen and dining space that now forms the heart of the home.
The new extension blends traditional and contemporary design. Bespoke oak hardwood doors retain the character of the original terrace, while a structurally glazed roof and angled rear window introduce a modern architectural element that floods the space with natural light. The kitchen itself balances classic detailing with contemporary finishes, including colour accents and modern handle profiles.
A balustrade was introduced between the dining space and lower kitchen level to manage existing changes in floor height. This thoughtful design feature enhances the flow of light from the glazed roof and allows visual connection between spaces, currently providing a playful zone where children can be supervised easily.
With the removal of the external WC, a new downstairs toilet was integrated beneath the staircase, complete with bespoke storage. This internal reconfiguration ensures that practical family needs are accommodated without compromising space or layout.
Upstairs, the first-floor bathroom was fully redesigned to create a spacious, contemporary family bathroom featuring a freestanding bath, walk-in shower and stone vanity unit.
Studio : MASS managed the project from concept design through planning, Building Regulations and technical detailing, assisting with contractor selection and overseeing construction to completion. The result is a thoughtfully executed Victorian side return extension that maximises light, improves flow and delivers a modern family kitchen within a classic North London terrace.
Project Year: 2025
Project Cost: GBP 150,001 - GBP 200,000
