Belsize Coach House, London

Set within the Belsize Park Conservation Area, this former coach house has been sensitively reworked to create a generous family home. NGA were appointed to deliver a near-complete rebuild of the existing structure, including new basement and rear extensions, while retaining and enhancing the historic character of the original building.

Drawing inspiration from the area’s Victorian fabric, the design introduces Italianate references — including softly arched windows and doors — which lend the building a distinct rhythm and verticality. These arched openings serve to frame views of the garden, creating long sightlines that run through the depth of the house and out into the landscape beyond.

Working closely with planning consultants, NGA secured permission for substantial ground and basement level additions. These new interventions create expanded living spaces at garden level, while sensitively embedding the house within its historic context.

The material palette is refined and understated. A pale stucco treatment and blackened metalwork give the rear elevation a quiet elegance, while cascading planting softens the boundary between architecture and garden.

The scheme balances contemporary living requirements with a respect for the original proportions of the building, resulting in a home that feels both generous and highly contextual.