Tatler UK - 07.2019

THE LOST HOUSE, N1

Tucked away from the outside world, The Lost

House in King’s Cross is a marvel of modern

architecture. At almost 4,000 square feet, the

three-bedroom house has an indoor pool, a steam

room and a cinema. Available to rent

for £3,500 a week.

Knight Frank: 020 3504 5565

T

he late, great Zaha Hadid once

said that architecture ‘should be

able to excite you, to calm you, to

make you think’. A house is more

than bricks and mortar – it speaks to the

emotions, and promises a way of life. In

some cases, it can be the embodiment of an

architect’s vision – a unique entity that is

tailor-made for its surroundings.

This is certainly the case with The

Lost House in King’s Cross, which is

now available to rent. Designed by the

internationally acclaimed architect David

Adjaye, the property is a tranquil oasis

despite being in such a central location,

and the unusual design grew from its

origins as a former delivery yard. The

old loading platform was repurposed and

used to support a swimming pool, and

large light wells illuminate its centre. The

industrial atmosphere is also reflected

through the choice of materials – the walls

and ceilings are a mixture of exposed wood

and concrete, while the floors are polished

resin. What could have been a plot

has been used to create something unique.

There is a courtyard in the middle of the

reception area, complete with a fish pond;

an unexpected terrace to the side; double-

height ceilings, and enough lateral space to

accommodate a cinema room. It’s easy to see

why the house has been used as a location

for films, television series and photoshoots.

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty, close to Ryde on the Isle of Wight,

is a modern house by the award-winning

architect Lincoln Miles, who also lives on

the island. The low profile of the timber-

clad building allows it to blend into the

surrounding landscape, and it is circled

about with mature trees. The extensive use

GRAND DESIGNS

Rosemary Brooke finds houses by leading architects,

from contemporary creations to Victorian masterpieces

BRITAIN PROPERTY

07-19NoteableArchitects.indd 2 4/22/19 7:16 PM