Live in a library: Hampstead house in former women's college boasts original readers' gallery, on-site Hammam and two kitchens
You can tell something of a person’s character by the books they read, so it must say a lot if you live in a library.
Skeel Library, part of the Grade II-listed Hampstead Manor heritage conversion near Hampstead Village, was once the library for bluestockings of Westfield College for women.
Now a four-bedroom, 5,220sq ft luxurious home, it spreads across four floors.
The original galleried reading room has become an impressive 40ft reception room, complete with the original floor-to-ceiling shelving, rich parquet flooring and decorative panelling.
The 'Bridge of Sighs', formerly a passageway to the college's dining hall, is now an adjacent reading room.
A bespoke kitchen and dining area, bordered by bookcases, features a 12-seater custom-made table, while plush details continue in the bedrooms. There is also a second, more private service kitchen or utility room.
The Hampstead Manor site also offers a residents-only spa complex with a pool, sauna, Hammam, experience shower and gym.
Manicured gardens with ancient trees, 24-hour concierge and the use of a town car service complete the story.
Skeel Library is for sale for £7.95 million through Mount Anvil (020 3582 5461).
