Hackney homes for hipsters: new flats for fitness fans have yoga classes and a Kate Hudson POPfit dance studio on-site
Hipsters shake off the sweat of the city at Hackney Downs, Hackney Marshes, London Fields and Victoria Park — and live in designer homes overlooking one of these verdant spaces.
The Otto faces directly on to Hackney Downs and has 89 apartments in two pavilion buildings with decorative terracotta façades in mellow shades to reflect the changing seasons.
All flats have either a terrace or balcony, while ground-floor 1,500sq ft duplexes have a raised private garden, similar to a terrace of Victorian houses.
A communal roof garden links the two pavilions, while the entrance lobby with its dark green polished plaster walls acts as bridge between the homes and the park.
Separate rooms for yoga or pilates sessions can be booked via the concierge and extra space in the basement is available to buy. Prices from £490,000 to £1,195,000. Call Cushman & Wakefield on 020 3296 2222.
Nearby Hackney Gardens has 58 flats within the ancient churchyard of listed St John at Hackney, a place of worship that doubles as a music venue.
The new apartment blocks are clad in warm brown bricks. Duplexes open on to a private terraced garden with external steps up to the gated communal grounds. Prices from £825,000. Call Stone Real Estate on 020 7043 8888.
What used to be an industrial zone of breakers' yards and small factories between London Fields and Mare Street is now a trendy micro district, with new homes and workspaces, ateliers, a craft beer premises, vinyl music shop, artisan bakery and Nordic café.
Monohaus mixes 47 flats with commercial space including offices, boutiques, a deli and POPfit dance-and-fitness studio — part owned by Hollywood actress Kate Hudson — to provide a new "lifestyle hub."
The building's stark blackand white architecture suits the plot, while a central glazed atrium acts as a communal courtyard, with seating and shops alongside the residents entrance.
