Decorating & Design

September 9, 2013

London’s Dishy Milkwood Studios

I’m always interested in seeing where the creative class creates — for every F. Scott Fitzgerald dashing off pages at a glamorous villa in the south of France, there’s a J.K. Rowling scribbling her first novel on a napkin while riding to work on a train. This listing in London intrigued me because it’s vast and still feels unfinished, as though anything could happen in the space — a sculpture, a music video, an incredible party, an art exhibit. Let’s take a peek inside.

From the outside, you’d never guess this was in the middle of London, just east of Regent’s Park. (Or at least, I didn’t.) According to the listing, it used to be the studios of Monty Python, and was named Milkwood Studios in honour of poet Dylan Thomas, who lived and worked in the neighbourhood. Now, it’s been converted to a private home, but with over 9,500 square feet of space, there’s still plenty of room for creativity.

The cavernous, oddly-shaped studio space is now a living and dining area, with plenty of room left over to display what I’m guessing is the current owners’ sculpture collection. I love the idea of lining that entire wall with bookshelves; along with art, books bring so much life to a room.

A bright eat-in kitchen uses the same vertical panelling as the exterior and opens to an inner courtyard for an informal feel. The open shelving fits the property’s freewheeling, everything-exposed vibe, too, but for nearly $20 million, I’d like some kitchen cabinets, please.

Invite friends to hang out in the home theatre, games room, roof terrace or private patio. If the party lasts a while, there are three bedrooms, plus another two rooms that could be used to crash in. They can even leave their cars in the gated off-street parking area.

Even the four bathrooms are full of art…and what looks like plywood walls. Still, the space is quite roomy, and if you’re buying a house like this, the loft-like, bohemian atmosphere is part of the charm.

Would you keep the space open and basic, or do you think it’s time for something completely different for this house?

Photo credits:
1–5: Savills St. John’s Wood