Artist Francesca Anfossi’s Vibrant Live/Work Home Lists for £2.5M in London
Nearly two decades have passed since artist and founder of Rochester Square, Francesca Anfossi, and her partner, former banker Eric Wragge, first stumbled upon their current Camden residence. Tucked away on a quiet street, the structure once held an old clothes workshop. Despite its industrial nature, the couple were drawn to the space’s potential—and they soon embarked on what would turn into a three-year renovation.
Large sections of frosted glass line the open living room, providing privacy while inviting natural light to pour inside. Oak floorboards contrast with the surrounding white walls.
"It took two years to get all the planning permissions," notes Eric. "We needed everyone in the building to agree it’d be okay for us to underpin it all the way around, and put a basement at the back. There was just earth down there before, so we completely dug [the space] out." With the help of friends—who assisted with everything from the build-out to the decor—the couple reimagined the workshop into a live/work abode that retains its period charm and detail.
Another view of the living room highlights the space’s tall ceilings and expansive floor plan.
"There’s a lot of influence from my home country. I come from Italy, very near Carrara, so there’s Carrara marble in the kitchen," says Francesca. "We also kept a lot of existing things—like the brick fireplace in the dining space, and the wooden part of the front windows. I love the front glass—it’s private, but lets the light in."
A timeless mix of old and new, the dining room features an exposed brick chimney and encaustic tiles underfoot. "Funnily enough, the tiles on the floor in the dining space and kitchen are really popular now, but weren’t when I chose them," says Francesca.
Upon entry, original glazed doors lead to the kitchen, which occupies the larch-clad rear extension. An open layout connects the main living areas, including a large conservatory space that is currently set up as an artist’s studio.
Adjoining the kitchen is the large conservatory space, where glazed doors open to a garden. "I think it’s perfect for entertaining," says Eric. "People come in and have drinks in the kitchen, then we move to eat dinner in the conservatory."
"The outdoor space is interesting," says Francesca. "We have the conservatory, which feels like part of the garden, and there are lots of plants in there. If I didn’t have children, I would have even more plants— but my children now use the room for skateboarding!"
Additional outdoor space can be found in the garden, which serves as a small courtyard and is lined with mature trees, plants, and shrubs. "I love it; it feels quite tropical. I’m going to miss it."
Playful pops of color are sprinkled throughout the two floors, including stripes of yellow running across the ceiling in the children’s room.
A central spiral staircase leads down to the lower floor, which houses three large bedrooms. Solid oak floorboards run throughout, complementing the polished concrete floors found in the bathrooms.
A custom bunkbed offers additional storage underneath. "Everything in the house is made by friends of mine—whether they’re carpenters or builders," says Francesca.
"We’re only moving down the road," adds Francesca. "I really feel like a part of this area because of my involvement with Rochester Square. I would love it if the person who buys this place becomes a part of the community, too."
A large soaking tub, lined in bright yellow mosaic tiles, awaits in one of the bathrooms.
A peek at the central spiral staircase that leads to the lower floor and the bedrooms.
One of the bedrooms opens up to a private terrace via large sliding glass doors. "I love waking up downstairs and seeing all the flowers outside the window, with the sun coming in," adds Eric. "Even when the rain is pouring down, I love it."
Project Credits:
Designer: Francesca Anfossi / @fraanfossi
Architect: Knott Architects
Murray Street in London, England, is currently listed for £2,500,000 (approximately $3,311,622) by The Modern House.
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