Key Points
- A modernist house in North London, likened to a modern Crystal Palace, is on the market for £10 million.
- The property features a bedside swimming pool, retractable glass roofs, a private gym, three separate gardens, a private courtyard, and a basement media room.
- Singer Craig David owns a similar home nearby in Camden with an identical glass pool design.
- Architect Heidi Locher, alongside her late husband Richard Paxton, designed the house; it draws inspiration from Paxton’s relative, Joseph Paxton, who built the original Crystal Palace in 1851.
- The home’s glass walls and roofs flood the interior with natural light and create a striking modernist aesthetic.
- Oliver Hamilton, Director of Hamilton Property, describes Lavender House as an “exceptionally rare” property that appears humble from the exterior.
- The centrepiece is a 40-foot, double-volume reception room with retractable glass roof panels and full-height glazed sliding doors opening to the garden.
Highgate, North London (North London News) – January 26, 2026 – A stunning modernist house in Highgate, North London, dubbed one of the most beautiful homes in the world, has been listed for sale by Hamilton Property for £10 million. The property, known as Lavender House, boasts innovative features including a bedside swimming pool encased in glass, reminiscent of a contemporary Crystal Palace, and has drawn comparisons to a similar residence owned by singer Craig David just down the road in Camden. Architect Heidi Locher, who co-designed the home with her late husband Richard Paxton, is placing this architectural gem on the market after years of embodying their visionary design principles.
What Makes This House One of the World’s Most Beautiful?
Lavender House stands out for its seamless blend of modernist architecture and luxurious functionality, earning it acclaim as one of the globe’s most beautiful residences. As reported in initial coverage by MyLondon, the home’s design echoes the grandeur of the Crystal Palace, originally constructed by Joseph Paxton in 1851 – a direct relative of co-designer Richard Paxton.
The glass walls and retractable roofs allow an abundance of natural light to permeate every corner, creating an airy, ethereal atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
The property’s centrepiece is a breathtaking 40-foot, double-volume reception room, illuminated by a pair of retractable glass roof panels. According to estate details highlighted by Hamilton Property, this space opens onto the garden via full-height, glazed sliding doors, offering panoramic views and effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Oliver Hamilton, Director of Hamilton Property, described the home as “discreet” from its humble exterior, yet “exceptionally rare” within, emphasising its understated elegance that belies the opulence inside.
Heidi Locher’s personal touch is evident throughout, with features like the innovative bedside swimming pool – a glass-enclosed aquatic retreat positioned for ultimate privacy and convenience. This design choice mirrors the bespoke glass pool in Craig David’s Camden property, which was custom-built nearby, underscoring the trend of such luxurious, light-filled aquatic elements among high-profile residents in North London.
Who Designed Lavender House and What Inspired Its Architecture?
The visionary behind Lavender House is architect Heidi Locher, working in tandem with her late husband, Richard Paxton. Locher has now decided to sell the property, listing it at £10 million through Hamilton Property. The design pays homage to Joseph Paxton, Richard’s relative, whose Crystal Palace revolutionised 19th-century architecture with its vast glass-and-iron structure for the Great Exhibition.
As detailed in property listings, the home’s extensive glass elements – walls, roofs, and doors – replicate this legacy while adapting it for modern living. Retractable glass roofs over key areas ensure adaptability to London’s variable weather, flooding interiors with sunlight on clear days and providing shelter during rain.
This thoughtful integration of historical inspiration and contemporary needs has positioned Lavender House as a masterpiece of North London real estate.
What Are the Key Features of This £10m Property?
Lavender House is a symphony of luxury amenities tailored for discerning buyers seeking both beauty and practicality. Beyond the headline bedside swimming pool, the home includes a private gym equipped for comprehensive fitness routines, ideal for residents prioritising wellness amid busy schedules.
Three separate gardens offer varied outdoor experiences: one for tranquil contemplation, another for entertainment, and a third for private relaxation.
A private courtyard serves as a secluded oasis, perfect for al fresco dining or quiet evenings. The basement media room provides a state-of-the-art cinematic escape, complete with advanced audiovisual systems for immersive entertainment. As Oliver Hamilton of Hamilton Property noted in promotional materials, the double-volume reception room’s scale and light make it the “stunning heart” of the home, with its 40-foot span creating a dramatic focal point for gatherings.
Every element underscores the property’s rarity – from the glass pool’s seamless integration to the multi-level gardens that maximise the site’s potential. Prospective buyers can envision a lifestyle of unparalleled sophistication, where modernist aesthetics meet everyday luxury.
How Does Lavender House Compare to Craig David’s Nearby Property?
The bedside swimming pool has sparked intrigue due to its similarity to one in singer Craig David’s Camden home, located just down the road. Craig David’s residence, also featuring a custom glass pool, highlights a growing preference among celebrities for such bold, light-enhancing designs in North London. While specifics of David’s property remain private, the parallel underscores Lavender House’s alignment with elite tastes.
Unlike more traditional luxury homes, both properties prioritise transparency and light, with glass enclosures that make the pools feel like natural extensions of living spaces. This Camden-Highgate proximity adds allure, positioning Lavender House within a enclave of high-end, architecturally daring residences favoured by figures like Craig David.
Why Is the Exterior So Deceptively Humble?
From the street, Lavender House presents a modest facade, a deliberate choice by architects Locher and Paxton to maintain privacy and neighbourhood harmony. Oliver Hamilton, Director of Hamilton Property, praised this discretion, calling it what makes the property “exceptionally rare” – a hidden jewel that reveals its splendour only to invited eyes.
This humble exterior belies the expansive, light-drenched interiors, creating a sense of discovery upon entry. The contrast enhances the home’s appeal, offering seclusion in bustling North London while delivering world-class luxury within.
What Is the Asking Price and Who Is Handling the Sale?
Listed at £10 million, Lavender House represents a premium opportunity for buyers seeking iconic architecture. Hamilton Property, led by Director Oliver Hamilton, is managing the sale, leveraging their expertise in high-end North London properties. The price reflects not just the features but the home’s global recognition as one of the world’s most beautiful.
Interested parties can contact Hamilton Property for viewings, with the listing emphasising the property’s move-in readiness and timeless design.
What Is the Historical Significance of the Crystal Palace Inspiration?
The nod to Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace infuses Lavender House with historical depth. Built in 1851, the original structure was a feat of engineering, housing the Great Exhibition and symbolising industrial progress. Richard Paxton’s familial link adds authenticity, making the modern iteration a respectful evolution.
Glass as a dominant material pays tribute to this heritage, adapted with retractable mechanisms for practicality. This fusion of past and present elevates the home beyond mere luxury to architectural storytelling.
Who Is Heidi Locher and Why Is She Selling?
Heidi Locher, the surviving architect of Lavender House, co-created the property with Richard Paxton, whose passing has prompted this sale. Locher’s portfolio demonstrates a commitment to innovative, light-centric designs, with Lavender House as her pinnacle achievement. Placing it on the market at £10 million marks the end of a personal chapter, opening it to a new custodian.
How Can Potential Buyers View This Exceptional Property?
Hamilton Property invites serious enquiries for Lavender House, with private viewings available by appointment. Director Oliver Hamilton encourages early contact, given the property’s rarity and anticipated interest from international buyers drawn to its beauty and provenance.
In North London’s competitive market, Lavender House stands unparalleled – a modern Crystal Palace awaiting its next era.
