As you’ll know if you live in the area, Highgate Road is the ancient pub-lined thoroughfare that – in 2025 at least – is where the urban buzz of Kentish Town starts to give way to the leafy streets of Dartmouth Park and, beyond, the steep inclines of Highgate Village.
It’s here that you’ll find a new development, The Tipton, just a stone’s throw from Kentish Town station. You’ll probably have observed it as you’ve walked past. Take a look at the view from the stunning top roof terrace.
But what’s the story behind its unusual name? Well, it honours Violet Mary Tipton, one of the first 20th Century female stars, who was born in Kentish Town in 1886 and was already making her name as a West End chorus girl by the young age of 16.
She came to be celebrated such that her Times obituary in 1956 said “she possessed the warmth and tenderness that belongs only to great artists.” Another source calls her “a celebrity, possibly one of the first in the 20th Century to experience the superstardom that mass communications made possible.”
As with many notable females in history, there’s no blue plaque in Kentish Town to mark the birthplace of this star – in fact only 15% of plaques celebrate women, according to English heritage – so The Tipton embraces a woman who joins a long history of female talent – from Mary Shelley to Phoebe Waller Bridge – who have called this corner of London home.
The Tipton: design details
The Tipton consists of 42 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for private sale, 5 apartments specifically adapted for supported living requirements, and a self-contained commercial unit on the ground floor. Through its minimalist and organic design, The Tipton makes a strong statement along Highgate Road, while being sympathetic to the adjoining buildings and anchored to the neighbourhood’s original character.
Inspired by modernist warehouse conversions and in a nod to the post-industrial heritage of Kentish Town, award-winning architects AHR have designed an impressive building with considered materials, colours and clean angles.
Built to the very highest standards, with sustainability a focus throughout, each apartment has been carefully designed to provide light filled spaces that blend comfort and calm, with style and serenity.
From low energy lighting to thermally efficient glass keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, every detail has been carefully thought out to keep sustainability top of mind.
The Tipton is an entirely modern development for now and for the future too – air source heat pumps provide heating and hot water to each flat, PV panels to contribute towards communal area power, there is plenty of secure cycle parking, and it’s superbly well-connected with a variety of public transport links right on the doorstep.
Each apartment has its own private balcony, and there are also two landscaped, communal roof-top terraces with far-reaching views across London.
Finally, the ground floor is set to be a self-contained commercial unit that could well become a yoga/Pilates studio or café. If you are a local business and wish to take it on, drop them a line: info@gmlondon.com. For more information about The Tipton and to make a sales enquiry, please visit the-tipton.co.uk
The Tipton is a development by GM London. GM London are the privately-owned development arm of GM Developments, a building contractor that has been operating successfully in and around London for almost 40 years. GM London has made its own headlines in the highly competitive new build market, where our commitment to quality and considered approach to design has proved highly popular with buyers, and ensures they get great value for their money.
This is a paid partnership with GM London. To reach out to thousands of North Londoners please email info@kentishtowner.co.uk
