The name seems to have originated from the habit of sheep farmers from outside the city to stop in these parts in ancient times, before going to the Smithfield market.
Shepherd's Bush is a purely residential neighborhood, which can offer a quiet environment, detached from the confusion of the center, but very well connected thanks to the numerous tube stations and the various buses that stop here.
Rents are also quite affordable, unlike more expensive areas such as Kensington or Notting Hill.
At the centre of the residential area we find Shepherd's Bush Green (commonly known as “The Green”), a park with a curious triangular shape that characterizes the area with its three hectares of green lawns and ancient trees.
The most rooted ethnic communities in this area are the Australian and New Zealand ones: a drop of the Pacific Ocean in the middle of England.
But the multiculturalism of London means that in this area we can also find Polish communities, Somali, Middle Eastern and Irish.
London is pricey when it comes to housing and space is tight and, speaking of houses which challenge the concept of space, there is one in the heart of this neighbourhood which wins the first prize: the skinny house.
The narrowest house in London is located on Goldhawk Road and it is only 1.80 m wide.
The architect intent was to create a building that explores the limits of perception and living comfort, inviting reflection on the relationship between man and space, a microcosm of style and functionality, where absolutely nothing is missing.
On Goldhawk Road you can barely notice the façade of a different colour compared to the adjacent buildings.
The skinniest house in London appears like a thin strip wedged between the Victorian terraced buildings, however the interiors are astonishing, because everything fits between those 1.8 metres of width.
The interiors of the volumes on multiple levels are remodelled to the point of making it seem like a penthouse where nothing is missing for living in comfort and well-being.
This Victorian townhouse contrasts with the imposing stately homes that surround it, defying every rule of proportion and giving an irresistible charm to those who observe it from the outside.
Originally there used to be a hat shop here but, over time, the five-level house has undergone several modifications and expansions, until it took on its current shape, narrowing further, squeezed between the exposed brick facades, typical of Victorian and industrial London.
Once you cross the threshold, you are catapulted into a complex microcosm.
The narrowest house in London is spread over five floors, with rooms that become increasingly larger as you go up.
Although small in size, the rooms are all equipped, and nothing is missing and the interior spaces are organized to be remodeled or customized.
The kitchen is equipped with all the necessary appliances and a space-saving wall fireplace is installed in the living room.
There is absolutely everything, even the terrace to relax outdoors, protecting privacy.
The ceiling is illuminated by a skylight that opens to a view of the starry sky at night.
Despite its small size, the house does not lack charm and personality.
The elegant walls, the fine parquet floors, the two-tone colours and custom-made furniture, the vintage furnishings: all the details create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but minimal and essential.
The house on Goldhawk Road, in London, is an example of how a small space can be transformed into a comfortable and functional home.
The fashion photographer Juergen Teller occupied it after the closure of the hat shop, calling it “the design house par excellence”.
Today, this house wants to dispel every stereotype about appearances and small spaces in large and expensive cities like London.
It was open for visits when it was on the market for sale in 2020 and it sold a year later for about 1 million pounds.
