David Adjaye’s Stunning ‘Lost House’ Hits the Market for $8.3 Million

Designed in 2004, the sleek London residence features three courtyards and a hidden lap pool

Modern glass building courtyard with large banana plants, round stone tables, and black pebbles creating a serene atmosphere.
David Adjaye’s Lost House is on the market for $8.3 million. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty

In 2004 Adjaye Associates founder David Adjaye created this minimalist three-bedroom bolt-hole, dubbed the “Lost House,” in London’s bustling King’s Cross neighborhood, home to one of the country’s main transit hubs. The British-Ghanian architect, who has since been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, cleverly tackled the unassuming site—a dark former alleyway—by creating a trio of interior “light wells” that usher sunshine into the 4,000-square-foot residence, which remarkably features just one street-facing window. Two of these glass-walled courtyards are planted with tropical flora, while the third features an aquatic garden and goldfish pond.

To brighten the interiors even more, the Ruby City architect paradoxically employed shiny black resin to coat the floors of the vast main living area, a method that reflects light while creating a moody atmosphere. (Mirrored surfaces throughout further enhance the effect.) Each of the bedrooms, meanwhile, fully adheres to its own color scheme—faded seafoam or pale lavender, for instance. Providing an acidic punch is the sunken cinema room, which incorporates lime-green flooring, walls, and built-in furnishings.

Then there’s perhaps the most spectacular feature of all: a full-size lap pool hidden in the sleek main bath. It’s safe to say you’ll be the only one with such an amenity in all of London—and quite possibly well beyond.

The Lost House is listed with Guy Bradshaw of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty. It is being co-listed with Modern House. See more photos below. 

Modern living room with black chairs, colorful rug, and large glass doors opening to a lush green garden.
The Lost House features a series of lush courtyards. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern kitchen with concrete countertops, dining table, and chairs, featuring large windows, bookshelves, and bright play area.
Raw concrete countertops in the kitchen add an industrial edge. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern kitchen and dining area with sleek design, large table, metal chairs, and glass wall overlooking a small garden.
Black resin floors serve to reflect light and create a moody ambiance. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern lounge with black chairs and glass walls, featuring a patterned rug and contemporary decor.
One of the light wells features tropical flora. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern green home theater with built-in bookshelves, colorful patterned pillows, projector, and screen.
The acid-green cinema. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern bedroom with a minimalist design, featuring a bed, rocking chair, wall art, and an exposed concrete ceiling.
A seafoam palette in one of the bedrooms. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern bedroom with purple walls, minimalist decor, and industrial exposed concrete ceiling.
The lavender bedroom. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Modern bathroom with black walls, large mirrors, double sinks, and a dark tiled floor.
The primary bath features a full-length lap pool. Photo: United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty