A tour of designer Marianna Kennedy’s magical world in her Spitalfields, London, home would be incomplete without a trip to her secret garden—up five flights of stairs, including the final steep and narrow step ladder to her roof, which offers an enchanting view of London. See Remodelista for a look at Kennedy’s world below the steep stairs.
Photographs by Christine Hanway for Gardenista, except where noted.
Above: A sun-filled corner is a private London oasis.
Above: Kennedy’s roof garden, the size of a room, overlooks the chimney pots of historic Spitalfields. Pots of Agapanthus and irises keep the boxwood company. Photo by Kristin Perers.
Above: The roof garden is surrounded by three thick walls, which create an intimate enclosed area but also serve as valuable storage for Kennedy’s gardening tools.
Above two photos: A discovery from a used bookstore helps Kennedy maintain her British “color” standards up on the roof.
Above: A door pull offers a dash of unexpected color.
Above: The first thing you see when you walk out on Kennedy’s roof is the steeple of Christ Church, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and built in the 18th century. The church is a defining landmark in Spitalfields. Photo by Kristin Perers.
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