If Upper Street is the young and fashionable extrovert of Islington, famous for bars, restaurants, and nightlife, Colebrooke Row, which runs parallel, is the older and more refined relation, known for its history, architecture and altogether more subtle atmosphere.

In the early 1700s, the area around Colebrooke Row was fields and farmland, with a river running through it. It took almost 60 years before the Georgian buildings, which form much of the area’s character today, became the buildings of choice.

These days, Colebrooke Row is one of the most desirable addresses in London.

Walk along the narrow picturesque streets, lined with three-storey houses oozing character, and you will quickly forget you’re in the middle of London. Everything is quieter, people walk just that little bit slower, even the air feels like it has been imported from a country lane.

Eventually you’ll arrive at Duncan Terrace Garden, a pleasant and peaceful public space, built on the route of the former river. There’s a woodland area, with plants and herbaceous borders, with entry points at City Road and Duncan Street. St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the first church of its type to be built in Islington following Catholic Emancipation, is nearby.

Notable local residents include Boris Johnson. The Mayor of London is a keen cyclist and Colebrooke Row’s position, close to Regent’s Canal, offers cyclists, walkers - and canal boat passengers - great opportunities to explore a greener part of London.

A trip along the canal, whether by bicycle, foot , or on the water, will take you past Camley Street Natural Park in King’s Cross - an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. You’ll come to the kaleidoscope of colour that is Camden Town, before finishing in the beautiful surroundings of Little Venice.

We’re sure you won’t stay there for too long though. Colebrooke Row is the kind of area that once you move to, it’s very hard to leave.