Albert Square is one of the more recognisable patches of green in British TV History. Supposedly set in the made-up London borough of Walford, few people know that this popular BBC soap opera was actually based on a garden square in Hackney.
Fassett Square, a collection of late Victorian houses in the East End, centred around a communal garden with a wrought iron fence, is a doppelgänger of the Elstree Studios set in Borehamwood where the programme was ultimately shot. Although the first pilot was filmed on location in the 1980s, the show moved to a studio after filming proved too disruptive for locals.
The soap’s original producer Julia Smith said Fassett Square was chosen to reflect the housing and social problems troubling east London at the time, and it’s thought that the showrunners drew lots of inspiration from Hackney’s local streets. Queen Victoria pub, for example, is meant to be based on the Cat and Mutton on Broadway Market.
But, while much of East Enders charm comes from its timeless nature - and the enduring presence of audience favourites like the market, the lock-up and the cafe - Hackney has witnessed a drastic transformation over the last few decades. Today, the borough is thriving and affluent compared to forty years ago thanks to a housing market boom that’s seen young families, city and media workers flock to the area.
Now, a Victorian terrace house, on Fassett Square has become available for sale. Recently renovated and extended, the property offers four double bedrooms and 1,855 sq. ft of living space.
The entire ground floor has an open plan design, with a double reception room that leads onto a bright white kitchen and dining space featuring teal cabinets and an exposed brick wall. Sliding double doors take you out onto a large hardwood decked terrace and upstairs, there are four double bedrooms with a modern family bathroom and an en suite on the top level.
Jodie Ryan, Director of Dexters Hackney says, “This property is remarkable, both in terms of its size and design. Thanks to its recent extension, the house is much bigger than many others in the area, and benefits from a private garden square for resident’s only as well as off-street parking.’
