As coveted London postcodes go, Spitalfields is hard to beat thanks to its rich Georgian and Victorian heritage, cobbled streets and thriving independent stores.

Sitting on Brushfield Street, this former milliner’s retains its Victorian shop frontage, with red brick and wooden shutters – and large glass panes that are souped-up from London property’s stint as a jewellery store. It’s just one of the quirky features of the building, which is for sale via Inigo for £2.185m leasehold.

Tongue and groove mouldings and hardwood floors are original inside the store, which has A1 commercial designation and has an office at the rear with a cast-iron Victorian stove as well as built-in storage.

Above the store level is a light and bright apartment with original floorboards, fireplace and views over the market below through large cash windows in the living room. Two bedrooms are on the second floor with a thought-to-be-original box bed built in from the time of construction – it’s an unusual feature surrounded by cabinetry to maximise floor space, showing compact living isn’t just a modern urban concern.

The serene and richly patinated building culminates with a cute rooftop terrace which is reached off the second-floor bathroom and bedroom via old stable doors.

Margate townhouse is adaptable and packed with historical features