See the first part and introduction here.
4 North Hill, Highgate
Number 4.This is a good example of Venetian Gothic which differs from that of Florence or Rome. The steeper roof and smaller windows make it more suited to a colder climate. The windows are the first appearance in North Hill of a pointed and angled arch as is the use of varying colours of brick. The heavy entablature at the top would have served to throw rain-water forward to avoid it soaking the walls.
47-49 North Hill, Highgate
Numbers 47 and 49. Known as Provincial Georgian style (not a derogatory term!). These houses, unique to London would have been outside of any building regulations and, most probably, from a pattern-book so no involvement of an architect. The equal spacing of the windows and brickwork between them was a typical feature and the lintel at the top hides the roof.
51 North Hill, Highgate
Number 51. An ornate Regency Villa of 1780. Although the ground-floor windows are classic Georgian the downstairs has been more recently extended. It is the only property in North Hill in which the front door opens directly onto the street. I love the first floor bay and wrought iron decoration.
Castle Yard, North Hill
Highpoint One at the top of North Hill
The Victorian Cottages of Castle yard; although tiny and quaint, these former worker's homes,
directly off North Hill, are worthwhile mentioning. These neat, sought-after houses can fetch a million pounds each! Location, location, location.
And the final treat at the top of North Hill is HIGHPOINT (1935) the
first of two apartment blocks on one of the highest spots in London and often
cited as one of Britain’s finest buildings. It was designed by the Russian-emigré
architect Berthold Lubetkin and commissioned by Sigmund Gestetner. Although it
was originally intended for his staff, it was never used for that purpose. Next
door is Highpoint 2 but I think Gestetner must have copied the first one 😊.
Corbusier described it as “a building of the first rank.”
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13 comments:
They are all lovely, but I have to admit that I like the Victorian Cottages the most.
Stay inside and stay safe, Barry.
I like the Venetian Gothic example. Its three-dimensional massing avoids the flat-front look often necessitated by a city lot. At the same time it is less formal, and we wonder what the inside layout would be like, and would expect some surprises. In the U.S., a house like this would perhaps have added a friendly entry porch, and the window surrounds probably would have had a more built-up look.
--Jim
Arleen: The Victorian cottages do have a special charm, it's true.
In the UK the over 70s have been asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks!
I hope you are able to keep well and stay safe too...
Jim: I think the whole of North Hill is in a Conservation Area. That would mean that one cannot alter anything visible about the property without Planning Permission! That does help to keep the authenticity of this special street.
Hello again, Of course I agree that old houses should be preserved and not altered. I am not recommending that North Hill should be altered one jot! I meant that a house of that type built in 19th century America would have had a porch, etc. as original features. Unfortunately, original porches are usually the first thing to go when people start updating old houses.
--Jim
Such a delightful assortment of architectural styles! I have to agree with Arleen... I like those Victorian cottages, too.
Hunker down and stay well, my friend.
Susan: Isn't amazing how appealing they are compared with some of the most remarkable houses in the area? When I said they can fetch £1 million (about $1.2m) that's if you can find one to buy!
I rarely think that blocks of flats add much to family life or to community development. However if Corbusier personally visited London and admired the Highpoint development, then I am happy to go with Corbusier :)
Hi Bazza - I love the Regency Villa - while the Victorian cottages are interesting - I was off Ladbroke Grove area earlier this year and the cottages there are red brick; interesting to read about Gestetner - I see he was the son of the inventor. Lubetkin too ... love that red staircase in Bevin Court ... fascinating snippets of a different life - thank you ... cheers Hilary
Hels: Yes Corbusier visited Highpoint in person. There is no doubt that when standing in front of the building it does rise above of what we now expect of a high-rise. Maybe it was more novel 85 years ago?
Hilary: Ladbroke Grove is a lovely area but I am more familiar with the houses in that road itself; I don't know the cottages. Although it is a different life, all of these buildings are not only occupied but in demand.
Jim: Yes, I did realise what what you meant. Many London house have a recessed porch - particularly Victorian & Edwardian ones, of which there are many!
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