DIFFERENT ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Is there anywhere else on the planet where such an array of architectural styles sit cheek-by-jowl than London? Even to the untrained eye, there are clear, distinct flourishes that denote different eras, monarchies and fashions.
Take, for instance, the phrase ‘stucco fronted’ – a term used to describe the façade of many highly desirable properties in London. This refers to a smooth render, painted white or cream, used to masquerade the building materials underneath. It was an architectural ploy most prevalent during the 18th and 19th centuries, and how much render was used can help distinguish between Georgian and Regency dwellings.
From the early 1700s (the Georgian era), properties would be half rendered, half exposed brick, with modest detailing. By the 1800s (the Regency period), entire exteriors would be rendered and decorative additions started appearing, such as wrought-iron railings. Common themes across both periods include sash windows, townhouse layouts and perilously high ceilings that interior designers love today, as they can take the most impressive of chandeliers!
Some of London’s most coveted 19th century properties were designed by the Prince Regent’s designated architects, John Nash and Decimus Burton. The duo took lofty proportions, fine detailing and ornate façades to a new level. If you’re ever near Regent’s Park, walk along Cambridge Terrace and admire Nash’s row of Grade I listed mansions.
It’s around this time that more neoclassical elements moved to the architectural foreground. Hanover Terrace is perhaps Nash’s most remarkable work. This luxury design house plan was originally laid out as 20 residences, with dramatic columns, Roman Doric porticoed pavilions and intricate friezes.
Another unmistakable London architectural style is Pont Street Dutch, which saw exposed red brick replace the stucco finish. Much of the Cadogan Estate in Chelsea adopted this style between 1877 and 1900. The Royal Court Theatre and the Holy Trinity church - both on Sloane Square - are fine examples.
The Pont Street Dutch architectural movement peaked in the 1880s, when a row of quite magnificent gabled properties were built along Pont Street in Knightsbridge. Today, they change hands for millions of pounds and are resplendent with luxurious interiors to match their extraordinary exteriors.
London has always had the amazing ability to switch effortlessly from one architectural style to another in the blink of an eye, and the juxtaposition between Pont Street Dutch and Art Deco illustrates this perfectly. The period between the 1920s and 1930s saw new apartment blocks built, bearing either curved brickwork and balconies or very crisp lines. White render made a return, while windows styles switched from sash to metal-framed.
Stanbury Court in Haverstock Hill (architects Trehearne & Norman), Kingsley Court in Willesden Green (architect Peter Caspari) and Cholmeley Lodge in Highgate (architect Guy Morgan) showed how concrete, cast stone and Crittall purveyed luxury architecture, London style.
There are many other architectural styles I could cover. We haven’t explored the British Brutalist movement that spawned The Barbican Complex, the stained glass and fireplace obsession that characterised the Victorian era, or the gorgeousness of Edwardian times - but we would need a week together, a walking tour around London and regular coffee stops to fuel a deeper dive into London’s astonishing architectural scene.