Imagine living in an art deco dream. Hillfield Court stands as a testament to a bygone era. It is located in Belsize Park. This mansion block whispers stories of wealthy merchants and wartime resilience.
Hillfield Court was built in 1934. It sits on land with a rich history. The site was once part of the Belsize Estate. A country residence known as the Blue House stood here in 1646. Wealthy merchants used it to escape London.
In 1841, Basil Woodd bought the lease. He renamed the Blue House Heathfield House. Woodd acquired the freehold in 1857. He then renamed the house Hillfield. The original Hillfield House was demolished in 1928.
Griggs & Son Ltd developed the Hillfield site. They aimed to meet the high demand for mansion blocks. The development faced local opposition. The construction of Hillfield Court included Tudor Close and Hillfield Mansions. Hillfield Mansions incorporated the Odeon cinema. It was one of London’s first Odeons. The Odeon was demolished in the 1970s.
Thomas Bennett designed Hillfield Court. His design included 113 flats. They had seven different layouts. The layouts suited a variety of tenants. Bennett planned the apartments efficiently. Some layouts featured a dining hall. A boiler room provided hot water and heating. Originally, a central store held tenants’ coal. Porters carried the coal to the flats.
During World War II, a barrage balloon was anchored on the lawn. Royal Air Force personnel lived in a ground-floor flat. They launched the balloon when necessary. The balloons protected against low-level air attacks. A brick bunkhouse remains. It now serves as a garden shed.
In 1969, tenants could buy their flats. They were offered a 99-year lease. The building was placed in the hands of managing agents in the mid-1970s. Residents feared the building would be sold to asset strippers. They organized speeches and meetings. They hoped to save their garden. A preservation order was placed on every tree. Camden Council refused permission to build.
By 1985, residents formed Hillfield Court Limited. Eighty-four residents became the new owners. Maintenance and improvement work continues. The building’s character is preserved.
Hillfield Court has housed famous residents. Actress Diana Wynyard lived here. Author Leonard Arthur Bethell also resided here. Novelist Kay Dick and photographer Bill Brandt called it home. Sophie Turner of Game of Thrones lived here too. Media personality Darryn Lyons once lived here too.
Hillfield Court stands as a symbol of community. It is a testament to the residents’ dedication. They fought to preserve its history and gardens. Hillfield Court remains a prestigious block in Belsize Park.