Step into the enchanting world of Elmside a remarkable Arts and Crafts house on Grange Road Cambridge. Built in 1885 by the renowned architect ES Prior Elmside boasts an impressive asymmetrical design. It’s a testament to Prior’s skill a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. The house is constructed of beautiful red brick laid in English bond. Sections of red hung tiles add to its unique charm. The multiple roof slopes are capped by five red brick chimney stacks.
Elmside holds a special place in Cambridge history. It was commissioned by Walter William Rouse Ball a Trinity College mathematician and author. Ball a brilliant mind lived here until his death in 1925. His passion for mathematics is even hinted at in the painted windows of a single-story addition. Known as the Magic Room this extension added around 1900 showcases mathematical puzzles coats of arms and occult symbols reflecting Ball’s interest in magic.
The interior of Elmside though adapted for student accommodation still whispers of its past. The original staircase remains a graceful curve of wood and light. Finely carved details adorn the entrance hall and some original cupboards and fireplaces survive. These offer a glimpse into the elegant life lived within Elmside’s walls. After Ball’s death Elmside housed JAH Wood then Arthur John Berry a Downing College Fellow. In the 1970s Clare Hall took ownership converting it into student accommodation.
Elmside is more than just a house. It’s a piece of Cambridge’s architectural heritage. Its Arts and Crafts style stands out among the surrounding university buildings. It represents an era of exceptional suburban development in West Cambridge. Nearby are listed houses and college buildings designed by equally notable architects. These include Basil Champneys Sir Arthur Blomfield and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Elmside’s location adds to its significance forming part of a remarkable group of buildings.
Today Elmside continues to provide accommodation for Clare Hall students. It stands as a reminder of its fascinating past. It silently tells the story of a mathematician’s life. It reflects Cambridge’s rich academic history and architectural legacy. Walk past its walls and imagine the lives lived here. Experience the subtle elegance of an Arts and Crafts masterpiece. Elmside a hidden gem in the heart of Cambridge.