Russell Court

Ever imagined living in a building designed by the same architect who envisioned the BBC’s Broadcasting House? Here at Russell Court, that dream isn’t so far-fetched. Russell Court stands as a testament to London’s modernist architectural movement in the 1930s. Designed by George Val Myer and his partner Francis Watson-Hart, this impressive nine-story apartment block, built in 1937, replaced a row of Georgian terraced houses. Myer, the mind behind the iconic Broadcasting House, brought his unique vision to Russell Court, creating a space designed for students and those with modest incomes. Russell Court offered 501 “bachelor flats,” small, self-contained units perfect for individuals seeking affordable living in the bustling heart of London. The building’s L-shaped design, with a distinctive curved recess on the corner of Woburn Place and Coram Street, housed a garage and petrol station in its early years. This corner, once a hub for Daimler Hire and later an NCP car park, now houses a branch of Shurgard Self-Storage. The building itself is not listed, but interestingly, the Daimler Car Hire Garage behind it holds a Grade II listing. Russell Court is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the vision of solicitor Gerald Glover, who specialized in real estate development. It’s a home to hundreds, and a landmark in Bloomsbury, a stone’s throw from Russell Square and the University of London. It has also housed some notable figures, such as transport writer Charles F. Klapper and wine writer Edmund Penning-Rowsell. Today, Russell Court continues to thrive, its freehold owned and maintained by the leaseholders themselves, ensuring its legacy lives on in the heart of London.