The history of Hampstead Garden Suburb

Hampstead Garden Suburb

The first of its kind and hailed by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as ‘the most nearly perfect example of that English invention and specialty’, the Hampstead Garden Suburb was a ground-breaking effort to create better housing for those living in poverty. It remains to this day one of the most unique residential areas in the country, built by experienced London architects to offer low density homes with generous gardens, hedgerows and open spaces between them. Let’s take a look at the history of this exceptional location.

When the Golders Green station opened in 1900, social reformer Henrietta Barnett realised that soon developers would begin to build housing around it. Keen to avoid the standard housing of the period, she campaigned to have a large portion of the land retained as open public space, with houses that complemented the landscape around them and offered stunning views across it. This was not an easy venture however; an Act of Parliament had to be attained in order to make the plans a reality.

Once permission was granted, a team of Hampstead architects, designers and builders came together to create the first garden suburb, using an innovative approach that respected that area’s history. The homes were bordered by trees and hedging as opposed to the standard fencing – a key feature that is retained today. The centrepiece of the suburb was the church, whose spire could be seen from all around the location. The cottages were offered at a low rent, according to Barnett’s aim of giving poorer families better housing. Demand for the homes soon grew and development expanded, with some 800 acres being covered by 1935.

Hampstead Garden Suburb as a conservation area

As construction costs rose after the Second World War, rent increased and by the mid-1960s the area was occupied by wealthier families. The 1967 Leasehold Reform Act meant that freehold purchases became available, enabling many residents to buy the homes they were renting. Concerns arose, however, that this may lead to unsightly alterations and in order to protect the area, a Trust was formed.

The Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust has since maintained and managed the area, ensuring the original architectural character and standards are upheld. In 1969, the Suburb was made a conservation area, further protecting it from unwelcome developments. The Trust remains freeholder of most property that is let on long leases, and owns allotment sites, communal spaces and private roads.

Local Hampstead Architects

Owners of property are not discouraged from altering their homes, but they must ensure that their chosen architect produces designs that are in keeping with the original spirit of the Suburb. If you’re a resident in the area and looking to make changes to your home, contact the team at The Architects of London today. As a luxury architect design firm with offices in Kensington, Chiswick, Romford and Hampstead, we can ensure your designs meet with the approval of the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust and remain aligned with the character of your property.