Art Deco homes for sale in London
Before modernism’s strict-lined functionalism made ornamentation the faux pas of the century, Art Deco wasn’t afraid of a stylised flourish or two. This collection of Art Deco homes for sale in London represents a wide extent of the movement, from all-out decorative exuberance to more ‘streamlined’ iterations. Don’t forget to check out our collection of Art Deco homes for sale for more.
Wallis Building II, Penfold Street, London NW8
‘Art Deco is a survivor. With its hard-edged modernity, streamlining and brave colours, it still has a strong appeal,’ says architectural historian Bevis Hillier. And, while we wholeheartedly agree, we’d be inclined to say that the Wallis Building has done a whole lot more than survive, largely thanks to the work done in the mid-1980s by postmodernist architect Sir Terry Farrell.
Farrell built upon the Art Deco canvas of the building, defined by Critall windows, high ceilings and modernist-leaning orthogonal lines, by adding his signature flair in the form of two jagged canopies supported by a triplet of cone-shaped capitals. The effect led architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner to call it, ‘Farrell’s exuberant Art Deco extravaganza in Penfold Street.’
This two-bedroom apartment typifies how the former factory has
been converted for modern living, providing an open-plan living/kitchen/dining
space, and a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom.
Wallis Building I, Penfold Street, London NW8
Another apartment we have for sale in the Wallis Building, this two-bedroom penthouse option is the largest flat in the building, occupies four floors, has no direct neighbours and doesn’t face the street, making for a tranquil, quiet living space. A rooftop terrace is accessed via a spiral staircase and allows for panoramic views across London.
Old Aeroworks Penthouse, Hatton Street, London NW8
Part of the same factory complex as the Wallis Building, built in the early 1920s, the now-named Old Aeroworks building was also redesigned by Farrell into a mixed-use space with studios for creative industries – including his own practice – and residential units.
The most remarkable of those living spaces is the penthouse Farrell reserved for his own use. Inside, the industrial heritage of the building remains at play in corrugated-steel roofing, a steel staircase and an expansive open-plan arrangement, which is flooded with light from skylights and expanses of glazing.
Wellesley Court, Maida Vale, London W9
Art Deco and modernist influences play out in harmonious fashion at Wellesley Court, designed by architect Frank Scarlett and completed in 1938. This split-level two-bedroom penthouse crowns the top of the building and, inside, its double-height living space is a thing of beauty, as are design flourishes like a sculptural spiral staircase and full-height windows.
Dumbarton Court, Brixton Hill, London SW2
There’s a nod towards the ‘streamlined moderne’ iteration of Art Deco’s later years in the exterior profile of Dumbarton Court, with its curvy balconies and long horizontal lines. Inside, the communal staircases feature rounded glass balustrades, suggestive of the aerodynamic influence Art Deco fell under in the late 1930s, while Crittal windows seen in the flats are a trademark feature of the era.
This bright, two-bedroom apartment has views to the treetops of Rush Common opposite and has been sensitively refurbished in keeping with the building’s intentions.
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