A Celebration of London's Architecture

Last week end was Open House London 2012, the biggest celebration of London’s architecture that takes place every year at the end of September.

It is really an opportunity to explore the diverse buildings, gardens and neighbourhoods in London.

I’m not an architect or a designer, but I’ve always been fascinated by the contrasts of this city’s architecture: the historic and the new next to each other in a fluid mix of contemporary shapes and classical columns.

So I couldn’t miss this opportunity to explore some of the most famous landmarks and small private houses usually closed to the public.

We decided to start with our neighbourhood, Hampstead. The list of buildings was so long that we had to opt for a couple of houses not too far from each other. The first one was Fenton House and its garden, a beautiful 17th-century merchant's house, a place of unique charm and ambience. They host a large collection of beautiful and charming porcelains and early keyboard instruments. What was a nice surprise was the view from the top floor balcony: the green hills of Hampstead leave space on the South-East side to a spectacular view of the City skyline. The garden is a gem: orchards and lawns alternate and the apple orchard is rich with 30 different varieties.  Once a year  “Apple and Orchard Day” gives the opportunity to harvest apples, vegetables and herbs. A really nice discovery at our doorstep! Unfortunately no time was left for the second house we wanted to visit.

The following day we explored a Victorian house in Primrose Hill: it has been recently renovated in a contemporary style, maintaining many of the original features. A creative lights arrangement and a Victorian stairway contributed substantially to the mix. A high standard interior design work completed the picture.

I wish we had more time to spend for Open House London: many more buildings deserve a visit and one that I won’t miss next year is St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, a Victorian masterpiece designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1873 to accommodate rail travellers through the St. Pancras Rail Station. 

I’m already looking forward to next year event on 21^st & 22^nd September 2013.   Check the website for more information: www.londonopenhouse.org

 by Paola Longobardi

Visit the FOCUS website www.focus-info.org