Du Cane Court VI
Balham High Road, London SW17
Architect: G. Kay Green
Register for similar homes“A fine example of Art Deco architecture, with many of its original details carefully preserved”
This wonderful two-bedroom flat is positioned on the sixth floor of the iconic Du Cane Court, designed by G. Kay Green and built in 1937. The impressive art deco building retains many of its lavish interiors, especially evident in the lobby with its revolving doors, marble-effect pillars and lifts lined with satin and golden trademark curves, reminiscent of the era. The flat is southwest-facing, allowing glorious swathes of natural light to pour into the space. The building is set within immaculate Japanese gardens, landscaped by Seyemon Kusumoto.
The Building
The building has excellent facilities, including service lifts and a full-time maintenance staff. Heating and hot water are included in the service charge and are connected to the original communal heating system, which was recently upgraded with new central boilers. Twenty-four-hour security, porter and parcel collection service, communal cleaning and maintenance is also included in the service charge. Residents can also apply for a parking permit on the estate.
The Tour
A porter greets visitors in the grand lobby area. The communal spaces are something of a time warp, with many of their art deco features beautifully preserved. Entrance to the flat is through the smart, original 1930s front door into an exceptionally bright open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. The current owner has reconfigured the space by removing the wall between the kitchen and living space, creating a set of harmonious, flowing interiors.
Many of the flat’s original features have been retained, including the expansive Crittall windows found throughout that frame views across a striking central courtyard. The flat has been decorated with a neutral palette: white-washed walls, warm wooden accents and newly-laid carpet chime harmoniously with mid-century detailing, including the original door handles. The kitchen has been recently renovated with plenty of open shelving, sleek white cabinetry, solid wooden worktops and monochrome patterned tiles underfoot.
Two double bedrooms frame the living area, both with ample built-in storage. Mirrored fitted wardrobes run the length of the wall within the main bedroom, and there is also a separate WC. The neutral bathroom positioned in the centre of the flat has mottled glass windows for privacy.
Outdoor Space
Green lawns surround the apartment, and residents of Du Cane Court enjoy the use of Japanese communal gardens landscaped by Seyemon Kusumoto.
The Area
The green spaces of Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common are within walking distance. The building is positioned on the buzzing Balham High Road, which has a wide variety of independent restaurants, pubs and cafes, notably Gail’s, Milk, Taro and The Cyclist. A weekly farmers’ market on Venn Street occurs every Saturday.
Du Cane Court is excellently positioned within the heart of Balham. It is approximately a five-minute walk from both Balham Overground station, for trains to Clapham Junction and Victoria, and Balham Underground station with quick connections to Central London on the Northern Line.
Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 164 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £4000 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £150 per annum
Council Tax Band: D
Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.
History
Du Cane Court is immediately recognisable, partly on account if its size, as it is the largest privately owned block of flats under one roof in Europe and sits on 4.5 acres of land. Gregory Vincent, author of the building’s history and residents, claims there are two miles of corridors. Its distinctive footprint was reputedly used as a navigational landmark by German pilots bombing London during the Second World War. Although it was then used to house part of the Civil Service, it was never bombed and so escaped much of the damage done to the rest of Balham.
Named after the original landowners of the plot, the building was opened in 1937. It took only a year to build, and is a fine example of Art Deco architecture by G. Kay Green. A concrete-clad steel frame allowed for speed, and also created a solid frame for the Crittall windows. Considered a novelty at the time, there still remains a communal heating system that connects to cast iron radiators in each apartment – and was once automatically adjusted to the temperature outside.
Du Cane Court is such a fine example of Deco architecture, many scenes from Agatha Christie’s Poirot were filmed in the building.
