Hightrees House in Clapham is similar to many blocks of flats in central London. Often they are constructed of brick with balconies and/or entrances rendered in a contrasting colour.
In the case of Hightrees House, the whole of the ground floor is white, as are the balconies above the main entrance and on the projecting wings.
There is also a top level of white coloured buildings which could be a later addition.
The balconies are curved at each end and taper, becoming smaller the higher they are placed on the building.
Elsewhere on the building, the balconies are more elaborate which glassed-in sections although they still taper towards the upper floors. There are also a series of small balconies which have been built at a constant width on each floor.
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I live here and can tell you that, yes, the top floor was added in the 1960s. I believe the building was completed in 1929 and has the largest roof terrace in south London.
ReplyDeleteIt was so lovely to see these pictures of Hightree house as used to pass it on my way to school in the sixties and even as a child thought what a beautiful building it was,brings back some great memories. You are very lucky to be living there quite envy you.
DeleteAnyone who studies English law has heard of this place, from the famous "High Trees" case of 1947.
ReplyDeleteYes. Here's the details of the case on wikipedia if anyone is interested in the details.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_London_Property_Trust_Ltd_v._High_Trees_House_Ltd
Loved your photos as commented above , so sentimental for me
ReplyDeleteThank you, glad you like them.
DeleteAm I right in thinking it was featured in one of the Poirot episodes on t.v. ?
ReplyDeleteRegards, Linda
Quite possibly. Perhaps someone else can confirm one way or the other.
DeleteThankyou for responding to my comments, was hoping the person who lived in Hightrees House may have replied however given there comments were posted 2009 they've probably given up on receiving any responses.
DeleteRegards,Linda
You are welcome Linda. There are lots of
DeletePoirot fans around so we might get an answer one day.
My problem with Poirot is that I get distracted by the buildings or furniture and miss the clues. I especially remember an episode with a lovely clock but I was admiring the clock and didn't take note of the time … but Poirot did so it was OK in the end.
I absolutely know what you mean because although I like the storylines in Poirot much of my enjoyment comes from the beauty of the buildings, furniture and fashion of the period.
DeleteI did have a little taste myself just recently as was lucky enough to have lunch on the Orient Express an experience I will never forget.
Regards, Linda
David Thomspson, do you live there? Linda, what made you think this block featured in one of the Poirot episodes? Peter de Loriol (pdeloriol@aol.com)
DeleteNo I don't live there. In fact I live on the other side of the world. :)
DeleteI do know what you mean as the enjoyment of Poirot for me is not only the storyline but the charm of the period as well, and I have been known to lose my concentration on the storyline when I've been sidetracked by the décor or fashion(but that's just me being girlie).
ReplyDeleteRegards, Linda