2 Willow Road facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2 Willow Road |
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1–3 Willow Road
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| General information | |
| Type | Terraced house |
| Architectural style | Modernist |
| Location | Hampstead London, NW3 England |
| Coordinates | 51°33′25.92″N 0°10′9.01″W / 51.5572000°N 0.1691694°W |
| Completed | 1939 |
| Owner | National Trust |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Ernő Goldfinger |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: 1, 2 and 3, Willow Road | |
| Designated: | 14 May 1974 |
| Reference #: | 1379196 |
2 Willow Road is a special house in Hampstead, London. It is one of three houses built together in a row. The famous architect Ernő Goldfinger designed them. The houses were finished in 1939.
Since 1995, the National Trust has looked after 2 Willow Road. It is now open for people to visit. This house was one of the first modern-style buildings the National Trust took care of. Goldfinger lived there with his wife, Ursula, and their children until he passed away in 1987.
How the House Was Built
Ernő Goldfinger first wanted to build a block of flats. He thought living in flats was a good idea for modern cities. But the local council in London said no to his plans in 1936.
So, Goldfinger changed his design. He decided to build three houses instead. He still wanted to use a concrete frame, which was a key part of his modern building style. He sent his new plans in 1937. The house at 2 Willow Road was finished in the summer of 1939. It was built using concrete and red bricks.
Some old small houses were taken down to make space for the new buildings. Many people living nearby did not like this idea. One of these people was the writer Ian Fleming. He later named a villain in his books, Auric Goldfinger, after the architect. This was a way for Fleming to show his feelings about the new houses.
Number 2 Willow Road was designed by Goldfinger especially for his own family. It is the biggest of the three houses. Inside, it has a cool spiral staircase designed by engineer Ove Arup. The house is held up by a strong concrete frame. Part of this frame is on the outside of the building. This design makes the inside of the house feel very open and spacious.
What You Can See Today
Ernő Goldfinger also designed many of the furniture pieces inside 2 Willow Road. The house is like a museum of his style. It also holds a large collection of art from the 1900s. You can see works by artists like Bridget Riley, Henry Moore, and Marcel Duchamp.
The other two houses, Number 1 and Number 3, are still private homes. They are not open to the public.
