Image credit: Timffl~commonswiki · Public domain ↗
2 Willow Road
Hampstead · Hampstead · Second-audit addition
Story
In 1939, architect Ernő Goldfinger designed this row of three modernist houses, including number 2 for his own family, establishing a new landmark in London's domestic architecture. The house at number 2, where Goldfinger lived and worked, is the most prominent of the group. Departing from the traditional villa model, Goldfinger conceived a bold composition of concrete and brickwork, characterised by its large windows and meticulously planned interiors. Goldfinger's vision extended from the structure to the furniture and details, creating a total work of art where architecture and domestic life merged. This modern presence in Hampstead challenges the perception that the area is solely defined by its picturesque Georgian or Victorian legacy, demonstrating that it also served as a laboratory for modernist experimentation. The house's exterior alone highlights the striking contrast between the historic character of the neighbourhood and a deliberately innovative 20th-century architecture.
What to look for
Notice the horizontal composition of the buildings and their large windows. They contrast sharply with the more traditional houses around them, highlighting their modernity.
Secret detail
Goldfinger not only designed the architecture of the house but also created much of its furniture and conceived each space to influence the way they were to be lived in.
Where exactly
2 Willow Road, opposite Hampstead Heath. The entrance to the National Trust property.
Orientation
The exterior as part of the surroundings. The interior is only accessible with a confirmed booking.
Why it matters
This house introduces domestic modernism to Hampstead, offering a significant counterpoint to the neighbourhood's older architecture and revealing its role in London's avant-garde history.
Access & opening
Live verification required before production routing.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Needs production accessibility check.