Draft:Ealing Village
| Ealing Village | |
|---|---|
| File:Ealing Village Main Block.jpg The central block at Ealing Village, seen from the main courtyard | |
| Location | Ealing, London, England |
| Built | 1934–1936 |
| Architectural style(s) | Dutch Colonial / Art Deco |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | Ealing Village |
| Designated | 21 March 1991 |
| Reference no. | 1249907 |
| Historic England | Historic England |
Ealing Village is an architecturally distinctive, Grade II listed private residential estate situated between Hanger Lane and Madeley Road in Ealing, West London. Built between 1934 and 1936, the estate is celebrated for its rare fusion of Art Deco and Dutch Colonial Revival styles, set within landscaped grounds. Designed with an emphasis on elegance, leisure, and community, Ealing Village remains one of the most remarkable historic developments in the area, known for its unique character and enduring charm.
History
[edit]Constructed between 1934 and 1936, the estate was designed by the architectural firm R. Thomas & Partners for the Bell Property Company. It was developed during the interwar period, a time when Ealing was transforming into a desirable suburban area and it reflects interwar aspirations for modern suburban living, combining aesthetic elegance with communal amenities such as tennis courts, gardens, and a private clubhouse. The estate was envisioned as a stylish and self-contained community, inspired by a “mini-Hollywood” ideal, with the aim of attracting film stars from the nearby Ealing Studios.[1]
Although it was marketed toward celebrities, the flats were mostly rented by film crew members and technicians rather than actors. The estate's architecture reflects Dutch Colonial and Art Deco influences, featuring green pantiled roofs, white-painted exteriors with decorative trim, and symmetrical facades. The layout includes five main residential blocks arranged around landscaped open courtyards.[2]
Communal facilities were a central part of the estate's original vision. These included a swimming pool, tennis court, and a private clubhouse with a grand piano, billiard tables, and social areas. The estate was entirely rental-only until 1980, when the flats were first offered for purchase, marking a major shift in its residential structure.[3]
In 1991, the estate was granted Grade II status by Historic England, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. The listing protects the buildings from inappropriate alterations and ensures preservation of their original character. Today, Ealing Village remains one of West London’s most unique and charming residential developments, celebrated for its heritage and sense of community.[4]
Architecture
[edit]The architectural style of Ealing Village is a unique mixture of Dutch Colonial and Art Deco influences. The estate consists of five main blocks arranged around landscaped courtyards. The buildings feature curved gables, multi-pane sash windows, steep green-tile roofs, and other period details.[5]
Original features included an outdoor swimming pool, a lawn tennis court, and a clubhouse equipped with a grand piano, billiards room, and library.[4]
Preservation and Heritage
[edit]Ealing Village is now Grade II listed for its architectural and historic importance. Its listing helps protect the estate’s original design and character and ensures any alterations preserve its heritage value.[6]
Ealing Village is also recognised as a site of local interest by the London Borough of Ealing, which highlights the estate’s architectural and cultural value in its local planning and conservation documents.[7]
Curious fact
[edit]Ealing Village was originally developed in the 1930s with the intention of attracting film stars from the nearby Ealing Studios. However, despite this ambition, the flats were mostly rented by behind-the-scenes crew members rather than celebrities. Interestingly, the apartments were not made available for purchase until 1980, when residents were first allowed to buy their homes—marking a shift from rental-only to private ownership.[3]
Nevertheless, Ealing Village has been home to several prominent individuals, particularly from the music and film industries:
- Alexis Korner: Renowned musician and co-founder of the Ealing Jazz Club, Korner played a pivotal role in shaping the British music scene of the 1960s.[8] His club is often regarded as the birthplace of British rhythm and blues and is famously known as the venue where The Rolling Stones first formed in 1962, with early performances by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones.[9]
Gallery
[edit]-
Main block at Ealing Village
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Landscaped central courtyard
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Original gate and entrance
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Ealing Village". Open City. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ "1–24 Ealing Village, Ealing". Historic England. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ a b "Ealing Village". Open City. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ a b "Ealing Village". London Deco Flats. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ "Ealing Village, London". MyCocoon. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ "Ealing and Brentford: Growth of Ealing". British History Online. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ "Ealing Local Heritage and Character Study". Ealing Council. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
- ^ "Former Ealing resident and 'pioneer' is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame". Ealing Nub News. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
- ^ "Ealing Club: Birthplace of British Rock". Ealing Club Community Interest Company. Retrieved 2025-03-27.