Today I want to share my guide to attending Open House London with you. This annual event takes place every autumn in the UK capital. It involves talks, tours and adventures throughout London’s architectural landscape.
Open House London
London’s skyline has become increasingly full of iconic buildings in recent decades. From the City to Canary Wharf, Vauxhall to Elephant and Castle, skyscrapers have popped up all over the Big Smoke.
But the eye-catching new buildings aren’t the only architectural highlights in London. Far from it.
Like seemingly everything in Britain, London prefers to keep many of its design feats understated. Which means a lot of the best bits are on the inside.
The city’s interior architecture is one of the reasons Londoners—myself included—get so excited for Open House London.
Every September the UK capital opens the doors of some of its best-loved buildings, allowing the public free entry to famous interiors.
Open House London Tours
Needless to say, I’m usually out of town during Open House London. But this year was a welcome exception, and I was excited to see some of the city’s normally closed-off spaces.
Linear House, Highgate
Starting close to home, I first went to tour the award-winning Linear House in Highgate. Set back from the main road, Linear House is a private residence built into a hill.
The property featured an impressive living roof, an outdoor swimming pool (so rare in London!), and a beautifully landscaped garden.
The interior had spacious rooms, including a floating mezzanine master bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. I was ready to move in.
Kate Greenaway Studio, Hampstead
The next stop on my Open House London tour was a bit closer to home: the Kate Greenaway Studio in Hampstead. Located on the top floor of a building not far from my flat, the space is still in use as an artist’s studio.
The large front room was decorated with everything from thick art and design books to easels and massive metal studio lights.
In the smaller front room, an oversized green patio bench stood across from what could only be described as a disco-ball-turned-hostess-stand.
Next to that was the artist’s desk with its huge computer screen showing renderings of all kinds of architectural designs.
Rudolf Steiner House, Marylebone
The final stop on my Open House London tour was in the city center. Rudolf Steiner House is located in Marylebone near Regent’s Park, but its interior architecture feels like it belongs in Horta’s Brussels or Gaudi’s Barcelona.
Built in the Expressionist style in the first part of the 20th century, the house’s staircase featured curving lines like those in many Art Nouveau buildings.
The cafe had also been reconstructed to feature an impressive wooden structure on the ceiling.
Made from seven types of wood that represented planets and stars, it juxtaposed the historic brick walls with just the right amount of contemporary style.
Open House London Architecture
Seeing the interiors of some of the city’s normally off-limits buildings gave me an increased appreciation for London architecture history.
Even with all the new skyscrapers going up, it’ll be a long time before London’s skyline is more impressive than its hidden interiors. To be honest, I think the city wants it that way.
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