Don’t live in Beautiful Art Deco Du Cane Court but want to see inside?

The wonders of technology and social media mean many of the residents of Du Cane Court have shared pictures of the inside of this stunning 1930’s building on Balham High Road in South London.

From the wonders of the balustrades to the original art deco features.

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Even the utilitarian stairwells have some lovely touches and flourishes.

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A post shared by Thea Caroline Sneve Løvstad (@thealovstad) on

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And why do so many people want to live here? Well, the views and sunsets are unrivalled in south London.

This ladies, gentlemen and those not defined by gender is why so many people want to live in this amazing art deco block of flats in south London.

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A History Of Du Cane Court

It has featured in property programmes on television; and has benefited from a wide compass of residents and visitors, who, in the fullness of time, have spread the news about what it is like to live there.
The building was erected between 1935 and 1938, and has pleasing curves and metal window-frames, similar to those designed by Walter Crittall to replace the wooden sash variety, – although the old frames are now being slowly replaced. The design also included a stylish restaurant, a bar, and a club with extensive facilities. Originally, there were also plans for squash courts and a children’s crèche area, as well as roof gardens. Indeed, people remember sunbathing on the roof. The building has changed a lot over the years, but it still has a beautiful foyer and attractive Japanese gardens, landscaped by Seyemon Kusumoto; and, at the time of its completion, it had the distinction of being probably the largest block of privately-owned flats under one roof in Europe. All of the companies involved in its construction were researched for the book, and an account is given as to how this edifice – encompassing around 676 flats – reflected a period of architectural history.
Read more at Time & Leisure



Big in Balham

Inside Du Cane Court, an art deco gem in London’s Balham and the property manager who keeps the iconic 1930’s block running smoothly in the modern world.
Read the full article at Flat Living



Arthur Smith on Balham – Time Out

Comedian, star of TV’s Grumpy Old Men and Balham’s most famous resident, Arthur Smith has graced SW12 with his presence for over 20 years. In July 2008, he recorded a series of comedy and music shows, ‘Arthur Smith’s Balham Bash’, from his flat for BBC Radio 4
Read more at Time Out



13. Skips

  1. SKIPS
    A skip is provided for the use of residents at the rear of the garages for disposal of larger household items that cannot be accommodated by the chutes. Please note this is not for builders’ debris nor old kitchen/bathroom units and carpets when refurbishment is taking place. These should all be removed by your contractors or by you to the local authority tip.
    Should you wish to be able to use your own skip during refurbishment works, please contact the Estate Office for further information.
    Download the full Du Cane Court Guide for owners and tenants October 2015




A History of Du Cane Court: Land, Architecture, People and Politics

A History of Du Cane Court: Land, Architecture, People and Politics Paperback – 10 May 2008
A book is available on an imposing ‘art deco’ building in Balham, Wandsworth, – which was alleged to be the largest block of privately owned flats under one roof in Europe when it was built. The book has a colourful cover composed of variegated ‘windows’ into the life and characters of the estate. It is 279 pages long, and includes 104 pages of black and white illustrations.
Buy it on Amazon, in Balham Library or any bookstore (by quoting ISBN 978095416751-6). The author may be contacted  at [email protected]
Download to an iPad or a Kindle e-reader, the e-book is also available on  Amazon.




A synopsis of the book
Du Cane Court is a popular art deco block of flats in Balham, one which, has become known both near and far. It has featured in property programmes and crime dramas on television and has had a variety of residents and visitors.
To compile the book, the author visited various libraries, accessed the Register of Electors, examined the council records, and interviewed long-term residents – including several who arrived in ‘the Court’ before or during the war, and even one who provided an insight into what it was like to grow up there in the 1950s. Furthermore, a whole host of articles and books were referenced, which served to authenticate the narrative. Time has even been spent studying the entire microfiche history of the company responsible for the block, the Central London Property Trust; and in recording an intimate portrait of the architect himself, Mr George Kay Green, through conversations with his affable son, Charles, who has since passed away.
The building was erected between 1935 and 1938, and has pleasing curves and metal window-frames, similar to those designed by Walter Crittall to replace the wooden sash variety, – although the old frames are now being slowly replaced. The design also included a stylish restaurant, a bar, and a club with extensive facilities. Originally, there were also plans for squash courts and a children’s crèche area, as well as roof gardens. Indeed, people remember sunbathing on the roof. The building has changed a lot over the years, but it still has a beautiful foyer and attractive Japanese gardens, landscaped by Seyemon Kusumoto; and, at the time of its completion, it had the distinction of being probably the largest block of privately-owned flats under one roof in Europe. All of the companies involved in its construction were researched for the book, and an account is given as to how this edifice – encompassing around 676 flats – reflected a period of architectural history.
There are many famous individuals who were reputedly there – actresses Margaret Rutherford, Elizabeth Sellars and Hermione Gingold; comedians Tommy Trinder, Derek Roy, and Richard Hearne alias ‘Mr Pastry’; band leaders Harry Roy and Harry Leader, and also most of the Tiller Girls; cricketer Andy Sandham, and table-tennis ace, Ernest Bubley. Today, ‘the Court’ numbers Arthur Smith and Christopher Luscombe amongst its theatrical celebrities – both of whom were interviewed at length.
The history documents how the building derived its name, tracing the history of a family of Huguenots called the Du Canes, who left France and became successful landowners in England; and readers will also discover what was on the estate before the arrival of Du Cane Court. This included several buildings. Of special interest was a doctor’s family home, complete with extensive grounds containing tennis courts. Indeed, one of the doctor’s descendents vividly describes a bygone way of life.
There are some wonderful legends about Du Cane Court. It is said, for instance, that Hitler intended to use it for his headquarters when he invaded Britain; and that the German Luftwaffe may have found it helpful as a navigational aid – for, in spite of its size, the estate appears to have survived World War 11 completely unscathed. It is also rumoured that the building was once a hotbed of spies.
In 1971 the Tenants’ Association was founded, and the ensuing decades saw a mixture of noble aspirations and conflicts of interest take root within it. There are endearing stories of community spirit; and some sad exceptions, where residents cannot stomach each other’s company or each other’s noise. There have been battles with the landlords, or their representative managers, on account of the considerable service charge expenses – and the disturbing flat conversions which they have been responsible for. Certain disputes have even reached the courtroom.
Other events have included what was, perhaps, the first invasion of pharaoh ants in a London block of flats; and a dramatic boiler explosion in the basement, from which a visiting engineer sustained horrific injuries, even though the rest of the building was unaffected.
‘The Court’ and its people continue to evolve. The faces at the desk have changed over the years; and our celebrated resident, Arthur Smith, has opened the Balham festival on at least two occasions. This history shows how the life within these walls relates to that of the community at large.
There are innumerable illustrations: photographs of famous residents, pictures of the building taken recently and in the 1930s, original architectural plans, and interesting letters. A few cartoons have even been drawn to highlight the comical side of life at Du Cane Court. And, if they are not enough to raise a smile, the book has various quaint stories of eccentrics and elderly people making their mark.
Lastly, there are the pros and cons of attempting to gain the freehold, and of getting the building listed; and an assessment of what the future may hold, and of the measures which might be taken to further improve an environment which is already, most of the time at least, a pleasant place to call your home.
Available to purchase in paperback or download to an iPad or a Kindle e-reader, the e-book is also available on  Amazon.