ABOUT USProtecting one of the most perfect examples of the unique English invention and speciality - the garden suburb
The importance of Hampstead Garden Suburb in the history of 20th Century architecture and town planning cannot be overestimated. The brainchild of Henrietta Barnett, the Suburb was to be a model community with people of all classes living together in beautiful houses set in a verdant landscape. Laid out by Raymond Unwin, with Edwin Lutyens, the houses and flats represent the best of English domestic architecture of the early twentieth century.
Today, it is an environment of international significance. The eminent architectural historian, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, described it as "the most nearly perfect example of that English invention and speciality, the garden suburb".
The Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust was set up in 1968 "to do all things possible to maintain and preserve the present character and amenities" of Hampstead Garden Suburb. The Trust operates a Scheme of Management, which ensures that the architectural standards of the Suburb's founders are maintained. The Trust publishes policies for the protection of the character of the Suburb and householders must obtain the Trust's approval before making changes to the external appearance of their property.
The Trust’s long term strategy is to undertake:
Regulation of change on the Suburb through vigorous exercise of the Trust’s obligations and rights under the Scheme of Management (for enfranchised freehold properties) and through the terms of the leases (for property where the Trust retains the freehold reversion)
Direct, planned management of the Trust’s residual estate, including communal open spaces, private roads and allotments
An effective architectural advisory service for residents, owners and their professional agents and contractors.
An education and awareness programme through walks, talks, publications, broadcast and new media
A modest programme of charitable donations to Suburb good causes
Management and enhancement of the Trust’s reserves to permanently eliminate revenue deficit.
The object and principal activity of the Trust is to ‘maintain and preserve the present character and amenities’ – particularly the landscape and architecture – of the Suburb.
