From Lawn Tennis to Garden Suburbs: The Secret History of Wimbledon Homes
(Victorian hallway. Credit: Deborah Beaumont)
Best known for its annual grand slam tennis tournament, less is said about this leafy corner of London for its rich history of housing. Once a country retreat for lords and ladies, Wimbledon has undergone many iterations through the Arts and Crafts period to the interwar garden suburb expansion. In many ways Wimbledon represents the ever-changing face of London homes, with new infrastructure appearing each year and a population who are constantly renovating and innovating. Here we take a look at the area’s many faces over the years:
1. Medieval and Tudor period (12th to 16th Centuries)
(The Old Rectory: formerly The Parsonage is Wimbledon’s oldest surviving home, built in the 16th Century)
Early settlement: Wimbledon was a small rural village during the mediaeval period, with the earliest records dating back to the famous Domesday Book in 1086. Homes at this time were usually made from timber, using in-filled walls characterised by wattle and daub. You could expect a simple single room with a fire centre-piece to warm the home.
Manor houses: 400 years on from the Domesday Book the area became dominated by large manor houses such as Wimbledon Manor House, built by Sir Thomas Cecil in the 16th century. The building has been demolished and even exploded at one point but has continually been rebuilt on the same ground.
2. Stuart and Georgian period (17th to Early 19th Centuries)
(Georgian interior. Source: House and Garden)
17th Century development: Wealthy Londoners began building country retreats in Wimbledon, attracted by its rural charm and proximity to the city. These developments included a host of elegant and intimate rooms. Characterised by atmospheric lightwells, terraces, cobbled courtyards, and extensive landscaped gardens linked by pathways and water features.
Wimbledon Park House: In 1725, the prominent architect and landscaper Capability Brown designed Wimbledon Park House, which became a key estate in the area.
Georgian architecture: Georgian homes, characterised by their symmetry, sash windows, and elegant proportions, began to emerge. These houses were typically constructed for affluent residents.
3. Victorian era (1837-1901)
(Victorian home entrance. Credit: Living Etc)
Suburban expansion: The arrival of the railway in 1838 catalysed Wimbledon’s transformation into a suburban area. With around half of the UK population living in an everbustling London, Wimbledon became consumed within the city’s borders. Victorian homes became prevalent, with styles ranging from grand villas to terraced houses. All rooms, no matter the size of the building were built with high ceilings and large windows to create a sense of space and light.
Wimbledon Common: The area around Wimbledon Common became particularly desirable, leading to the construction of substantial homes for wealthy professionals and merchants.
4. Edwardian period (1901-1914)
(Edwardian living room. Credit: Todd Sutherland)
Arts and Crafts influence: The Edwardian period saw the rise of Arts and Crafts architecture, characterised by craftsmanship, natural materials, and intricate details. This style influenced many homes in Wimbledon. Led by Londoner William Morris, the everyday became a form of interior innovation, with unfurling foliage wallpaper and asymmetrical design making each Wimbledon home unique.
Semi-detached homes: Semi-detached and detached houses became common, catering to the growing middle class.
5. Interwar period (1918-1939)
(1930s dining room with modern furniture. Credit: Gutter and Co)
Garden suburbs: The concept of garden suburbs, emphasising green spaces and community planning, influenced Wimbledon’s development during the interwar years. Wimbledon Park and the Ridgway area saw the construction of suburban homes with larger gardens. Many of these homes are recognisable today for their en masse creation and one-up one-down flooring.
Art Deco: Art Deco elements also appeared in some interwar homes, known for their bold geometric shapes and decorative elements.
6. Post-War period (1945-Present)
(Credit: The Modern House)
Rebuilding and expansion: Post-WWII reconstruction led to new housing developments and the expansion of existing suburban areas. Modernist influences became more evident in some post-war homes with more minimal interiors and symmetrical features such as windows and room layout.
Conservation areas: Efforts to preserve Wimbledon’s historical character have led to the designation of several conservation areas, protecting the architectural integrity of historic homes and streets.
Architectural styles in Wimbledon homes
Georgian: Symmetrical façades, sash windows, and classical details.
Victorian: Red brick, bay windows, ornate detailing, and terraced layouts.
Edwardian: Larger windows, ornate gables, and influences from Arts and Crafts.
Art Deco: Clean lines, geometric shapes, and decorative elements.
Modernist: Functional design, minimal ornamentation, and open-plan layouts.
Notable Areas
Wimbledon Village: Known for its historic charm and large period homes, including Georgian and Victorian properties.
Wimbledon Park: Features a mix of Victorian and Edwardian homes, along with newer developments.
Wimbledon Common: Surrounded by substantial period houses and newer luxury homes.
Wimbledon represents London’s ever-changing landscape
Wimbledon's architectural history reflects its transformation from a rural retreat to a fashionable suburb. Its homes range from mediaeval manor houses to modern residences, showcasing a diverse array of styles and historical influences. The area remains one of London's most desirable residential locations, combining historical charm with easy access modern amenities.
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