International Modern style apartments for sale in Surrey

Pullman Court is one of the first developments of flats built in the International Modern style in Britain. Built in 1933-5 by Frederick Gibberd, with a variety of detailing and refinement not found in other British flats at that time, the development comprises ten ranges of flats arranged in three blocks, designed as a tight, single composition with amenities including roof gardens, an open air swimming pool, a restaurant and social club. Lock up garages and storage areas, with landscaped gardens provide a parkland setting.

The present site of Pullman Court was originally owned by the royal asylum of St Anne's Society and was constructed as a residential school for boys and girls in 1830. In the late 1880's, the school transferred to Redhill in Surrey and part of the site was taken over for the construction of a tram depot. The remainder of the site, totaling just under three acres, was acquired for redevelopment by a commercial property developer, William Bernstein, who recognised that there was a market for good quality accommodation for the young professional classes who required one and two bedroom flats with easy access to London.

Initially, there was considerable opposition to the development, not only because of its striking appearance but it was also felt by nearby residents that housing for single people were bound to encourage prostitution. Eventually the mix was adjusted to include some larger units which could be occupied by families and be thought to discourage such activities. A total of 218 flats were provided, in a variety of one to four room units, with the blocks planned to retain as many of the existing trees on the site as possible and orientated to maximise daylight and views with balconies on the southern sides.

Gibberd, born in 1908, studied at Birmingham School of Architecture, started private practice in 1930 and was commissioned to design Pullman Court when only 23 years old, which established his reputation as a highly successful architect. He went on to specialise in the design of flats and later to be the master planner of Harlow New Town and was appointed to prepare the development plan for the new London Airport at Heathrow and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Sir Frederick's work didn't go unnoticed and, in 1954 he received the honour of Commander of the British Empire for his services to architecture ad planning and, in 1967, he was knighted for his services to architecture. Many of his buildings have now been listed, including his first major commission, Pullman Court, when it was listed Grade II in 1981 and later re-classified as Grade II*.

33 Pullman Court, Streatham Hill is on the market for £174,950. The accommodation comprises one double bedroom, lounge, modern kitchen, shower room, walk in wardrobe and, externally, communal gardens. Further details are available through Townends in Streatham – email streatham@townends.co.uk.

The property is ideally situated for easy traveling with Streatham Hill mainline station close by and Clapham South tube station just over a mile away which is on the Northern Line.

Streatham has a wealth of open spaces including the Streatham Common, home to the Rookery which has featured in several ‘best gardens' guides and there are plans to bring a new state of the art ice rink, swimming pool and leisure centre to Streatham. Streatham also provides a thriving restaurant and club nightlife.