The Redington Road Archive
Built between 1890 and 1910, Redington Road represents the peak of the Arts & Crafts movement in Hampstead. Unlike the white stucco of Belsize, these homes utilize deep red brick and terracotta detailing.
Drag the slider to see how this location has changed over time
The History
Redington Road takes its name from the Redington family, who owned much of the land in this area during the 18th century. The road was developed during the height of the Arts & Crafts movement, when architects and builders consciously rejected the mass-produced uniformity of Victorian terraces.
The homes here were designed as individual artistic statements. Each property, while sharing common materials and proportions, exhibits unique detailing in its porch designs, window arrangements, and decorative brickwork. The street attracted successful artists, academics, and professionals who valued craftsmanship over ostentation.
Notable residents have included the architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (designer of the red telephone box) and the scientist Rosalind Franklin.
Own a property on Redington Road?
We hold original specifications. Book a heritage survey before any work begins.
The Builder's Analysis
Technical DNA of Redington Road. These specifications are essential for any restoration work on this street.
Soft Red Rubber Bricks (Imperial Size)
9" × 4.5" × 3" - These pre-metric bricks were hand-pressed and have a distinctive soft texture. The deep red colour comes from the iron-rich clay of the Home Counties.
Warning: Modern metric bricks (215mm × 102.5mm × 65mm) will NOT fit these facades. Matching requires sourcing reclaimed Imperial-sized bricks or commissioning special runs.
Original Lime Putty Mortar
Fat lime (non-hydraulic) mixed with sharp sand, typically in a 1:3 ratio. The mortar was intentionally softer than the brick to allow moisture movement.
Warning: Using cement mortar on these properties will cause the brick faces to "blow" (spall) within 10-15 years. The building cannot breathe and moisture becomes trapped.
Lead-Light Casements with Timber Frames
Original windows feature hand-made leaded lights in Arts & Crafts geometric patterns. The frames are typically in oak or Douglas fir, with traditional iron casement stays.
Warning: UPVC replacements are generally refused in this Conservation Area. Even timber replacements must match the original glazing bar profile exactly.
Hand-Made Clay Tiles
Typically Keymer or Ashdown hand-made clay tiles in a warm orange-red. The natural variation in colour and slight camber are key characteristics.
Warning: Machine-made tiles and concrete tiles are visually incompatible. Camden planning will likely refuse them in Conservation Area applications.
Terracotta and Carved Stone
Many properties feature terracotta panels above windows and carved stone lintels. These were often bespoke designs by the original architect.
Warning: Painting over terracotta or stonework is irreversible and will be flagged as enforcement action.
Planning & Conservation
Properties on Redington Road fall within the Redington Frognal Conservation Area. This means:
- **Permitted Development Rights are restricted.** Many alterations that would normally be "permitted development" require full planning permission here. - **Article 4 Direction applies.** This removes additional permitted development rights, including changes to windows, doors, and front boundary treatments. - **Pre-application advice is strongly recommended.** Camden charges approximately £200 for householder pre-application advice, but this can save months of delay from refused applications.
The conservation area character appraisal specifically notes the importance of "deep red brick, terracotta detailing, and Arts & Crafts architectural character" as elements to preserve.
At Hampstead Renovations, we hold a stock of reclaimed Imperial Red bricks specifically for Redington Road projects. We do not patch; we restore. Our lime mortar specifications have been developed over 15 years of working on NW3 heritage properties.
Book a Redington Road Survey