London is a city full of surprises, especially when it comes to unique and quirky homes.
From old water towers converted into luxurious residences to incredibly thin flats squeezed between railway tracks, London’s architectural diversity never ceases to amaze.
One particular gem that stands out in this urban tapestry is London’s smallest house.
This fascinating structure has an intriguing history and various theories about its origins.
Let’s embark on a journey to explore these remarkable dwellings, starting with the smallest house in London.
Near Burgess Park in Woolworth, the Still House is an excellent example of the creative use of space.
Built around a railway viaduct, this unique home takes advantage of the existing structure to create a charming and unusual living space.
The curved walls and integration with the railway give it a distinct character.
This makes it a notable landmark in the area. Such innovative designs highlight the ingenuity of architects in making the most out of limited spaces.
In Kennington, the Old Water Tower stands as a ten-story marvel of residential transformation.
Once an essential part of the city’s water supply system, this towering structure has been converted into a contemporary dwelling.
The interior boasts modern amenities while preserving the historical essence of the tower.
Living in such a place not only offers a unique experience but also a stunning panoramic view of the London skyline, blending history with modernity.
The South Terrace Flats in Kensington present another intriguing example of London’s adaptive architecture.
This thin block of flats is cleverly designed to fit alongside railway tracks, maximizing the use of available space in a crowded urban environment.
These flats demonstrate the city’s ability to innovate and adapt.
They turn what could be seen as constraints into opportunities for unique living spaces.
Scrunched-up properties are scattered throughout London, with notable examples on Goldhawk Road and Johns Hill near Clapham Junction.
These homes often squeezed into seemingly impossible spaces, showcase the city’s creative spirit and its residents’ ability to thrive in compact environments.
Each property tells a story of adaptation and resilience.
They contribute to the diverse architectural landscape of the city.
London’s smallest house, located at Number 10 Hyde Park Place on Bayswater Road, is perhaps the most intriguing of all.
Historically considered the smallest house in London, this narrow cylindrical red building has fascinated locals and tourists alike.
Its facade was remodeled in the early 1990s, but descriptions from 1913 and 1933 highlight its original charm.
It was a tiny retreat built over a passage between numbers 9 and 11, accessible via a narrow ladder.
The origins of this miniature house are shrouded in mystery, with several theories adding to its allure.
One theory suggests it was built to block off a nuisance alleyway that was being used as a public lavatory leading to St. George’s Burial Ground.
Another posits that it served as a watch house to deter body snatchers in the 1800s.
Some believe it was built by Miss Jub at number 9 as a residence for her maid, effectively creating a separate house.
Adding to the intrigue, there’s a story of a miser who built the smallest possible house to fulfill a condition to inherit a fortune.
Another tale speaks of an old man who refused to leave his small cottage as larger properties sprang up around him.
In the early 20th century, the house became a well-known oddity.
Local folklore even suggested a gnome-like man lived there. It is said to have inspired JM Barrie’s 1902 novel “The Little White Bird.”
The house was last auctioned in 1933 and maintained by Dr. John Lockhart Mummery.
Its only officially recorded resident was Lewis Grant Wallace, a writer and film producer, who vacated the house in 1941 due to bomb damage.
Today, the property is owned by the nuns of the Tyburn Convent.
This keeps its mysterious legacy alive.
This smallest house, along with other quirky homes in London, showcases the city’s rich history and architectural ingenuity, offering a glimpse into the past and the creative solutions of its residents.
Take a full tour below.
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