2 Willow Road was designed and built by Hungarian architect Ernő Goldfinger in 1939. It is actually the largest of three houses he built in a row; 1, 2 and 3 Willow Road all follow the same modernist plan.

Goldfinger had to demolish several existing cottages to make room for his construction. Despite the fact that the cottages were falling to bits, nearby residents protested the demolition strenuously. One resident, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, supposedly went so far as to name the Bond villain Auric Goldfinger after the offending architect.

Goldfinger sold 1 and 3 Willow Road to pay for construction costs, and moved into 2 with his wife, artist and heiress Ursula Blackwell, and their children.

Ernő Goldfinger lived in the home until his death in 1987, and his wife Ursula lived on until 1991. Their descendants turned the house over to the National Trust in 1994 in lieu of paying the inheritance tax that was due on it, and it was opened to the public in 1996.

The contents came with the house, and the bits and pieces of the Goldfinger family’s everyday life are set out just as they would have been when the home was occupied.

There is an impressive array of 20th century artwork in the house. Works by Max Ernst, Bridget Riley, Robert Delaunay, and Marcel Duchamp adorn the walls.

The building is constructed of concrete and glass, with an external concrete frame that allows for a completely open floor plan. The simplicity and functionality of the design is quite stunning.

Goldfinger made great use of wood panelling, large windows and sliding partitions to make his home spare but very versatile in arrangement. Hidden storage areas and clever built-ins make for an area that is uncluttered and feels vaguely industrial. Much of the furniture was also designed by Goldfinger and is in keeping with the scale and multi-functional aspect of the house.

The building is also home to an amazing circular staircase that was designed by Danish engineer Ove Arup.

Visiting 2 Willow Road

2 Willow Rd, NW3 1TH

Telephone: 020 7435 6166

Email 2willowroad@nationaltrust.org.uk

Opening Times

March to November: Saturdays 11am-5pm | April to October: Thursdays & Fridays 12noon-5pm

Ticket Prices

£5.30 (Adults), £2.80 (Children), £13.40 (Family) | Joint ticket with Fenton House: £7.70 (Adults), £7.30 (Groups)

Photo courtesy: Matt From London

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