Du Cane Court Original Brochure Floor plans – Pages 9, 10, 11 & 12

PLANS OF FLATS AND MAISONETTES AT DU CANE COURTENTRANCE BED-SITTING ROOM 15.4% x 11.IN БАТИ The BATHROOM In all Flats, cupboard accommodation is excellent. In those bedrooms with two cupboards, one cupboard is fitted with shelves and one with one shelf and chromium plated rod under. PLAN OF ONE-ROOMED FLAT TYPE "A" DUST CHUTE ENTRANCE LOBB BED-SITTING ROOM 15:42x 11:1 LOOM CUPD CUPO BED-SITTING ROOM L.FILE KADIAT ATH DUST CHUTE PLAN OF ONE-ROOMED SHARED BATHROOM FLAT.
Original Du Cane Court Brochure depicting a Studio Type A and a one bedroom flat with shared bathroom
Two and Three roomed flat floor plans
Two roomed and Three roomed flat floor plans from the original sales magazine
Floor plan of a five roomed Maisonette Type S in Du Cane Court
Maisonette Type T and Type V from Du Cane Court Sales Documents

PLANS OF FLATS AND MAISONETTES AT DU CANE COURT

PLAN OF ONE-ROOMED FLAT TYPE “A”

PLAN OF ONE-ROOMED SHARED BATHROOM FLAT.

In all Flats, cupboard accommodation is excellent. In those bedrooms with two cupboards, one cupboard is fitted with shelves and one with one shelf and chromium plated rod under.

Original Du Cane Court Brochure – Dust Chutes – Page 8

DUST CHUTESNo. 1. Illustration shows Hop- per closed and in position by sink. No. 2. Illustration shows garbage being deposited into Hopper. No. 3. Illustration shows con- tainer in basement being re- moved for disposal of contents. A special feature of every flat and maisonette in the first section of Du Cane Court is the method employed for the immediate dis- posal of dust and garbage. Close to the sink a Hopper has been installed, into which dust and garbage is deposited. The refuse is thus conveyed to a container in the basement. These contain- ers are daily emptied, and the contents disposed of by incinera- tion. See illustrations. These individual dust chutes are only available in the first section. 3
Dust Chutes – as depicted in the original Du Cane Court Sales Brochure

Page 8 depicts the Dust Chutes and reads as follows;

DUST CHUTES
No. 1. Illustration shows Hop- per closed and in position by sink.
No. 2. Illustration shows garbage being deposited into Hopper.
No. 3. Illustration shows con- tainer in basement being removed for disposal of contents.
A special feature of every flat and maisonette in the first section of Du Cane Court is the method employed for the immediate dis- posal of dust and garbage. Close to the sink a Hopper has been installed, into which dust and garbage is deposited. The refuse is thus conveyed to a container in the basement. These contain- ers are daily emptied, and the contents disposed of by incinera- tion. See illustrations.
These individual dust chutes are only available in the first section.

Original Du Cane Court Brochure – Kitchenettes – Page 6

and arrange for any extra services they may require. Informa- tion can be obtained as to the moderate charges at which all extra services are provided, on request. There is, for instance, a window cleaning service and arrangements have been made for the easy collection and delivery of laundry.FLAT SERVICE. A full service is provided if required, and comprises the vacuum cleaning of all carpets, dusting of flats, cleaning of kitchen and bathroom, making beds and cleaning shoes. The charge made is according to individual require- ments. Maids available for any period from 1 hour, provided reasonable notice is given to the management. KITCHENETTES. The kitchenettes are as complete and labour-saving as modern equipment can make them. They are fitted with a kitchen cabinet, a white glazed porcelain sink complete with teak draining board, white glazed tiles round sink, and chromium easyclean" fittings. Gas and electricity is available and power points are provided for cooker, refrigerator and iron. The GARAGE ACCOMMODATION. There is ample garage accommoda- tion close at hand, but provision will be made, if found necessary, for private garages for tenants' use at the rear of site. STORAGE SPACE. There are ample storage facilities in the basement for luggage boxes etc., in the shape of special lock-up cubicles, for which a small monthly, quarterly or annual charge will be made. BEDROOM
Du Cane Court Original Sales Brochure describing Flat Service, Garage Accommodation, Storage Space and Kitchenettes

The original sales brochure text reads as follows;

(and carries on from page 5)

and arrange for any extra services they may require. Informa- tion can be obtained as to the moderate charges at which all extra services are provided, on request. There is, for instance, a window cleaning service and arrangements have been made for the easy collection and delivery of laundry.
FLAT SERVICE.
A full service is provided if required, and comprises the vacuum cleaning of all carpets, dusting of flats, cleaning of kitchen and bathroom, making beds and cleaning shoes. The charge made is according to individual requirements. Maids available for any period from 1 hour, provided reasonable notice is given to the management.
KITCHENETTES.
The kitchenettes are as complete and labour-saving as modern equipment can make them. They are fitted with a kitchen cabinet, a white glazed porcelain sink complete with teak draining board, white glazed tiles round sink, and chromium easy clean” fittings. Gas and electricity is available and power points are provided for cooker, refrigerator and iron. The
GARAGE ACCOMMODATION. There is ample garage accommodation close at hand, but provision will be made, if found necessary, for private garages for tenants’ use at the rear of site.
STORAGE SPACE.
There are ample storage facilities in the basement for luggage boxes etc., in the shape of special lock-up cubicles, for which a small monthly, quarterly or annual charge will be made.

It also includes an illustration of the bedroom entitled;
BEDROOM

 

Original Du Cane Court Brochure – Restaurant and Club – Page 4

having been tested for their qualities in respect of the saving of labour in housework. The kitchenettes and bathrooms are equipped with hygienic finish "easyclean" fittings, and sanitary arrangements are in accordance with the best modern standards. Pelmet boards and runners to the windows are supplied and fixed gratis, to all flats. All electric fittings (ceil- ing pendants excepted) are complete, and include skirting points, switches, and electric fires. Tenants provide own ceiling pendant fittings from the wires, which are left bare.PRIVATE BALCONIES. An attractive open-air space is available to many of the flats by the provision of private balconies which overlook the gardens but cannot be overlooked themselves. RADIO. Every flat is provided with a com- bined electric clock and radio. The radio has volume control and selec- tor switches, and is atmospheric free. There will always be a choice of two programmes available. ENTRANCE-HALL RECEPTION-LOUNGE. The central entrance hall at Du Cane Court is of ample dimensions, and has been adequately furnished for use as a reception lounge for Tenants' visitors. RESTAURANT AND CLUB. On the 7th floor is a large and well-appointed restaurant, for the use of tenant-members of Du Cane Court Club. The Club is licensed, and during permitted hours, wines, spirits, etc., can be obtained. A snack lounge bar is also provided, for the serving of light meals. Membership subscription to Du Cane Court Club is only 5/- per annum. RESTAURANT
Restaurant & Club at Du Cane Court

Original text from the Du Cane Court Sales Brochure:

The text continues from the previous page 3.

having been tested for their qualities in respect of the saving of labour in housework. The kitchenettes and bathrooms are equipped with hygienic finish “easyclean” fittings, and sanitary arrangements are in accordance with the best modern standards. Pelmet boards and runners to the windows are supplied and fixed gratis, to all flats. All electric fittings (ceil- ing pendants excepted) are complete, and include skirting points, switches, and electric fires. Tenants provide own ceiling pendant fittings from the wires, which are left bare.
PRIVATE BALCONIES.
An attractive open-air space is available to many of the flats by the provision of private balconies which overlook the gardens but cannot be overlooked themselves.
RADIO. Every flat is provided with a com- bined electric clock and radio. The radio has volume control and selec- tor switches, and is atmospheric free. There will always be a choice of two programmes available.
ENTRANCE-HALL RECEPTION-LOUNGE.
The central entrance hall at Du Cane Court is of ample dimensions, and has been adequately furnished for use as a reception lounge for Tenants’ visitors.
RESTAURANT AND CLUB.
On the 7th floor is a large and well-appointed restaurant, for the use of tenant-members of Du Cane Court Club. The Club is licensed, and during permitted hours, wines, spirits, etc., can be obtained. A snack lounge bar is also provided, for the serving of light meals. Membership subscription to Du Cane Court Club is only 5/- per annum.
RESTAURANT

Du Cane Court Original Brochure – Entrance Hall – Page 3

The original sales brochure from property company, Central London Property Trust, printed to aid selling apartments at Du Cane Court
EVERY CONSIDERATION has been given to the plan- Ening of Du Cane Court in order to ensure that all flats have the utmost light and air. Every room, including kitchens and bathrooms, have windows opening directly to light and air.The first section of the building is erected in the form of the letter E and is set well back from the High Road. Tenants of the front flats are immune from the discomfort of the dust and noise inevitable to a main thoroughfare, whilst tenants of the east and west wings will enjoy similar comfort, as these wings are set well back from the boundaries of the site. The second section, now under construction, immediately joins the first and is of similar construction except that the inside of the wings open up two delightfully airy flower garden courts. The conveniences are in every way the same. The building is fire resisting throughout. The maisonettes on the ground and first floors are approached by terraces around the centre gardens. The central entrance to the flats above is approached by in-and-out drives for cars, with separate paths for pedestrians. By this means the utmost privacy possible is obtained for tenants of maisonettes, and it permits the tenants of flats above to drive or walk to the central main entrance. The flats at the end of each wing, facing Balham High Road, have separate entrance halls and lifts independent of the main central entrance hall. Internally, every detail, such as window fittings, door handles, finger plates, floor and wall finishes, have received very careful thought, and have only been approved after ENTRANCE HALL
Du Cane Court Entrance Hall in the original sales brochure

Text reads:

EVERY CONSIDERATION has been given to the planning of Du Cane Court in order to ensure that all flats have the utmost light and air. Every room, including kitchens and bathrooms, have windows opening directly to light and air.
The first section of the building is erected in the form of the letter E and is set well back from the High Road. Tenants of the front flats are immune from the discomfort of the dust
and noise inevitable to a main thoroughfare, whilst tenants of the east and west wings will enjoy similar comfort, as these wings are set well back from the boundaries of the site.
The second section, now under construction, immediately joins the first and is of similar construction except that the inside of the wings open up two delightfully airy flower garden courts. The conveniences are in every way the same.
The building is fire resisting throughout. The maisonettes on the ground and first floors are approached by terraces around the centre gardens. The central entrance to the flats above is approached by in-and-out drives for cars, with separate paths for pedestrians. By this means the utmost privacy possible is obtained for tenants of maisonettes, and it permits the tenants of flats above to drive or walk to the central main entrance.
The flats at the end of each wing, facing Balham High Road, have separate entrance halls and lifts independent of the main central entrance hall.
Internally, every detail, such as window fittings, door handles, finger plates, floor and wall finishes, have received very careful thought, and have only been approved after
ENTRANCE HALL

Discover Timeless Luxury and Elegance at Du Cane Court: Your Dream Home Awaits!

Original marketing material for Du Cane Court, when it opened in the late 1930s

The flats in Du Cane Court were rented individually over the years after its initial construction in 1935. In order to facilitate the initial rental of these apartments though Central London Property Trust Ltd created a rental brochure. The brochure shows the flat layouts with floor plans, emphasised the easy living with services and the quick and cheap transport into central London. Original rentals ranged from £60 per annum to £200 per annum.

Click an image to read more about each page and see a larger picture.

Original Du Cane Court Sales Brochure from the 1930's
Du Cane Court Original Rental Brochure Cover – 1

As can be seen in the image below CENTRAL LONDON PROPERTY TRUST, really sold the convenience of Du Cane Court. DU CANE COURT is a magnificent and up-to-date building providing distinctive living accommodation varying from the comfortable single-roomed flat to the none-the-less cosy six-roomed flat or maisonette, complete with every modern convenience, at most economical rentals. It is situated in Balham, S.W.17, and is within one minute of the Southern Railway and Tube Stations, and only nine minutes from Victoria, and has five delightful green commons all within easy reach.

inside cover of du cane court original sales brochure showing the contact details
Original Du Cane Court Brochure Inside cover – 2
The original sales brochure from property company, Central London Property Trust, printed to aid selling apartments at Du Cane Court
The original brochure depicting the entrance lobby – 3
Restaurant & Club – 4

The restaurant was sadly destroyed in 1945 and all the space for the restaurant and club has been converted into living accomodations.

Sales brochure from the 1930’s in Du Cane Court – 5
Du Cane Court Original Sales Brochure – 6
illustration portrays a kitchenette of the type provided in all the large flats. Note.-In the Second Section of Du Cane Court gas is not available. Kitchenettes, etc., are all electric. BATHROOMS. A pedestal hand-basin is provided, with running hot and cold water, and the enclosed panelled bath is fitted with a mixing valve to the hot and cold taps. This ensures a steady flow of water at a constant temperature, as required. The walls round the bath are tiled, and a low-down lavatory cistern and a white enamelled medicine cabinet have been installed. The chromium plated heated towel airer which has been provided will be found both convenient and efficient. All Bathrooms have jointless flooring and a coved skirting. TENANTS at Du Cane Court are drawn from all parts of London and from the four corners of the world. We have extremely interesting people in residence who have come from India, Canada, China, South Africa, etc., but the majority of our tenants are those occupying posts in and around the City, Whitehall and Victoria. In addition, the convenience and lux- ury-and our moderate rentals- have attracted many former dwellers from Knightsbridge, Kensington, Bayswater, etc. KITCHENETTE BATHROOM
Original Du Cane Court Brochure – 7
DUST CHUTES No. 1. Illustration shows Hop- per closed and in position by sink. No. 2. Illustration shows garbage being deposited into Hopper. No. 3. Illustration shows con- tainer in basement being re- moved for disposal of contents. A special feature of every flat and maisonette in the first section of Du Cane Court is the method employed for the immediate dis- posal of dust and garbage. Close to the sink a Hopper has been installed, into which dust and garbage is deposited. The refuse is thus conveyed to a container in the basement. These contain- ers are daily emptied, and the contents disposed of by incinera- tion. See illustrations. These individual dust chutes are only available in the first section. 3
Dust Chutes – as depicted in the original Du Cane Court Sales Brochure – 8
PLANS OF FLATS AND MAISONETTES AT DU CANE COURT ENTRANCE BED-SITTING ROOM 15.4% x 11.IN БАТИ The BATHROOM In all Flats, cupboard accommodation is excellent. In those bedrooms with two cupboards, one cupboard is fitted with shelves and one with one shelf and chromium plated rod under. PLAN OF ONE-ROOMED FLAT TYPE "A" DUST CHUTE ENTRANCE LOBB BED-SITTING ROOM 15:42x 11:1 LOOM CUPD CUPO BED-SITTING ROOM L.FILE KADIAT ATH DUST CHUTE PLAN OF ONE-ROOMED SHARED BATHROOM FLAT.
Floor plans taken from the original marketing material – 9
Two and Three roomed flat floor plans
Two and Three roomed flat floor plans – 10
Floor plan of a five roomed maisonette in Du Cane Court – 11
Maisonette Type T and Type V from Du Cane Court – 12
Original apartment prices at Du Cane Court Scale of INCLUSIVE RENTALS for UNFURNISHED FLATS FLATS AND MAISONETTES at DU CANE COURT ACCORDING TO POSITION AND SIZE FLATS Per Annum. £ s. d. Per Week. 60 23/1 70 0 o 26/11 95 00 367 39 35 ONE-ROOMED Shared Bathroom Flats, each with separate Kitchenette, from ONE ROOMED FLATS, with own Bathroom and Kitchenette, from TWO-ROOMED FLATS THREE-ROOMED FLATS FOUR-ROOMED FLATS FIVE-ROOMED FLATS о 50- 33 130 150 ม 37 57/11 65/5 170 00 31 A few flats and maisonettes may differ from the above rentals on account of size and position. MAISONETTES Per Annum. Per Week. £ s. d. 130 0 0 155 00 35 33 THREE-ROOMED MAISONETTES, with own Bathroom and Kitchenette, from FOUR-ROOMED MAISONETTES FIVE-ROOMED MAISONETTES SIX ROOMED MAISONETTES 39 50/- 59/7 65/5 76/11 170 0 0 F 33 200 0 0 33 *The rent of a Flat or Maisonette includes Rates and Taxes, Central Heating, Constant Hot and Softened Water, Electric Passenger and Service Lifts, Disposal of Refuse, and the services of liveried day and night porters in the entrance halls. The Show Flats at Du Cane Court have been furnished by the Pall Mall Galleries Ltd., 53, King's Road, Chelsea, S.W.3, and are open for inspection at all usual business times.
Original prices for flats in Du Cane Court – 13
A MOST CONVENIENT SITUATION BELIEVE IT OR NOT 495 THERE ARE SOUTHERN RLY. TRAINS DAILY BETWEEN BALHAM AND VICTORIA JUST THINK OF THAT! There's a railway service for you! One that will meet all your needs in these modern days, with the necessity for quick and frequent transport. There is also the UNDERGROUND, with a TWO MINUTE SERVICE to City and West-end during many hours of the day. and only a minute or two more to wait at any time. Balham and Upper Tooting Station (S.R.) and Ralham Underground Station (Edgware and Morden Line) are both only about a minute's walk from Du Cane Court. Travel is cheap and quick. For instance, a weekly season on the S.R. between Balham and Victoria costs only 49 and the time occupied for this journey is only an average of 10 minutes By Underground between Balham and Charing Cross costs only 4- per week, and occupies but 17 minutes. You can travel to the Bank in 19 minutes, or Piccadilly in 21 minutes. In addition to the above, the Bas and Tram services are also exceptionally good. There is also the Green Line Coach Services, which pick up at Balham Station, within one minute of Du Cane Court for central and outlying parts of both sides of London. By living at Du Cane Court, you are provided with what can be rightly termed "SECOND-TO-NONE" transport facilities, with trains so frequent that you do not have to bother with time tables. It's a very important point, is this matter of travel, but there's no need to worry about it if you live at DU CANE COURT, RALHAM HIGH ROAD, S.W.17 HOORGATE STO LIVETPOOL ST OXFORD CIRCUS TOTTENHAM CT. ROAD LEICESTER DO BANK TRAFALGAR CHARING CROSS MCCADILLY WESTMINSTER LONDON BRIDGA WATERLOO VICTORIA WANDSWORTH COMMON BU CANE COURT KENNINGTON BALHAM 100 MC COMMON TO HITCHAN COPPION TO STREATHAM COMMON MAP SHOWING THE CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE POSITION OF DU CANE COURT
Location promotion for Du Cane Court – 14
A PAGE OF PRACTICAL AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THOSE TAKING UP RESIDENCE AT DU CANE COURT, BALHAM HIGH ROAD, S. W. 17 TABLE OF TIME OCCUPIED FOR JOURNEYS BY SOUTHERN RAILWAY OR UNDERGROUND. TO VICTORIA 9 MINS . 15 MINS. TO WATERLOO TO CHARING CROSS 17 MINS. 18 MINS. TO LONDON BRIDGE TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE 18 MINS. 19 MINS. TO BANK TO LEICESTER SQUARE TO PICCADILLY 20 MINS. 21 MINS. TO MOORGATE TO LIVERPOOL STREET 21 MINS. 22 MINS. TO OXFORD CIRCUS 23 MINS. SOUTHERN RAILWAY FARES, BALHAM TO VICTORIA. Season Tickets. 1st Class 3rd Class Weekly £0 7 0 £0 49 Monthly £149 £0 16 6 Quarterly £370 £250 CHEAP DAY TICKETS. Cheap day tickets are issued every weekday to Victoria by all trains after 9.30 a.m. Sundays by all trains. Return by any train on the day of issue. Return Fare, 1st Class .. 3rd Class 7d. 45/- BUS SERVICE TO AND FROM WEST-END. Routes Nos. 32 and 88 pass Du Cane Court every few minutes, and proceed to the West-End via Balham High Road; High Street, Clapham; Clapham Road; South Lambeth Road; Great Smith Street; Parliament Square; Whitehall; Trafalgar Square; Piccadilly Circus; Regent Street; Oxford Circus; Oxford Street; Marble Arch; and on to their respective destinations. UNDERGROUND RAILWAY FARES. Season Tickets. Ordin- From Balham to:- Wkly. Mthly. Qty. ary. Trafalgar Square 44. 4- 5d. 4/6 18/6 16/6 Piccadilly Circus 50- Balham Underground Station to Oxford Circus by Bus, half hour, approximately. BUS FARES FROM BALHAM UNDERGROUND STATION. To Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus: Single 5d. Return 8d. TABLE OF DISTANCES FROM DU CANE COURT. TO WANDSWORTH COMMON MILE MILE. TO TOOTING BEC COMMON MILE CHEAP MID-DAY BUS FARE. TO CLAPHAM COMMON.. To Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus (Approximately to am. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday only). TO STREATHAM COMMON TO MITCHAM COMMON 3 MILES. aj MILES. 3d. Although every care has been taken to present accurately the information contained in this brochure concerning the flats and maisonettes at Du Cane Court, such information, or any part of it, cannot be taken or accepted as part of any contract between Tenants and Du Cane Court, Ltd.
A page of practical and useful information from 1935 for Du Cane Court – 15
Back cover from the original marketing material – 16

The Rumours of Hitler wanting to use Du Cane Court as his HQ started earlier than you might think

The BBC article “Bevin’s Babes” is a personal account or memoir of a group of women who were born during World War II and grew up in post-war London written by Heather Noble. It forms part of an archived of World War Two Memories compiled by the BBC and written by the public.

They refer to themselves as “The Bevin’s Babes” or “War Babies” and share a strong bond of friendship that has lasted throughout their lives. The article discusses their experiences and memories, including the scarcity of food, clothing, and housing during the war, the impact of Commonwealth immigration in the 1940s and 1950s, the fear of polio epidemics, and the pressure of the Selection Test (Eleven-Plus) that determined their educational futures. The article also touches on highlights of their childhood, such as the Festival of Britain, early television broadcasts, picnics, parties, excursions, and family holidays. The women’s individual stories include experiences of evacuation, bombings, the Balham Underground Bomb, and personal journeys during the war. The article ends with a reflection on the changing role of women over the decades and their hope for a future of equal opportunities and goodwill. The upcoming sections mentioned in the summary include “When Daddy Came Home” and “Starting School,” which likely delve deeper into the women’s experiences during those times.

One contributor Gillie recounts “Nearby our home in the busy High Street, was a large complex of flats, called “Du Cane Court” — and well known locally for its Art Deco façade. Despite obvious signs of heavy bombing in the area, it had surprisingly escaped any such visits from the “Luffwaffe”! Interestingly, there was much talk from the local residents that their homes had been spared, due to the fact that the complex had been earmarked for a residence for German Military Officers — had the invasion succeeded. Thankfully for us, it had not!”

You can read the full account on the BBC Archive.

‘WW2 People’s War is an online archive of wartime memories contributed by members of the public and gathered by the BBC. The archive can be found at bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar’

Historical news events from 1935 when Du Cane Court was Built

Thinking back to when Du Cane Court was being built in 1935 it’s hard to imagine what it was like to promote living in Balham at the time and what else was happening in the world. Historical news events from 1935 included significant developments in politics, science, technology, and entertainment.

Some of the notable events from that year include:

  1. The signing of the Neutrality Act in the United States, which aimed to keep the country out of foreign conflicts.
  2. The dust storms and severe drought known as the “Dust Bowl” in the Great Plains of the United States.
  3. The Italian invasion of Ethiopia, leading to the Second Italo-Ethiopian War and Ethiopia’s subsequent occupation by Italy.
  4. The founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Ohio, USA.
  5. The introduction of the first parking meters in Oklahoma City, USA.
  6. Amelia Earhart’s solo flight from Hawaii to California, becoming the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean.
  7. The publication of George Orwell’s novel “Burmese Days.”
  8. The first successful demonstration of a monoplane fitted with a retractable undercarriage by R.J. Mitchell in the UK.
  9. The release of the film “Mutiny on the Bounty,” based on the historical mutiny on the HMS Bounty.
  10. The discovery of the comet named after astronomer Carl Wirtanen.

Can someone explain the price difference?

How can one studio apartment of 12 sqm or 130 sqft Flat A04, Du Cane Court, Balham High Road, London, Greater London SW17 7JA sell in January for £475,000 that’s approx £3,653 / square foot

When another just a month later of 25 sqm or 271 sqft Flat F07, Du Cane Court, Balham High Road, London, Greater London SW17 7JN sell in February for £225,000 which is approx £830 / square foot.

That’s a huge difference in value. Almost 4 times the price per sqft.

See on Rightmove and Land Registry.

Flat A04
Flat F07