An astonishing Grade II*-listed house, Six Pillars is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of modernist domestic architecture in Britain. The house was designed in 1932 by Valentine Harding and Tecton (Berthold Lubetkin's architectural practice) and was later restored in 2000 under the direction of the renowned architect John Winter. A more recent extension by Smith Brooke Architects, takes the internal living space to over 3,500 sq ft across its three storeys, with many of the original architectural features exceptionally well retained throughout.

The Architects

Celebrated architect Valentine Harding (1905-1940) is perhaps best known for his work on Six Pillars. Having studied at the Architectural Association from 1927 to 1931, he joined the Tecton Partnership, led by influential architect Berthold Lubetkin, in 1932. He also worked on Highgate’s Highpoint 1, and later went on to set up his own practice with Godfrey Samuel. Harding died in service in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk.

John Winter (1930 – 2012) was a British architect who was born in Norwich but later lived and worked in San Francisco and London. Winter began his career in architecture as a trainee under an Arts and Crafts architect in Norwich. From 1950 to 1953, he studied at the Architectural Association, and after national service, he went to study at Yale.

The Tour

Six Pillars was originally built between 1932 and 1934 for John Leakey, headmaster of Dulwich College Preparatory School, and his wife. Set back from a quiet residential road in Dulwich Wood, the architectural profile is characterised by an inimitable minimalist façade, ribbons of clerestory windows, and the six cylindrical pillars from which it takes its name.

A substantial private driveway leads to the primary entrance, a glass doorway, inset at an angle. A series of exceptional living spaces unfolds on both sides, cleverly conceived on an angled plan to create a logical, lateral layout. The beautifully bright entrance hall spans two floors, an impressive architectural feature housing the sculpted staircase. The original chevron parquet runs underfoot, and a tall bay of gridded glazing brings an interplay of light over the course of the day.

The open-plan kitchen and dining room extend to around 500 sq ft, with lines of bespoke plywood joinery and stainless-steel worktops arranged around a central island. A separate pantry and utility area are set to one side. From here, a door connects to a one-bedroom annexe, the former garage converted in more recent years to a self-contained living space designed by Smith Brooke Architects. Arranged in a fluid open plan, poured concrete flooring flows throughout, and expanses of glazing invite plenty of natural light. This part of the house has an independent front entrance and connects directly to a private courtyard to the rear.