#balham

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Du Cane Court

Balham High Road in south London may not be the most obvious place to find the largest privately owned block of flats within one building in Europe, but with 676 apartments, that was certainly the case when Du Cane Court opened in 1937.

Built in Art Deco style, the building took its name from the Du Cane family, the 18th Century landowners whose land the flats were constructed on. The building was a popular residence for actors and musical hall stars in the 1930s and 1940s, many of whom likely made use of the social club on the top floor, which came complete with a bar and restaurant. Du Cane court also boasted a shop, and the services of porters for general work and repairs.

Unlike much of the surrounding areas of Balham, Du Cane Court escaped bombing during the Second World War. This has given rise to an urban legend that Adolf Hitler had personally chosen Du Cane Court to be his HQ, had his invasion of Britain succeeded. It may be more likely that the distinctive size and shape of the flats served as a useful landmark for Luftwaffe pilots, as the point to turn around and head back to Germany.

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Yard Sale Pizza, Balham,South London

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