Many of the most sought-after properties in the capital are fronted with stucco. The rise of the render is at odds with its humble beginnings as a cheap alternative to stone.
Today there is nothing smarter than a white or cream stucco-fronted property in central London. Made from sand, lime and water, stucco was favoured as a render by the Scottish architect Robert Adam who covered Hampstead’s Kenwood House with it in the eighteenth century.
ARCHITECTURAL GEMS
The architect John Nash went on to use it when he designed the sweeping cream terraces abutting Regent’s Park, the royal park named for the Prince Regent George IV. The grand houses which stand on Ulster Terrace and Cumberland Terrace are among some of the most expensive real estate in the capital.
Richard Saltmer, Lettings Director at Dexters, says, “Living in a white stucco fronted house with high ceilings, cornicing and big bay windows, is for people who want to live the London lifestyle. Such properties are often near a park and have wonderful views. There will usually be a splendid first floor drawing room with double doors, feature fireplaces and huge sash windows which is very attractive for entertaining. It’s about location, it’s about history. Not every stucco building has an English Heritage blue plaque but there is a sense of the generations who have lived there before.”
STONE SOLUTION
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It is fascinating, therefore, to learn that stucco was originally meant to be a cheap substitute for stone. Indeed, in areas where good quality stone was more readily available there was less employment of stucco. Originally the render was either left unpainted or was colour-washed to resemble Bath stone. It is now rare to find unpainted examples, but many houses still retain the incised lines intended to simulate stone blocks. In 1824 Thomas Cubitt, who was known as The Emperor of the Building Trade, was commissioned by Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster to create Belgrave Square. Cubitt continued Nash’s tradition and gave his houses smooth white facades. The trend lasted until the early Victorian period when the cost of stone fell and tastes changed. GARDEN GAINSAcross London there are stucco fronted properties that have been converted into flats. Richard advises, “The first floor is the flat to have. Not only will you have the highest ceilings, the typical pillared property has a front balcony off the first floor. In Onslow Gardens in South Kensington there are amazing terraces at the rear as well, plus communal gardens.” The communal garden is an added bonus which comes with many stuccoed properties. “If you are on a garden square like Onslow Gardens you have the key to a stunning garden with tennis courts. In Cornwall Gardens, also in South Kensington, you get the pick of three communal gardens and in Courtfield Gardens there is even a church!” RIGHT TO REPAIRMany of the stuccoed buildings in London are listed as of special architectural or historic interest and are in designated Conservation Areas. The repair and restoration of their facades can pose problems. It is interesting to note that John Nash included a special clause in the leases of his Regent’s Park terraces regarding the upkeep of the stucco. When considering renovation, it is very important to establish the ingredients of the original stucco mix as use of an incompatible type is likely to result in patches, which look different to the rest of the facade and may cause cracks and serious deterioration. Advice can be sought from local council conservation officers or English Heritage experts. That said, for those lucky enough to live within the walls of such fine architecture, being a responsible custodian of a piece of history is surely part of the appeal. DEXTERS STUCCOStucco in its various forms dates back to ancient times. Here we take a look at a superb selection of stucco homes currently on the market. 
UPPER GROSVENOR STREET, W1K£7,500 pw An impressive four bedroom split-level apartment with modern appliances, 18th Century period features and high ceilings. The open green spaces of Hyde Park and Grosvenor Square are nearby. 
RANDOLPH AVENUE, W9£5,750,000 Set in the heart of Little Venice, with over 2,800 sq. ft of versatile living space and a private garden, this four bedroom apartment is perfect for entertaining friends or enjoying with family. 
LANCASTER GATE, W2£23,000,000 An exciting opportunity to acquire a magnificent freehold. The property is made up of two adjoining white stucco fronted, seven storey Grade II Listed buildings in need of complete modernisation.
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