Belle Vue, Hampstead

Belle Vue provides 60 later living apartments in the busy, friendly neighbourhood of Belsize Park. The architectural composition is of four blocks, each distinct but conjoined, set within a series of courtyard gardens. These open spaces bring a wonderful calm, green aspect to the communal and wellbeing facilities, rooting the building firmly in Hampstead.

The landscape design is based around the mediaeval concept of ‘hortus conclusus’ (enclosed garden) with poetic and spiritual associations. The views in between and through each courtyard create a sense of anticipation and journey while walking through the gardens. “Beauty is the moment of transition…” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The Arrival Court has multi stemmed Chinese birches. The raised Herb Garden is used by residents and the kitchen staff. The Pear Court is inspired by the ancient pear trees in the convent cloisters that formerly occupied this site.