Belvedere Court, on the border of Hampstead Garden Suburv and East Finchley on Lyttleton Road , was designed by architect Ernst L. Freud. It was constructed by London-based contractor H Meckhonik in 1937/38 on land that was previously owned by the Church Estate Commissioners.
Initially, the flats were built solely for rental purposes and were primarily leased to Jewish families who had moved to Britain from Europe to escape the Nazi occupation. The flats featured numerous modern amenities, such as waste disposal chutes, fully equipped kitchens, and central heating, which were considered highly luxurious in the 1930s.
Television personality Jerry Springer spent part of his childhood living at Belvedere Court with his family. In the 1990s, the freeholder at the time, The Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society, attempted to sell the block to Frogmore Estates without first offering it to the residents, which was a requirement under the 1987 Landlord & Tenant Act. Following a High Court ruling, the plans were withdrawn, and the residents eventually secured the freehold. As a result of this case, the law was amended to impose financial penalties on freeholders who fail to comply with these conditions.
Belvedere Court is an excellent example of ’moderne’ design, characterised by features such as streamlined pavilion windows, stone bands, stepped entrance surrounds, Crittall windows, and other architectural elements typical of the period. Many of the original lights and fittings within the flats also showcased the art deco style, including chrome door handles, jade green bathrooms, and globe lights. However, as the flats have undergone modernisation, many of these original features have been lost.
In 1999, Belvedere Court was granted a Grade II listing status.
