High Holborn House 52 54 High Holborn London Wc1v 6rl

Alright, picture this: You're strolling down High Holborn, a bustling London street that's seen more history than your grandma's tea set. Suddenly, you spot a pair of buildings that look like they've been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. That, my friends, is High Holborn House, 52-54 High Holborn, WC1V 6RL. Let's dive in, shall we?

Once Upon a Time in Holborn

Imagine walking into a time machine, setting the dial for the 1890s, and stepping out onto High Holborn. You'd see horse-drawn carriages, gas lamps, and, right there in the middle of it all, our very own High Holborn House. It was built by a man named Henry Jarvis, who was as rich as Croesus and had a taste for the dramatic.

Jarvis was a bit of a show-off, really. He wanted his buildings to be the stars of the show, and boy, did he succeed! High Holborn House is like the leading lady of this historic street, drawing your eye with its grand facade and whispering tales of Victorian opulence.

Meet the Queen of High Holborn

High Holborn House is a real looker, isn't she? She's got a queenly presence, with her red-brick exterior, those elegant bay windows, and a grand entrance that screams "Welcome, dear guest!" She's even got a cute little clock tower, like a tiny crown perched on her head.

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all very nice, but what's so special about this place?" Well, let me tell you, this isn't just any old building. High Holborn House has been a witness to history, a silent guardian of London's past.

From Offices to Art Deco Dreams

In its early years, High Holborn House was home to all sorts of businesses. Lawyers, architects, even a company that made pianos once called it home. But it was in the 1930s that the building really started to shine.

See, back then, a man named Harry Driscoll had a dream. He wanted to turn High Holborn House into a beacon of art deco elegance. So, he hired a bunch of architects, gave them free rein, and voila! The building was transformed into a masterclass in art deco design.

Think of it like a makeover show, but instead of a new hairstyle, High Holborn House got a whole new look. And let me tell you, she looked good.

Art Deco Gems

High Holborn House is like a treasure trove of art deco delights. There are geometric patterns etched into the stone, sleek metal doors, and even a beautiful, original art deco lift that'll take you up to the top floors.

And the best part? Many of these art deco features are still there, waiting to be discovered. It's like stepping back in time, into a world of glamour and sophistication.

Why You Should Care

So, why should you care about High Holborn House? Well, for starters, it's a piece of London's history. This building has seen kings and queens, wars and peace, and it's still standing tall, telling its story.

But it's not just about history. High Holborn House is a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. It's a testament to the power of architecture to transform a space, to make it something special.

Plus, let's face it, it's just plain cool. How many buildings can say they've got an art deco lift that's still in working order? Not many, I'll tell you that much.

Let's Not Forget the Views

Oh, and did I mention the views? High Holborn House might be a historic gem, but it's also got a prime spot right in the heart of London. Climb up to the top floors, and you'll be rewarded with a panorama of the city that's nothing short of breathtaking.

From up there, you can see the London Eye spinning slowly in the distance, the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral glinting in the sunlight, and the bustling streets of Holborn stretching out below. It's a view that'll make you fall in love with London all over again.

Visiting High Holborn House

So, you're sold, right? You're ready to go exploring? Well, here's the thing: High Holborn House is a private building, so you can't just wander in off the street. But don't worry, there are still ways to see this beauty up close.

First off, you can always take a stroll down High Holborn and admire the building from the outside. It's a great excuse to explore this historic street, and who knows, you might even spot some other hidden gems along the way.

If you're really keen to see the art deco delights inside, you could always try your hand at a bit of detective work. High Holborn House is home to a few different businesses, so you could always drop them a line and see if they'd be willing to show you around.

And if all else fails, there's always the internet. A quick search will turn up plenty of photos and stories about High Holborn House. It's not the same as seeing it in person, but it's a start.

A Final Word

High Holborn House is more than just a building. It's a piece of London's history, a testament to the power of architecture, and a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.

So, the next time you're walking down High Holborn, take a moment to look up. See that grand building with the clock tower? That's High Holborn House. And she's worth caring about.