Carradale House, Carradale House, London E14

This two-bedroom apartment lies on the fourth floor of Carradale Tower, an iconic, Grade II-listed building designed in 1967 by Ern Goldfinger. It represents part of the trailblazing architect’s early forays in social housing and is regarded as a preeminent example of brutalism. Noticeable for its striking split form and distinctive silhouette, the building was refurbished in recent years, and the surrounding green spaces were landscaped with new seating areas and playgrounds. South-facing, this apartment's private balcony is perfect for a compact city garden.



The Architect



Hungarian-born architect Ern Goldfinger (1902-87) moved to Britain in the 1930s and was an important - if controversial - figure in the British Modern Movement. His strong conviction that Corbusian-influenced high-rise housing was the answer to Britain’s post-war housing problems won him many admirers. It also gained him his fair share of detractors, including the James Bond author Ian Fleming, who named his most notorious villain after the architect. Goldfinger is perhaps best known for Trellick and Balfron Towers, and for his former home, 2 Willow Road, now a National Trust-managed site. For more information, please see the history section below.



The Building



Carradale House is one of three residential tower blocks - alongside Balfron Tower and Glenkerry House - commissioned by the Greater London Council to replenish east London’s housing stock following the Second World War. The building rises across 11 storeys and comprises 88 flats, some dual aspects, set out on a dynamic plan to optimise the flow of natural light, with generous south-facing balconies.



As the second phase of the Brownfield Estate, its design encompasses ideas inspired by Le Corbusier’s “rue interieur”, where a single corridor is placed every third floor to increase the speed of its lift service, enhance neighbourliness and maximise internal space.



The Tour



Carradale House is set back from the street beyond a turfed moat-like area planted with trees and above garages, and is approached by walkways and bridges.



The apartment lies on the fourth floor, accessible via lift or stairs. The communal areas were recently renovated in line with Goldfinger’s original vision, with new tiling and windows added.



The front door opens to a central hallway, with a practical cupboard to store outerwear and shoes. Walls are painted in a Cupcake pink by Earthborn. Parquet flooring in a herringbone pattern runs underfoot and continues across the house.



The apartment retains its original dual-aspect layout, amplifying the movement of natural light throughout the interiors. The main living spaces are to the rear, where they share a generous south-facing balcony that overlooks London’s skyline. An additional, slender west-facing window in the hallway captures the soft afternoon glow, casting shifting shadows through the day.



The well-proportioned living room is to the right, with white-painted walls and pared-back interiors. Sleek sliding doors open directly onto the balcony, with views of the treetops. It can accommodate a large seating area, additional furniture for storage, and a small study corner.



The adjacent kitchen has modern white units arranged in a L-shape configuration, with plenty of prep space and a white-tiled splashback. There is space for a dining table and doors onto the outdoor seating area. The walls are painted in Nutcracker by Frenchic.



Two spacious bedrooms are positioned on opposite sides of the hallway. Finished in a soothing, muted palette, the principal bedroom has floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking the surrounding greenery. The second bedroom has a L-shaped configuration. It has crisp white walls, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and a mirrored, built-in wardrobe with plenty of space for storage.



The bathroom is well-appointed with a dark palette with Hornblower blue painted walls, also by Frenchic. It has a shower over the bath, mirrored cabinetry, and a heated towel rail. There is also a separate WC.



Underground parking is also available.



Outdoor Space



The balcony is accessed directly from the kitchen and living room. With space for a small table and chairs, and views over the green spaces below, it is an ideal spot for a morning coffee. Its south-facing orientation also makes for a great balcony garden.



Residents also have access to well planted communal gardens, which sit upon former tennis courts. With a focus on re-wilding, there are chickens and beehives to encourage biodiversity.



The Area



Poplar is well-positioned in the borough of Tower Hamlets, with convenient access to the Blackwall Tunnel, providing links to south London and the Kentish Coast. London City Airport is also easily reached.



Canary Wharf is a short cycle or 25-minute walk away, with plenty of restaurants and cafés. Local favourites include Marceline, a Parisian waterside brasserie, Roe, renowned for its ever-changing menus highlighting seasonal and overlooked local ingredients, and Royal China.



To the north are the green expanses of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Hackney Marshes, quickly reached by public transport or on a bike. Westfield shopping centre in Stratford is also within easy reach, open every day of the week.



The area has plenty of excellent schools, including St Paul’s Way and several well-regarded secondary schools.



Langdon Park station (DLR) is on the doorstep, providing direct journeys to Stratford to the north and Lewisham to the south. The Central and Hammersmith and City tube lines are also within reach, reaching London King’s Cross and Oxford Circus in 40 minutes or less. London City Airport is a 15-minute drive from the house - convenient for weekend getaways.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx. 89 years / Service Charge: approx. £2113 per annum / Ground Rent: £10 / Council Tax Band: B