Arts & Crafts

A consequence of this movement for improved design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle inspired by Ebenezer Howard’s book To-Morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform (1898) was the founding of the Garden City movement. As a result, many smaller developers felt inspired to build Garden Suburbs to showcase their quality design and restrain the over-development of expanding city sprawls.

Muswell Hill benefited as an early adopter, gaining its own small Garden Suburb. Rookfield Garden Village was designed and built by the Collins family on the site of their own Rookfield House and Avenue House, while also building on the sites of nearby Fortismere and The Firs. Landscaped with grass verges, greens, and English rural architecture, The Rookfields succeeds as a relaxing welcome home after the daily grind in the city. 

Shown here are various views which illustrate the pleasing result still maturing after over one hundred years.