15-33, Minstead Gardens

This is a staggered terrace of ten bungalows, built between 1957 and 1958 for elderly residents. They were designed between 1952 and 1953 by the London County Council's Architect's Department, with Colin Lucas as Architect in Charge and J A Partridge, W G Howell, J A W Killick, S F Amis, J R Galley and R Stout as job architects. The bungalows are constructed from brick and concrete cross-wall construction, with roughcast infill panels, and have flat roofs punctuated by prominent concrete stacks that contribute significantly to the group's character. Each single-storey unit is rectangular, featuring recessed front and rear porches. The glazing and panels under the windows have been replaced with UPVC, replicating the original design. Flush timber doors follow the original pattern. A storage area, previously used as a fuel store, is built into the front wall. Retaining walls enclose a small garden area to the front, and the rear opens onto a shared grassed area that is an integral part of the group’s design. Cobbled paving outside number 33 adds a picturesque detail reflecting the attention to landscaping. Inside, the bungalows feature a large single room with a fireplace, a linen cupboard, and a bed recess; the kitchen and bathroom are not of particular interest. The bungalows are a charming feature of the Alton West development, deliberately designed as a contrast to the larger surrounding buildings. The quirky chimneys and the combination of large and small-scale structures exemplify the concept of ‘mixed development,’ accommodating residents of all ages. They also form a strong grouping with the 18th-century Mount Clare house located behind. The informal arrangement of the bungalows, combined with open roadways, creates a character reminiscent of original parklands, while still integrating well with the larger blocks situated across the spine road and on the higher slope.