1-13, Minstead Gardens

Nos. 1-13 Minstead Gardens is a staggered terrace of seven bungalows designed for old-age pensioners. Built between 1957 and 1958, these homes were created by the London County Council's Architect's Department, with Colin Lucas as the architect in charge and several other architects involved in the project. The bungalows feature brick and concrete cross-wall construction with roughcast infill panels and flat roofs, which are balanced by high concrete stacks that give the group a distinctive character. Each single-storey unit has a rectangular shape and includes recessed porches at both the front and back. The original glazing and panels under the windows have been replaced with UPVC that resembles the original design, while the flush timber doors follow the original pattern. A storage area, which was previously a fuel store, is incorporated into the front wall. Retaining walls enclose a small garden area at the front, and there is an open grassed area at the rear that is part of the overall design.

The interiors consist of a large single room with a fireplace, a linen cupboard, and a bed recess, although the kitchen and bathroom are not of special interest. These bungalows are a charming aspect of the Alton West development, intentionally designed on a small scale to contrast with the larger slabs and point blocks nearby. This contrast is further emphasized by the quirky, unexpected chimneys. The combination of large and small buildings exemplifies the idea of 'mixed development', catering to various ages and needs, which is a hallmark of Alton West. Additionally, these bungalows form a cohesive group with the 18th-century Mount Clare located behind them. Their informal arrangement and open roadways evoke the character of the original parklands, allowing these small units to harmonize well with the taller blocks across the spine road and on the opposite slope.