Rossetti House Millbank Estate

Rossetti House is a block of flats built between 1897 and 1902 as part of the Millbank Estate, one of the first and most significant housing estates developed by the London County Council. The estate was designed by the LCC Architects' Department, under Owen Fleming and particularly R. Minton Taylor, who likely designed the layout radiating from a central public garden. The building is constructed of red brick with stone and rendered dressings, and has tiled roofs. Its design reflects a humane, Arts and Crafts socialist approach, influenced by the work of Webb, Lethaby, and Smith and Brewer, incorporating “Queen Anne” style details, all executed to a high standard.

The building is five storeys high and is situated on either side of the central St. Oswulf Street, with a symmetrical relationship to its twin, Romney House. It has 18 windows across the facade, with a projecting central section and pavilion features facing St. Oswulf Street. Recessed, cornice-hooded porches are set within the courtyard elevation. The windows are segmental arched sashes with exposed box frames, arranged to reflect the interior room layout. The top floor is rendered and features casement windows. Dormers are located above the flat eaves of the hipped roofs.