Former Officers Mess, Raf Biggin Hill

The former officers' mess at RAF Biggin Hill, built around 1935, is possibly designed by S Bullock, a noted architect for several Air Ministry buildings. This building is in the Neo-Baroque style and constructed of red brick with stone dressings, featuring a hipped slate roof and brick chimneystacks. It consists of a three-storey central block flanked by two-storey end blocks. The central block has a projecting section with three bays that include sash windows, a band below the second floor, and a stone semi-circular entrance porch supported by Tuscan columns with stone balustrading. Each flanking section has five bays, primarily featuring glazing bar sashes and a pedimented projection with an oculus on the ground and first floors, connected to a flat-roofed portion attached to the projecting two-storey wings. The rear elevation showcases a prominent three-storey, nine-bay central section with a band below the second floor, 12-pane sashes, and a central round-headed staircase window above a pilastered doorcase. There are two-storey, five-bay wings on either side, and a large flat-roofed extension from the late 20th century on the right side. Inside, the building features a central well staircase with turned balusters, some round-headed alcoves, oak panelling, and six-panelled doors. This structure is recognized as one of the largest and most elaborate RAF officers' messes and holds significant architectural merit at RAF Biggin Hill, known as a prominent site from the Battle of Britain.