This unique house, 'Atelier', 14, Kidderpore Avenue, was designed and built in 1901 by the artist George Hillyard Swinstead for his family and as his art studio. George Swinstead died in 1926 but the family continued to live in the house until the second world war when they abandoned the house and it was bought by Harold Craxton and his wife Essie in 1945 after they and their family were bombed out of their home in St. John’s Wood during the Blitz. Their six children included the distinguished oboist Janet Craxton; the painter John Craxton R.A. and the BBC’s Royal events television director Antony Craxton C.V.O.

Professor Harold Craxton O.B.E (Royal Academy of Music), an eminent and much-loved pianist and teacher, lectured, taught and entertained at the house and accompanied some of the finest singers and musicians of the day. As a result, the house became a focal point for music and the artistic milieu in London. The house now provides the cream of national and international classical and jazz musicians with a unique and distinctive ambience for musical excellence as well as offering other organisations a singular and exclusive venue.

The main space has a 33ft x 23ft double-height room, complete with wood panelling, large fireplace and a beautiful maple floor. There is also a balcony / mezzanine area overlooking the main space. The double doors flow out on to a calm secluded garden filled with lush greenery.