Villas inside and out

Have you ever wondered how iconic buildings look from the inside? Do you wish an expert would carry you through the history and secrets of London's architectural gems?

The answer is Open House London, an annual event initiative by Open City that, for one weekend only, opens some of London's most beautiful private buildings to the public, as well as offering an insight into some of the most exciting architectural projects in the capital.

You don't need to be an expert who easily distinguishes Edwardian from Victorian or Art Deco from Modernism, as everyone is welcome to the visits. The choices are not that obvious either. All right,  you got the Royal Albert Hall, BT Tower and Centre Point, but also more obscure constructions such as the Trellick Tower in west London, a former council estate and now a listed building which has been on the set of the film 28 Days Later and a The Good, the Bad and the Queen video clip.

On September 17th-18th, visitors can enjoy a sneak peek at normally closed off buildings that have aroused their curiosity, including the vaults under London Bridge rail station, the hi-tech marvel of the Lloyds building, the tallest occupied place in the City at Tower 42 and even the Hanging Bathroom of Balham.

Many of the less well-known properties will likely be available to view to those who simply turn up on the day, but for the mainstream locations you will need to book in advance trough the Open House website. All events are free.

If the venue is really popular, those who apply will enter a random draw. Such is the case of the BT Tower in central London.

Steve Douglas, Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, London Borough of Hackney, has said about Open House: "High quality design in our buildings helps to create successful neighbourhoods, and getting the chance to see this architecture in the flesh is a great opportunity to find out more about the role design plays in our lives, from combating climate change, to providing spaces where our young people can thrive, to creating places where we can relax."

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