2 Willow Road, London

National Trust.
This unique Modernist home was designed by architect Erno Goldfinger in 1939 for himself and his family. The house has surprising design details that were groundbreaking at the time and still look fresh today. By comparison, the average estate house of today looks timid and boring. The house also contains the Goldfingers’ impressive collection of modern art, intriguing personal possessions and innovative furniture.
As a fan of good modern architecture, I found the visit most interesting. By the way, the houses at each end of the short terrace were built at the same time but do not belong to the Trust. As I left, I noticed that one of them has an application posted seeking to replace the Goldfinger windows with UPVC. (I hope the planners told this philistine where to get off.)
The terrace with no. 2 does look a bit like a small commercial block, but is not unattractive. Goldfinger had great trouble getting his design passed by the local planners, who wanted something more in keeping with the rest of the street. Unfortunately for their case, the nearest pre-existing Victorian houses are oversized and ugly.
Entry before 3pm is by timed guided tour. An introductory film is shown at regular intervals.
The house is about ¼ mile from Hampstead tube station – No.2 is at the far end of Willow Road. If you have to drive, you might find parking at East Heath Road or at parking meters.