Lemmons

On the south side of Hadley Common, on the border of north London and Hertfordshire, lies a house with a rich tapestry of literary history and architectural charm: Lemmons. This Georgian five-bay villa, built around 1830, has been a sanctuary for some of the most prominent literary figures of the 20th century. Once the home of novelists Kingsley Amis and Elizabeth Jane Howard, Lemmons is more than just a house; it is a symbol of creativity, history, and the enduring spirit of literature.

The Historical Tapestry of Lemmons

The story of Lemmons begins in the 16th century when the land was owned by Henry Bellamy in 1584. The property changed hands several times, with the Quilter family owning it from 1736 to 1909. By 1778, the estate had grown to encompass 23 acres. The current house, with its red brick and stucco trim, was constructed around 1830, a period that saw the rise of Georgian architecture characterized by its symmetry and classic proportions.

In the late 19th century, Major Charles Hemery is believed to have resided in the house. Fast forward to the 20th century, the house was known as Gladsmuir, a name derived from Gladsmuir Heath, the former name of Hadley Common. The house was registered as a Grade II listed building in 1949 under this name. However, Elizabeth Jane Howard discovered that the house had previously been called Lemmons and decided to restore this original name, a testament to her appreciation for the house’s history.

A Literary Haven

In 1968, Kingsley Amis and Elizabeth Jane Howard purchased Lemmons at auction for £48,000. The couple moved into the house along with Jane's mother and brother, two artist friends, and Kingsley's three children, including the novelist Martin Amis. During their time at Lemmons, the house became a hive of literary activity. Kingsley Amis penned several novels here, including The Green Man (1969) and The Alteration (1976), while Jane Howard worked on Odd Girl Out (1972) and Mr. Wrong (1975). Martin Amis also wrote his first two novels, The Rachel Papers (1973) and Dead Babies (1975), within these walls.

The house was not just a home but a creative commune, attracting a host of literary and artistic figures. The poet laureate Cecil Day-Lewis spent his final days at Lemmons in 1972, writing his last poem At Lemmons before passing away. The house provided a nurturing environment for creativity, making it, as Ian Sansom described, the most brilliantly creative household in Britain during that period.

The Architectural Splendor

Lemmons is a quintessential example of Georgian architecture. The house features five bays, two storeys, sash windows, and a central Doric porch with fluted columns and entablature with triglyphs. The panelled double doors open to reveal two internal staircases and over 20 rooms, including eight bedrooms, three reception rooms, and a large kitchen. One of the rooms boasts late-18th-century medallions, adding to the historical charm of the house.

The three-acre garden, during the time of Jane and Kingsley, was a picturesque retreat with an old barn, a conservatory, a gravel drive, three descending lawns, a rose garden, cedar trees, a mulberry tree, and a weathervane dating back to 1775. At the end of the garden, through a five-bar gate, lay a five-acre meadow that was let out to local women for their horses, adding a pastoral touch to the estate.

A Hub of Creativity and Hospitality

The core household at Lemmons was a vibrant mix of family and friends. Jane and Kingsley were joined by Jane's mother, Katherine, a former ballerina, and her brother Colin, as well as artists Sargy Mann and Terry Raybauld. Kingsley's children, Philip, Martin, and Sally, also lived at the house from time to time. The housekeeper, Lily Uniacke, resided in the detached Gladsmuir Cottage.

Lemmons was renowned for its hospitality. Alexandra Gully Wells, Martin's girlfriend, described it as an impossibly hospitable household. Tamasin Day-Lewis, who stayed at the house with her family when her father was ill, recalled it as being full of glamorous older people and a core commune of writers, painters, and inventors. The house was a sanctuary for many, providing a nurturing environment for creativity and camaraderie.

The Legacy of Lemmons

Today, Lemmons stands as a testament to the rich literary history and architectural beauty of the Georgian era. It is a place where the past and present intertwine, where the walls echo with the stories of the writers who once called it home. For visitors, Lemmons offers a glimpse into a world of creativity, history, and the enduring spirit of literature. It is a place that continues to inspire and captivate, much like the novels that were written within its walls.