A new phase of homes is coming to the market at Ridgeway Views, Barratt London’s flagship development in Mill Hill, on Saturday 14th May. Formerly known as the National Institute for Medical Research, the housebuilder’s redevelopment of the site, designed by well-known architect Julian de Metz of DMFK, opens up stunning views of the Totteridge Valley.

For 80 years, the local hilltop landmark was the nine-storey, cruciform-shaped medical research building designed by Maxwell Ayrton. Roofed with green, weathered copper, the distinctive 1930s art deco building formed a huge presence in the otherwise rural area, blocking views over the rolling countryside and surrounding green belt.

As part of the development by Barratt London, which will bring 460 new homes to the area, DMFK cleverly reinterpreted the design, recreating the copper-roofed centre of the now-demolished cruciform as a separate building, which will be known as Ayrton House in the original architect’s honour. By detaching the “wings” of the original x-shaped building to form separate blocks, DMFK has allowed light and views to every home, as well as opening up the countryside vistas to visitors and locals.

Homes in two of the now-separate “wings”, named Dodson House and Wolff House, are next to launch on to the market, each with 53 one, two and three-bedroom apartments inside. With idyllic views that can be enjoyed from private terraces or balconies, the apartments offer a superb standard of living. Parking is available for every home – a rarity in London – and residents can make the most of a gym, concierge, proposed café, and on-site car club.

Ridgeway Views is surrounded by greenery; set in 47 acres of the Mill Hill Conservation Area the development features a fitness trail, play areas – including one set between Dodson House and Wolff House – and landscaped green space with more than 4,000 trees. Scenic Mill Hill Village, with its picturesque duck pond and country pub, is just a short walk away, whilst there are shops and leisure opportunities nearby in vibrant Finchley.

Despite the peaceful location, city life is only minutes away. Mill Hill East underground station has services to Tottenham Court Road, Euston and Waterloo via the Northern Line in less than 30 minutes, while Mill Hill Broadway Station offers regular services to London St Pancras and is only a short drive away.

Pam Reardon, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt East London, said: “We are excited to be offering the next phase of homes in this impressive location – preserving the spirit of Ayrton’s famous building while transforming it into a newer, more environmentally friendly, lighter and brighter version. The centrepiece, Ayrton House, which will be launching later this year, will still provide a local landmark with its green copper roof, but without spoiling the views and dominating the landscape as its predecessor did. Dodson House and Wolff House, both named after pioneering researchers connected with the site, will provide superbly appointed new homes, ideal for individuals, families, and downsizers, with first completions expected next spring.”

All the buildings at Ridgeway Views are named after figures from the National Institute for Medical Research. Dodson House took its name from Guy Dodson (1937-2012), a biochemist whose lifetime’s work in the field of insulin research contributed to the development of faster-acting drugs to help people with diabetes. Wolff House is named after Heinz Wolff (1928-2017) who joined NIMR in the 1950s and became head of its biomedical engineering division. Later in his career, he worked on Project Juno, which helped send Helen Sharman into space and became a TV presenter for the BBC2 series The Great Egg Race.

Homes in Dodson House are due to start from £427,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.