by James Balston | Jul 28, 2019 | Cityscape, Landscapes, London, Travel
I live only a stone’s throw from the boundary of the borough of Croydon, but until recently was largely ignorant of its charms, and unaware of its variety and interest. Sure, I’ve caught trains at East Croydon station, and made trips where necessary to its... 
by James Balston | Mar 29, 2019 | Architecture, Cityscape
It’s the 29th March 2019, and the 2 year countdown since Article 50 was triggered, has now expired, but thankfully we are still in the EU, although who knows for how much longer.Before the referendum on 23rd June 2016, the only marches I had been on, were the... 
by James Balston | Jan 18, 2017 | Apartments, Architecture, Cityscape
One of the most memorable shoots of 2016, was a major development by Squire & Partners, at Elephant & Castle in South London. One The Elephant, as it’s known, is a 37 storey residential tower built by Lend Lease. What made the three day shoot... 
by James Balston | Dec 3, 2016 | Apartments, Architecture, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Cityscape, Kitchens
I heard it said that Vauxhall is the new Knightsbridge. While this may be a tad exaggerated, even by property marketing standards, there are elements of truth. Perhaps more accurate would be Vauxhall is the new Mayfair, for the simple reason that the American embassy... 
by James Balston | Oct 7, 2016 | Architecture, Churches, Cityscape, Classical, Colour, Decoration, Heritage, Instagram, Travel
My horizons have broadened a little more after our week spent in Northern Italy. It’s no surprise that those 17th, 18th & 19th century aristocrats, aesthetes, and architects were so inspired by what they found there. We based ourselves in the beautiful and... 
by James Balston | Sep 9, 2016 | Architecture, Cityscape, London
You don’t need me to tell you that land values and property prices have soared in hitherto undesirable parts of the capital. The best illustration of this is to take a look at Perkins Square in Southwark. You’ve probably never heard of it, though you will...