Avenue House Estate
On 1st November 2002 Avenue House Estate Management (AHEM), a new trust comprising local residents and users of the Estate, took over the day to day operation of Avenue House Estate. A 125 year lease has been granted by the London Borough of Barnet and AHEM (now AHET) now have the task of improving and promoting the house and grounds.
You can help maintain the house and grounds by making a donation to the Trust, booking rooms in the house for meetings, parties and functions or by volunteering to help. Visit www.avenuehouse.org.uk or email info@avenuehouse.org.uk for details. The support of the local community is vital for the future success of the Estate.
About Avenue House
In 1918 Avenue House and its very attractive gardens were left to the people of Finchley for their enjoyment by Henry ("Inky") Stephens. Built in 1859, it is a fine building standing in its own grounds that have been well-landscaped and contain many unusual trees. A guided walk around the grounds has been published and can be obtained free of charge from local libraries and Avenue House itself.
The house is now used for various activities and many local societies hold their meetings there (including the Finchley Society). It is also an approved venue for civil ceremonies including weddings and baby namings.
At the eastern end of the grounds Stephens built, in the 1870s, a bizarre concrete structure known as the Bothy. The Bothy is one of the earliest reinforced concrete buildings.
The Society helped to restore the laboratory where "Inky" Stephens formulated his famous ink but sadly this was destroyed in 1988 when an arsonist set fire to the house. Much damage was done at that time but the building has been carefully and well refurbished. The Stephens Collection is open to the public.
The Bothy
Within the grounds of Avenue House is the Grade II listed Bothy. The Bothy is intended to be a place where people from the local community and surrounding areas can meet, in the café, in the workshops and in performance, rehearsals and exhibitions.
