19th Century origins The terrace was initially built in the 1870s by the builder
George Frederick Tippett, who also developed much of the rest of the neighbourhood. Tippet was an entrepreneur who combined the roles of ground landlord, developer, builder "and probably architect as well". The gardens, however, were smaller than some earlier ornamental gardens in the neighbourhood. The 1973 Survey of London described the gardens at 1-3 Colville Gardens as being "a feeble imitation of the earlier and more spacious paddocks on the Ladbroke estate". In 1885 Tippett was declared bankrupt. He attributed his failure to "his inability to let a large portion of his property and to the pressure of secured creditors". Gradually the character of the buildings changed as wealthier tenants left the area. By 1888 two of Tippet's houses in Colville Gardens had already been subdivided into flats.
World War II Further decline set in as many residents moved away during
World War II to escape
The Blitz. 1–9 Colville Gardens was sold in October 1967 to another investment company, Trade and General Investments (Bahamas) Ltd, for £65,000. The building continued to deteriorate and in February 1969 it was again sold, this time to Cledro Developments for £120,000, whose Director Robert Gubay described conditions in the buildings as "truly terrible". In 1970 the block was sold to Crown Agents of Overseas territories, who renamed the building Trident House. The building was then again sold, changing hands several times before being purchased by Elkington's (PIF) Ltd in 1972 and renamed "Pinehurst Court". Elkington's began to invest in the building, selling off the flats on long leases, mostly to the occupying tenants.
Modern Revival Over recent years the quality of the building gradually improved, reflecting the general revival of Notting Hill. Today the building comprises around 105 one and two bedroom flats, mostly leased to private tenants on long leases of 100 years or more. ==References==