inflation saw tenants for the first time being given the opportunity to purchase their flats on a 99-year lease. For a while the family firm continued to manage the block directly but in the mid-1970s, the building was placed in the hands of managing agents. By that stage the principal shareholder was FE (Francis) Griggs and when he died in 1977, control of the freehold passed to Mrs JL Griggs. Eventually, according to various residents, there came the shattering news that Hillfield Court had been sold - unfortunately, to "unscrupulous experts at asset stripping". The twenty one flats that were still rented out were then sold on long leases to a property company. There was talk of building townhouses with garages and an access road on the much-loved gardens. Fighting back vigorously, the Residents Association organised speeches, TV interviews and meetings with Camden Council in the hope of saving their garden. Eventually they prevailed – a preservation order was placed on every tree. Camden Council effectively refused permission to build and the residents were elated. By 1985 residents had ensured that the landlord's potential for making money was small. A group of leaseholders established Hillfield Court Limited to buy the freehold, an agreement was reached, 84 residents subscribed and they became the new owners. While the management of Hillfield Court has provided many highs and lows, the residents have always been very proud of their block and its garden with its high level of community spirit. Maintenance and improvement work continues year on year, still preserving the building's essential character. Notable former residents Although no blue plaque appears on the building, Hillfield Court has been home to many interesting and famous people over the years. These include actress Diana Wynyard, author Barnaby Williams, author Leonard Arthur Bethell, novelist Kay Dick and the photographer Bill Brandt. The wet-stamp of many of Brandt's photos reads "Bill Brandt, 58 Hillfield Court, Belsize Avenue, NW3" and have sold at Christie's for many thousands of pounds. Additionally, directors of many films as well as one of the leading actresses in the West End Musical Miss Saigon have also lived there. Sophie Turner, the English actor who rose to international fame playing Sansa Stark in the HBO series Game of Thrones lived in the block in the early 2010s, as did media personality and paparazzo Darryn Lyons. See also Trinity Court, Gray’s Inn Road Florin Court