An iconic apartment block in Balham is rumoured to have been used by the Nazis during the Second World War.

It's believed Du Cane Court, in Balham High Road, was once a ‘hotbed’ for spies while others say German Luftwaffe aircraft used the building as a navigational aid.

Adolf Hitler himself is said to have wanted to use the building as his British headquarters.

A new website is now giving the world a glimpse inside the art deco building and a chance to meet some of its residents - as well as an insight into its history.

Built between 1935 and 1938, the eight-floor block has 676 apartments and is believed to be one of the largest art deco residential buildings in Europe.

During the Second World War, each room is believed to have been fitted with a radio that was used during blackouts, and manager of the building, a Mr Jackson, would instruct those breaking blackout regulations, saying: “Du Cane Court calling! Du Cane Court calling! A flat on the second floor in H block has the light on, and the blackout curtains are not drawn.”

The seventh floor was once home to the Du Cane Court Club, which had a restaurant, a fully-licensed bar with billiards and cards rooms which had access to the roof garden, but following a fire in 1945 it had to be refurbished and was converted into more apartments.

Over the years the marble floor in the foyer has been replaced with a selection of carpets.

Famous residents include Academy and Golden Globe award-winning actors Dame Margaret Rutherford DBE and Hermione Gingold, and comedian Tommy Trinder lived there with his wife, Violet, from 1939 to 1955. Current residents include comedian and "Night Mayor of Balham" Arthur Smith as well as actor and director Christopher Luscombe.

To meet some of the current residents, who include a TV producer, journalist, architect and business consultant, and to learn more about the building visit: www.made.com/under-the-same-roof