Part of the Templemere Estate, this four-bedroom polygonal house perches on the forest edge outside Weybridge. The original plan is largely intact, full of large, windowed spaces that flow into one another. Wide panes of glazing in the midcentury style wrap around the plan to ensure a constantly shifting pattern of light and shadow on the preserved box-parquet floor, enhanced by the swaying leaves from the rear courtyard.
The estate was built on a former royal domain in the early 1960s by Span, a prolific partnership between architect Eric Lyons and developer Geoffrey Townsend. Their work was generally considered a triumph of modern British mass housing and Templemere, an affordable, well-planned modernist community, won the Civic Trust Award for its astute design. The communal gardens encompass a private stretch of river and woodland and brings residents together for chance encounters and planned events.
This unit is especially private, due to its end-of-terrace location and private courtyard garden. It has a wide entrance hall flanked by the kitchen and living room, which lead, in turn, to the dining room and office. Every room is lit by full-height windows and strategic lighting.
The main bedroom overlooks the woodland, with three further bedrooms orbiting the landing. The main bathroom, with its original (re-enamelled) bath, sits separate from the loo; a second WC is located on the floor below. The former owners set up the detached garage, or summer house, as a games room.
The Modern House is currently marketing the property at £975,000.