Why this 1950s modernist beach house, now on the market, makes a bigger splash
Michael Pattrick contributed significantly to the British architectural scene in the mid-century period, namely for his stint as the head of the Architectural Association School of Architecture from 1951 to 1961. It was during this time that the architect designed this remarkable beach house. It was built as a holiday home for his clients, local residents Richard and Phoebe Merricks. The work began in 1959 and was completed the following year.
It has the mid-century credentials that purists crave: a flat roof, rectangular structure, a timber-clad body and an exceptional relationship with the outdoors, thanks to the large windows and concrete stilts propping the living spaces up over verdant gardens that would otherwise interrupt the view. And it all works so well with its surroundings – especially on the sun-drenched day of our tour. It’s not all the time you see a modernist home quite like this on a beach in Britain.
The three-level house is plenty of fun too with jolly nautical accents aplenty. A brilliant splash of turquoise greets visitors at the entrance, while the interiors feel akin to something you’d find on a ship. Its upside-down plan means that the three bedrooms sit on the lower deck. Two are especially cabin-like, in part due to the built-in bunk beds and rectangular portal windows that look out the water. Thankfully, though, there’s no chance of seasickness while snoozing.
Although each level can be reached via internal or external stairs, we’ll be taking the latter on a sunny day to catch the rays and sea breeze. The outdoor step leads to the viewing platform too where the current owners have placed jubliant striped deck chairs. The top floor is light, airy and open-plan, with streamlined windows running along each side of the square. Depsite the nostaligic nautical nods, this beachfront home is refined rather than a novelty. Its beautifully perserved mid-century timber walls and woodern floors make sure of that.
We’re not quite finished. Expect the unexpected with this listing: in its garden, hidden among a glorious assortment of towering evergreen trees and sculptural coastal plants, sits a shiny Curtis Wright travel trailer campervan, finished with a retro red lining, for even more seaside fun and games.
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