Going Up the Country: modern country houses outside London
We recently made a sojourn to architect Vicky Thornton’s modern holiday home in Southwest France. While we were there Vicky told us that, “What this place affords me is time. It’s an absolute luxury. I love my job, and I work really hard in London, but this is my escape.” Feeling inspired to seek a sanctuary of our own, we’re sharing some of the best modern country houses outside London that are currently on the market.
Peasmarsh, East Sussex
This rural idyll is to be found on the outskirts of Peasmarsh near the historic town of Rye, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The early twentieth-century house was once a gardener’s cottage and stable, but has since been converted and reconfigured to form an elegant riff on the Arts and Crafts tradition. Outside, the three acres of land is scattered with peach trees, beech hedges, vine walls and an orchard.
The Shed, Tokavaig, Isle of Skye
Yes, the home counties can provide some much-needed respite from modern life, but if you’re looking for a bolthole in the true sense of the word, The Shed is one for you. Overlooking Loch Eishort on the southern end of Skye, the house is located in an area of the island famed for its native woodland and spectacular backdrop provided by the Cullins mountains. Inside, the open-plan ground floor opens onto a loch-facing deck, ideal for star gazing.
Cheeran House, Lower Basildon, Berkshire
Modern country houses don’t get more modern – or refined – than this. Completed in 2014, Cheeran House was met with much praise, picking up a RIBA South Regional and RIBA National award in 2016. Designed by John Pardey Architects, the house marries contemporary sensibilities – an open plan layout, ground-source heating pump and lashings of glazing – with natural materials like cedar and flint to a balanced effect.
Grasslands, Gilston, Hertfordshire
This charming abode includes a beautifully converted and expansive B1 studio, and two further outbuildings of a similar size. The house, near Harlow, was designed by Helmer and Dyer in 1960 and has been lovingly re-designed and maintained by its current owners over a 20-year period. Mature hedges and woodland establish a sense of privacy and isolation, despite the convenient proximity to the town centre and station, while three and a half acres of land offers a greenhouse, vegetable garden and mixed-fruit orchard.
Heckfield, Hampshire
The idyllic location of this property is to be found on the banks of the River Whitewater and is surrounded by around 15 acres of meadows and woodland near the Hampshire/Berkshire border. The site comprises The Mill, an 18th-century corn mill turned large country house, The Barn, converted in 2008, and outbuildings containing such things as a workshop, pottery studio and greenhouse.
Northiam, East Sussex
This rare example of a country house built in the 1930s was designed by renowned architect Sir Edward Maufe. On a site surrounded by parkland, extending to around three and a half acres, the house comprises the original structure and a later addition, designed to mirror Maufe’s design. Outside, the gardens are made up of grassy expanses, a kitchen garden, an orchard, and a natural pond.
The Waterworks, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Those that enjoy being close to water will find solace at this converted waterworks in Shropshire. The large plot is on the banks of the Severn and has private access to the river. Inside, the floorplan centres around an elegant living room with double-height ceilings and large arched windows that open onto a decked terrace and lawn garden.
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Read more: My Modern House: architect Vicky Thornton’s modern holiday home in Southwest France
Escape the City: modern country houses to relocate to
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