Living on the edge

The desire to possess something “completely different,” as the old Monty Python catchphrase goes, is as strong in the property market as any sector.
Whether it is an old house, probably Grade I or II listed, a converted church, school or watermill, a houseboat or a bespoke architect-designed contemporary glass and stainless- steel property, the attraction of owning, and living in, something unique is huge.
Gavin Selbie, of Knight Frank in Tunbridge Wells, acknowledges that for many homeowners ‘location, location’ is frequently the most influential factor when seeking to buy a house. He does, however, concede that, for an increasing number, finding an unusual, and sometimes unique, house can be of overriding importance.

Reflection of personality
“These types of properties tend to reflect the personality and lifestyle of the purchaser,” says Gavin. “They want a house which is a statement of how they see themselves or how they might wish others to see them. This can be reflected in a house which is hugely eco-friendly, one which is situated close to water, an older style house or a modern architectural statement of individuality”.
An intriguing contemporary house is The Burrow at Harbledown, near Canterbury. This creative home embraces the ancient concept of earth-sheltered construction and is not, as might be imagined, a dark ‘bunker’ with little natural daylight.
Dawn Carritt, of Jackson-Stops & Staff’s London office, explains: “The Burrow has an entire glass garden façade of some 130sqm, giving the house substantially more glazing than would be found in a house of traditional construction.
“Further light is introduced by solar tubes through the roof. By adopting an earth- sheltered design, the house is almost totally camouflaged when viewed from the surrounding land. The gardens and grounds of nearly four and a half acres are planted with more than 2,000 trees”.
Recognising the importance of 20th and 21st-century homes, The Modern House is an estate agency dealing exclusively with outstanding houses and apartments dating from the formative years of the Modern Movement in Britain to the present day.

People want a house that’s a statement of how they see themselves or how they might wish others to see them

The agency, which operates across the UK, was founded by Albert Hill and Matt Gibberd. They decided to fill a gap in the market when, during their own successful careers in architecture and design, they encountered numerous owners of properties of architectural distinction who were frustrated by the service offered by non-specialist estate agents.
“Great Britain has a rich history of Modern architecture,” says Albert. “In the late
1920s and throughout the 1930s, it was home to many talented avant garde architects, a significant number of whom were fleeing the turbulent political situations in their home countries.
“Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer and Erno Goldfinger were three who went on to establish notable careers in Britain, building numerous houses and apartment blocks that still stand to this day.
“By the 1960s, the Modern style of house, a style that emphasised light, space and the integration of architecture into the natural surroundings, became popular on a far broader scale. Throughout the latter decades of the 20th century, and into the 21st, Britain’s reputation as an important centre of cutting-edge architecture has remained undimmed.”

A young attraction
Albert confirms that the majority of purchasers of specialist properties will be attracted more by the building itself, rather than the location. “This frequently means that the Modern house tends to attract younger people, perhaps working in the media or creative arts, who are excited by modern architecture, or those considerably older who were around when Modernism took off and prefer the open spaces and single-storey designs that many such properties feature.
“Some 1960s properties are now coming back into fashion, including the Span homes designed by Eric Lyons in Blackheath and New Ash Green”.
Simon Greaves, of Colebrook Sturrock & Co in Sandwich, agrees the appeal to potential purchasers of unusual homes is likely to be the uniqueness, or quirkiness, of the property. Although he points out that when some of the practicalities of living in houses converted from buildings originally intended for another use sink in, enthusiasm may wane.
“I like to think, however, this would not apply to 5, The Old Gymnasium, which we are currently selling in Walmer. This was formerly part of the Royal Marines barracks and is a fine conversion arranged over four floors.”
In Sevenoaks, Jill Mitchenhall, of Jackson-Stops & Staff, confirms there are now more people than ever seeking a property that is ‘different’. She says: “Former churches and schools are always attractive, both with those who want to undertake the conversion themselves, or where it has been part of a larger renovation.
“We are marketing The Chapel, a converted Grade II-listed Gothic-style building with two impressive bedroom suites, a minstrel’s gallery and restored stained glass windows, in St Michael’s, Limpsfield, a school founded in the late 1800s for the children of missionaries.”

Words by Roger Paine

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