House For Sale £1,900,000
This exceptional four-bedroom home was designed in 1934 by Valentine Harding, one of the most important figures of the modern movement and a leading member of the Tecton Group. Built for Harding’s own occupation, the architectural design is characterised by a striking low-lying concrete profile, with a living space of over 3,200 sq ft extending across two storeys. Set in the quiet seclusion of beautifully landscaped south-facing gardens, the façade blends harmoniously with the sylvan backdrop of Burnham Beeches. Rail connections from Gerrards Cross (a ten-minute drive away) provide regular connections to London in around 20 minutes.
The Architect
Valentine Harding (1905-1940) is perhaps best known as the architect of Dulwich’s most important listed 20th-century building, Six Pillars in Crescent Wood Road. Having studied at the Architectural Association from 1927 to 1931, he joined the Tecton Partnership, led by influential architect Berthold Lubetkin, in 1932. Here he also worked on Highgate’s Highpoint 1 and later went on to set up his own practice with Godfrey Samuel. Harding died in service in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk. For more information, see the History section.
The Tour
The house is approached by a quiet country lane. A set of electronic gates opens onto a private driveway, where a cantilevered overhanging volume creates a generous provision of parking, in addition to the double garage.
Positioned beneath the covered walkway, the primary entrance leads into a beautifully bright and open hallway, where timber runs underfoot, creating aesthetic continuity.
The L-shaped plan allows for an easy flow between the interconnected spaces. The living room is set to the immediate right of the entrance hall, where sliding glass doors open onto the terrace, inviting an excellent level of natural light to filter in throughout the day. A fireplace finished in black tiles is set centrally, with a glass-fronted log-burner creating a natural focal point and welcoming atmosphere in colder months.
A wall of full-height sliding glass doors in the dining room frame verdant views of the garden and open this entire space onto the various garden terraces. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls continue through to the adjoining kitchen, which is defined by clean lines and decorated in a neutral palette. Bespoke cabinetry houses Miele appliances, and a central island creates a sociable layout while providing plenty of surfaces for cooking. A ribbon of glazing lines the back wall, and a line of overhead cabinetry adds to the storage provision. A separate utility space sits adjacent to the kitchen and houses the laundry facilities.
The adjoining room offers great flexibility of use as a study, music room or playroom and, in turn, connects to the conservatory at the far end of the ground floor. A glazed pitched roofline creates volume, and glass walls retain a visual connection to the gardens while optimising the natural light. There is also a WC at ground floor level.
Ascending the central curved staircase, each of the four bedrooms leads off the arterial walkway, with clerestory windows lining the wall. The main bedroom is located on the westerly wing, with an en suite shower room, an excellent amount of storage and access to the balcony. The balcony runs the length of the upper level, with an external spiral staircase leading down to the terraces. Positioned at the easterly end of the house, there is a second larger bedroom, with a vaulted ceiling that creates a dramatic pitch, an en suite bathroom and a private balcony which cantilevers over the terraces.
Outdoor Space
The extensive landscaped gardens have been designed in careful communication with the house in a seamless visual flow between the inside and outside spaces. The south-facing terraces provide wonderful sunny positions to enjoy summer lunches, and long swathes of lawn are bordered by herbaceous borders. Tall specimen trees and mature hedging form the boundary and provide excellent seclusion and privacy.
The Area
The sought-after area of Burnham Beeches is an area of ancient woodland covering 544 acres, with many of the trees several hundred years old. The woodland, rich in wildlife, is protected as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Egypt Lane is within easy reach of the popular village of Farnham Common, which has a good provision of daily amenities, supermarkets, shops and restaurants. A broader selection can be found at neighbouring Gerrards Cross, a characterful town with several supermarkets, independent eateries and an Everyman Cinema.
The local area is renowned for a highly rated standard of schooling, both state and public with a number of highly regarded independent schools for boys and girls. These include Caldicott (boys preparatory) in Farnham Common, Dair House (mixed preparatory) in Farnham Royal and Maltmans (girls preparatory) in Gerrards Cross.
Egypt Lane is perfectly positioned for London commuters, with the train station at Gerrards Cross providing a direct and regular service to London Marylebone in approximately 19 minutes. There is also easy access to the M40, M25 and broader motorway network. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also easily reachable.
Council Tax Band: H
The Architect
Valentine Harding (1905-1940) is perhaps best known as the architect of Dulwich’s most important listed 20th-century building, Six Pillars in Crescent Wood Road. Having studied at the Architectural Association from 1927 to 1931, he joined the Tecton Partnership, led by influential architect Berthold Lubetkin, in 1932. Here he also worked on Highgate’s Highpoint 1 and later went on to set up his own practice with Godfrey Samuel. Harding died in service in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk. For more information, see the History section.
The Tour
The house is approached by a quiet country lane. A set of electronic gates opens onto a private driveway, where a cantilevered overhanging volume creates a generous provision of parking, in addition to the double garage.
Positioned beneath the covered walkway, the primary entrance leads into a beautifully bright and open hallway, where timber runs underfoot, creating aesthetic continuity.
The L-shaped plan allows for an easy flow between the interconnected spaces. The living room is set to the immediate right of the entrance hall, where sliding glass doors open onto the terrace, inviting an excellent level of natural light to filter in throughout the day. A fireplace finished in black tiles is set centrally, with a glass-fronted log-burner creating a natural focal point and welcoming atmosphere in colder months.
A wall of full-height sliding glass doors in the dining room frame verdant views of the garden and open this entire space onto the various garden terraces. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls continue through to the adjoining kitchen, which is defined by clean lines and decorated in a neutral palette. Bespoke cabinetry houses Miele appliances, and a central island creates a sociable layout while providing plenty of surfaces for cooking. A ribbon of glazing lines the back wall, and a line of overhead cabinetry adds to the storage provision. A separate utility space sits adjacent to the kitchen and houses the laundry facilities.
The adjoining room offers great flexibility of use as a study, music room or playroom and, in turn, connects to the conservatory at the far end of the ground floor. A glazed pitched roofline creates volume, and glass walls retain a visual connection to the gardens while optimising the natural light. There is also a WC at ground floor level.
Ascending the central curved staircase, each of the four bedrooms leads off the arterial walkway, with clerestory windows lining the wall. The main bedroom is located on the westerly wing, with an en suite shower room, an excellent amount of storage and access to the balcony. The balcony runs the length of the upper level, with an external spiral staircase leading down to the terraces. Positioned at the easterly end of the house, there is a second larger bedroom, with a vaulted ceiling that creates a dramatic pitch, an en suite bathroom and a private balcony which cantilevers over the terraces.
Outdoor Space
The extensive landscaped gardens have been designed in careful communication with the house in a seamless visual flow between the inside and outside spaces. The south-facing terraces provide wonderful sunny positions to enjoy summer lunches, and long swathes of lawn are bordered by herbaceous borders. Tall specimen trees and mature hedging form the boundary and provide excellent seclusion and privacy.
The Area
The sought-after area of Burnham Beeches is an area of ancient woodland covering 544 acres, with many of the trees several hundred years old. The woodland, rich in wildlife, is protected as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Egypt Lane is within easy reach of the popular village of Farnham Common, which has a good provision of daily amenities, supermarkets, shops and restaurants. A broader selection can be found at neighbouring Gerrards Cross, a characterful town with several supermarkets, independent eateries and an Everyman Cinema.
The local area is renowned for a highly rated standard of schooling, both state and public with a number of highly regarded independent schools for boys and girls. These include Caldicott (boys preparatory) in Farnham Common, Dair House (mixed preparatory) in Farnham Royal and Maltmans (girls preparatory) in Gerrards Cross.
Egypt Lane is perfectly positioned for London commuters, with the train station at Gerrards Cross providing a direct and regular service to London Marylebone in approximately 19 minutes. There is also easy access to the M40, M25 and broader motorway network. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also easily reachable.
Council Tax Band: H
