Land For Sale £900,000
Sitting on the northern edge of the beautiful Chilterns aonb, this expansive plot of land, less than 10 miles from Harpenden and St Albans, is a rare opportunity to build a unique and sustainable house in rural Hertfordshire. The 2.35-acre plot has Paragraph 80 planning permission for a light-filled, five-bedroom house spanning 3,792 sq ft configured around an internal courtyard, employing an innovative design by celebrated architects Kirkland Fraser Moor. A comprehensive landscaping scheme by The Landscape Agency for the surrounding gardens will further enhance the natural biodiversity of the environment. Full details of the planning documents can be found here.
The Tour
Approached via a quiet country road, this bucolic plot occupies a secluded position just outside the pretty village of Markyate. A bold yet simple piece of architecture, the proposed house will echo and reinterpret the local rural vernacular while blending effortlessly with the gently sloping surrounding landscape.
The design is conceived as a redefined small farmyard. At its core is an interconnecting glazed circulation space, from which four wings will radiate. Each wing will have a shallow-pitched green roof and flow seamlessly into a series of courtyard gardens. United by their scale and their simple material palette of local brick, flint, black timber cladding and sedum roofing, the spaces will have a modest, contemporary aesthetic.
Sustainability and a low carbon footprint lie at the heart of the design. The layout of the house has been carefully planned so as to optimise solar orientation; morning and afternoon sunlight will stream into the living spaces, while dappled evening light will enter the sleeping rooms. Throughout, external doors and windows are positioned to capitalise on both intimate garden vistas and wonderful far-reaching open views, yet also to maximise daylight and manipulate passive solar gain throughout the seasons.
The proposed ground floor will be cleverly organised in a predominantly open and flexible layout, which also allows for retreat and privacy. Emanating from the central court will be a sociable kitchen and dining room, as well as two separate gathering spaces, a living room and a family room. An en suite bedroom, utility room, WC and storage space will occupy the remainder of this floor. The focus throughout is on ensuring each room is in harmony with its surroundings and is bathed in natural light.
A glazed bridge will interlink the courtyard buildings, which have upper floors. Occupying the first floor of the westerly wing will be the main suite and a further bedroom, which could easily function as a quiet home working space. A family bathroom completes this storey. The south-facing first floor will house two further en suite double bedrooms and a small seating or study space on the landing.
A garage building will sit separately, towards the southern end of the site.
Outdoor Space
The plot extends across 2.35 acres of open land, bounded by hedgerows, laurel bushes and mature broad-leafed trees.
An expansive and detailed landscaping scheme for the surrounding gardens is included in the design and is key to the holistic approach to the site. The ecological value and range of biodiversity of the plot will be enhanced through an ambitious and varied layout comprising intimate courtyard gardens, a wildflower meadowland, a fruit orchard and a cherry blossom plantation. The considered planting will support the area’s rich wildlife and encourage local species of birds and insects.
The Area
Buckwood Road is set in beautiful rural seclusion, connecting the villages of Markyate and Whipsnade. Markyate, reached on foot in 10 minutes, has a good selection of shops, independent pubs and restaurants, including The Markyate Deli and co-op, Pruden’s Bakery and The Swan Pub. A broader offering of larger stores, supermarkets and dining options are easily accessible in nearby St Albans, Luton and Harpenden.
The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sits on the doorstep, perfectly positioned for hiking on the rolling hills, along the river valleys and cycling the extensive network of woodland paths. Whipsnade Zoo and the Ashridge Estate are excellent nearby options for a family day out.
The area is well known for the variety and quality of its independent and state schools. Haileybury, St Albans School, Beechwood and Queenswood are within easy reach. Markyate also sits within the catchment area for the schools of Harpenden and St Albans, six and nine miles away respectively; a school bus runs from the village to both.
The M1 is two miles east, giving access to the M25 in approximately 25 minutes. Thameslink trains run from Luton Parkway, 12 minutes by car, to London St Pancras in 35 minutes. Luton Airport is approximately eight miles northeast and Stansted Airport is approximately 50 miles east.
Council Tax Band: G
The Tour
Approached via a quiet country road, this bucolic plot occupies a secluded position just outside the pretty village of Markyate. A bold yet simple piece of architecture, the proposed house will echo and reinterpret the local rural vernacular while blending effortlessly with the gently sloping surrounding landscape.
The design is conceived as a redefined small farmyard. At its core is an interconnecting glazed circulation space, from which four wings will radiate. Each wing will have a shallow-pitched green roof and flow seamlessly into a series of courtyard gardens. United by their scale and their simple material palette of local brick, flint, black timber cladding and sedum roofing, the spaces will have a modest, contemporary aesthetic.
Sustainability and a low carbon footprint lie at the heart of the design. The layout of the house has been carefully planned so as to optimise solar orientation; morning and afternoon sunlight will stream into the living spaces, while dappled evening light will enter the sleeping rooms. Throughout, external doors and windows are positioned to capitalise on both intimate garden vistas and wonderful far-reaching open views, yet also to maximise daylight and manipulate passive solar gain throughout the seasons.
The proposed ground floor will be cleverly organised in a predominantly open and flexible layout, which also allows for retreat and privacy. Emanating from the central court will be a sociable kitchen and dining room, as well as two separate gathering spaces, a living room and a family room. An en suite bedroom, utility room, WC and storage space will occupy the remainder of this floor. The focus throughout is on ensuring each room is in harmony with its surroundings and is bathed in natural light.
A glazed bridge will interlink the courtyard buildings, which have upper floors. Occupying the first floor of the westerly wing will be the main suite and a further bedroom, which could easily function as a quiet home working space. A family bathroom completes this storey. The south-facing first floor will house two further en suite double bedrooms and a small seating or study space on the landing.
A garage building will sit separately, towards the southern end of the site.
Outdoor Space
The plot extends across 2.35 acres of open land, bounded by hedgerows, laurel bushes and mature broad-leafed trees.
An expansive and detailed landscaping scheme for the surrounding gardens is included in the design and is key to the holistic approach to the site. The ecological value and range of biodiversity of the plot will be enhanced through an ambitious and varied layout comprising intimate courtyard gardens, a wildflower meadowland, a fruit orchard and a cherry blossom plantation. The considered planting will support the area’s rich wildlife and encourage local species of birds and insects.
The Area
Buckwood Road is set in beautiful rural seclusion, connecting the villages of Markyate and Whipsnade. Markyate, reached on foot in 10 minutes, has a good selection of shops, independent pubs and restaurants, including The Markyate Deli and co-op, Pruden’s Bakery and The Swan Pub. A broader offering of larger stores, supermarkets and dining options are easily accessible in nearby St Albans, Luton and Harpenden.
The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sits on the doorstep, perfectly positioned for hiking on the rolling hills, along the river valleys and cycling the extensive network of woodland paths. Whipsnade Zoo and the Ashridge Estate are excellent nearby options for a family day out.
The area is well known for the variety and quality of its independent and state schools. Haileybury, St Albans School, Beechwood and Queenswood are within easy reach. Markyate also sits within the catchment area for the schools of Harpenden and St Albans, six and nine miles away respectively; a school bus runs from the village to both.
The M1 is two miles east, giving access to the M25 in approximately 25 minutes. Thameslink trains run from Luton Parkway, 12 minutes by car, to London St Pancras in 35 minutes. Luton Airport is approximately eight miles northeast and Stansted Airport is approximately 50 miles east.
Council Tax Band: G
