Rooms

CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN
The striking house, with its double-height, vaulted glass atrium was designed as part of the Energy World Exhibition in 1986. This saw some 50 houses built in Shenley Lodge to demonstrate how homes could be made energy efficient. Each property was different in its design and use of materials. The exhibition, which received international interest, was pioneering in its achievements. By showcasing cutting-edge, low-energy housing, it had a long-term impact on the national house-building industry. “Our house showed just how much solar gain there could be through the clever use of glass. The glass keeps it very warm in winter, while opening the doors in the summer allows a breeze all the way through and ensures it stays cool.”

LIGHT TOUCHES
The unusually shaped house has numerous fascinating features. At its heart is a dining room, with glass doors on to the atrium and access to the kitchen, hall and drawing room. This offers a superb sense of flow to the interior space. The atrium can also be accessed via sliding glass doors from the kitchen – another feature that brings light flooding in and offers easy living. “I love to make a cup of coffee in the kitchen in the morning then carry it through to the atrium and relax in there, looking up at the blue skies as I drink it,” she admits. “Because of the way the sun moves, however, it is also a fabulous place to be in the afternoon – you could spend all day in there!”

HAPPY TIMES
The inner hall leads past the kitchen and a cloakroom to a useful storage cupboard and utility room. On the opposite side of the original house is the drawing room, which has an L-shape and windows on two sides. This room can be accessed from the hall, atrium and dining room. “We love all the space we have in here – it is such a big room,” Angie says. “It is especially nice in the winter when we light the wood burner at the centre and it becomes cosy and warm.” Also downstairs is the capacious cinema room, which has been a magnificent newer addition to the home. “We converted this from a double garage and it has been wonderful for watching family films and big sporting events, as well as hosting children’s birthday parties. Furthermore, subject to the relevant planning permissions, new owners could also look into converting the cinema room into a self-contained annexe or work space, she suggests.

ROOMS WITH VIEWS
Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, all of which overlook the atrium. The two other bedrooms have windows on two additional sides, ensuring they are filled with natural light. One of the smaller bedrooms has been ideal as a home office. There is also a family bathroom up here. “The master bedroom has an en suite shower room and is lovely because it has windows on all three sides, and in the winter it is warmed by the wood burner in the room below,” observes Angie. “The guest bedroom is slightly smaller and also has a triple aspect and en suite shower room.”

LEISURE TIME
The layout of the house makes it easy to welcome guests and entertain friends. “We have had some lovely barbecues here, with the children playing in an above-ground pool that we put up in the garden and then running through to the cinema room to dance and watch films.” The family has also enjoyed playing tennis on the court that is shared with other residents in the square, as well as walking or cycling along the redways and whiling away sunny afternoons at Furzton and Willen Lake. “We are only moving now because we are relocating,” she admits. “We will be so sad to go because we love everything about this house, but I am sure someone else will fall in love with it, just like we did.”

Disclaimer
Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.