1950s modernism: Eric Ambrose-designed Gateway House in Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey
Some of you might recall this being for sale a few years back. If you missed it or missed out, the Eric Ambrose-designed Gateway House in Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey is back on the market.
I used the term ‘1950s modernism’ very loosely, as this place looks to have been updated considerably over the decades. In fact, you would probably pass this off as a contemporary build if you don’t know better.
But it is 1950s in origin, it was the work of Eric Ambrose in conjunction with Scott Brownrigg Turner in the latter part of that decade. As we said last time, the architectural intent and detailing is still there, but the finish is very much the 21st century with the occasional nod to ‘retro’ here and there.
Not that there’s anything wrong with it having a modern-era look and feel. We are equally at home with houses from the 20th or 21st century as long as they are striking. And this one certainly is.
Sat in 2.5 acres of land, the house offers an equally impressive 4,000 sq. ft. of space within, all of it decorated and finished to a very high standard. This is ‘interiors magazine’ level decor.
A ‘spacious’ entrance hall with floor to ceiling windows and a contemporary turning glass staircase leads into the triple aspect sitting room with original fireplace at the left of the building.
Across the hall is the ‘heart of the home’, which is a sizeable, open plan family / kitchen area. That’s around 33ft in length and as you can see, is quite something. Probably ideal if you have kids, who will fill it in no time and great for a party too. Sliding doors offer access to the garden and deck area, which has a brick built pizza oven too.
Also on the ground floor are some fitted cupboards leading to the utility room and its space for ‘multiple’ appliances. There is a further reception room on the ground floor that has been used as a study in the past, but could be reworked if needed.
The first floor has six bedrooms and three bathrooms. So ideal if those party-goers want to stay over. The master suite also has a dressing as well as the en-suite, while bedroom two also has its own en-suite.
In addition to that, a rear balcony runs across the back of the property and can be accessed from bedrooms three, four and five.
Talking of outside space, this house has, as we said earlier, bags of it. The 2.5 acres contain gardens mostly laid to lawn, mature trees and hedging. But there is also a full size tennis court (recently re-laid), a double garage and storage area.
So plenty of peace and seclusion, although you are just 10 minutes from a mainline train station and 26 minutes from London once you are there.
If you are a city worker with a healthy bank balance, this could be for you. The price has jumped a bit over the past few years, with a guide of £2,250,000.
Images and details courtesy of Seymours. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
