1960s modernist icon
On the market: 1960s Leslie Gooday-designed grade II-listed modernist property in St George’s Hill, Weybridge, Surrey
If you want stylish and original 20th century modernism and you have the money, it seems like the private St. George’s Hill estate is the place to look. In the past couple of weeks we have seen the Rumba Panjai modernist property and this midcentury property too. But this 1960s Leslie Gooday-designed modernist property in St George’s Hill, Weybridge, Surrey probably trumps the pair of them.
A stunning grade II-listed house that sits in around two acres of land, the property dates back to 1962, a design by noted architect Leslie Gooday for his own occupation. This is the first time it has come onto the market.
As we have mentioned previously St George’s Hill is a gated estate in Weybridge, Surrey and a very sought after location too. That means the land with each property is very much a premium site, often being more valuable than the architecture within. But that’s not the case with this impressive piece of work.
English Heritage listed the house due to its ‘picturesque modern style’, ‘neatness of design’, ‘attention to detail’ and ‘sensitive use of contrasted materials’, all of which is still evident in a house barely touched for 50+ years.
So take a look at the original cantilevered living room, the ‘boardmarked’ concrete and the copper mansard roof, as well as the original fitted cupboards and cantilevered red cedar sideboards created for this property. Even the kitchen looks like the one fitted back in the day. A time capsule as well as a design statement.
You access the house through a private drive, which takes you to the garage block and ‘screened’ parking area. From there, a walk through the courtyard leads to the house and its terrazzo hallway.
From there you’ll find what’s described as the ‘principal bedroom wing’, which hosts three bedrooms, the master with dressing area and en-suite, along with the family bathroom.
At the other side of the hall is that amazing living room. The agent describes it as ‘one of finest rooms created in British domestic architecture during the post-war period’. Have a look. It’s easy to see why. Birch ceilings, a boardmarked concrete wall and an entire wall of glass that offers the perfect view of the landscaping outside. There’s also a fireplace with recessed arches that sits above a low level cantilevered concrete shelf running the length of the living space.
At the end of living room is a dining area, the kitchen and a utility room. Also at this end of the property is a fourth bedroom.
That’s not quite all, with a concrete spiral staircase taking you to the mezzanine level about that living room. The area there is described as the ‘study space’ complete with a built-in desk.
We mentioned the extensive outside space of around two acres, which site against the St. George’s Hill Golf Club fairway on two sides. So handy for a quick round if you love that particular game. Also outside is the garaging and two paved terraces (one with a built-in concrete table).
Amazing architecture, great location. No surprise to see an asking price of £3,800,000. Many more images on the listing.
Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit their website.
DavidCa on 22 June, 2015 11:04 am
Beautiful! And hopefully protected by the Grade II listing too….
christopher fletcher on 14 November, 2021 2:06 pm
I worked in leslies design studio in the late 60s. He taught me as a designer from the age of 19, a lovely man. The house I visited several times, it’s beautiful
Wish I could afford. the gardens are stunning