1970s modernism: Dominic Michaelis-designed property in Wotton Underwood, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Huge thanks to Matt for spotting this 1970s Dominic Michaelis-designed modernist property in Wotton Underwood, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
This steel-framed house dated back to 1971 and according to the agent, was once the cover star of Ideal Homes magazine. Look up back issues in 1977 if you want to find the feature.
Has it changed much? We would guess not. This is still very much a house from the middle of the 20th century. Saying that, the house isn’t a time capsule. It has been maintained to a high standard by the current owners and is still a very liveable piece of architecture in the 21st century. Just more interesting than most.
That ‘interest’ comes from the walls of glass, the high ceilings, that wonderful spiral staircase and the bright, open living spaces.
More space than you might think too. Which is, in part, down to a hidden extra. Well, not that hidden once we mention it.
But let’s focus on the main property itself, which is laid out over two floors. Enter via the ‘spacious’ reception hall and access the dining room with its bespoke aluminium spiral staircase, with treads in the shape of airplane propellers. Apparently the original owner was a pilot.
Beyond the dining room is the fitted kitchen and to the other side of the house, four double bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes. There is an en-suite for the master bedroom and a separate family bathroom, with pretty much original.
Head up that staircase and you will find the main open plan living accommodation and its walls of glass, a free standing circular stone fireplace with a stainless steel hood and a small kitchenette.
But that’s not quite all. This house sits in around two acres of grounds, with a detached brick barn in need of work and a detached stable block consisting of seven stables currently used for a variety of purposes, including a utility room and a workshop. Beyond that is a separate wooden summer house, which could be used as a home office, gym, workshop or hobby room and a separate detached triple carport.
Oh yes, the gardens too, predominantly lawn with mature trees, and an ornamental pond. 16 acres of farmland are currently let to a local farmer, which might mean a bit of an income too.
That might ease the burden of a mortgage that will probably be hefty. The asking price is £1,350,000.
Images and details courtesy of Hamptons. For more details, images and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
