Best of 2017
WowHaus Top 50 houses of 2017 (numbers 40 – 31)
Following on from 50 – 41, we have the next instalment of the WowHaus Top 50 most popular houses of 2017. This time we are focusing on numbers 40 – 31.
40. 1950s modernism: Alison & Peter Smithson-designed The Sugden House in Watford, Hertfordshire
A rare completed domestic commission from the Smithsons proved popular this year.
It is, of course, grade II-listed on account of there status of the architects and the fact that it is faithful to the original design. First time on the market for this one. A fairly traditional house with more radical touches and something that has aged very well.
39. 1950s modernism: Erno Goldfinger house in Broadstairs, Kent
The name Goldfinger is always a draw.
This is one of his more modest creations, one of the houses designed by Goldfinger for teachers at the nearby Wellesley House preparatory school around 1952. Updated, but some original touches survive, as well as the period exterior.
38. 1970s modernism: Richard Horden-designed Wildwood property in Poole, Dorset
The area always seems to conjure up expensive new builds, but this Richard Horden-designed Wildwood property in Poole, Dorset has managed to survive.
Grade II-listed and dating from the mid-1970s, this ‘glass box’ design is still very much intact, although the interior has obviously been updated over the decades. Still a stunning place, regardless.
37. Brutalist apartment: One-bedroom flat in the Erno Goldfinger-designed Trellick Tower, London W10
More Goldfinger. In fact, has most famous creation.
It’s a building that is both loved and loathed, but there’s no denying that the brutalism of Trellick Tower has quite a fanbase and prices are on the rise if apartments come up. This third-floor apartment was one of the only apartments that hit the market in 2017 and on that basis, proved popular. Personally we would prefer higher and more spacious.
36. 1940s conversion: Former electric substation in Bicester, Oxfordshire
We love an industrial conversion done right, which is pretty much what you have here.
Part of an RAF site dating back to the 1940s, the conversion keeps the character of the original building whilst still adapting to a three-bedroom family home. We really like this one.
35. Art deco renovation project: 1930s four-bedroom property in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
The words ‘art deco’ and ‘renovation project’ are always a popular combination.
But the outlook for this one didn’t look positive. That’s because of the size of plot and the postcode, which hinted at a development opportunity. Shame really, as the house is rather grand and with some lovely period details intact.
34. Art deco gem: 1930s three-bedroom property in Hamilton, New Zealand
Certainly no renovation work required for this art deco property.
Someone has already put the effort in here, with the 1939 build updated in places, but with plenty of the original decade still in place. Something of a show home.
33. Coastal modernism: Six-bedroom property at Cooden Beach, Bexhill, East Sussex
Ever wondered why Graham Norton always looks so happy? It’s because he lives here.
Not for long though, as this beachfront house with swimming pool and private beach area is on the market, offering eye-catching style as well as a design that brings the outside in with a push of a door. Stunning.
32. Art deco renovation project: Four-bedroom property in Frome, Somerset
Yes, another popular art deco renovation project.
It looks quite a job too. The exterior is inviting but looking in need of some loving care. The inside? No images, but the fact that this came onto the market for the first time in 50 years means there might well be period gold behind the front door.
31. 1930s grade II-listed modernism: Amyas Connell and Basil Ward-designed Third Sunhouse in Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Let’s end with a classic, one of the Sunhouses in Amersham.
Built just a stone’s throw away from the iconic High & Over by the same architect team, this slice of 1930s modernism has been renovated in keeping with the original period and design. The interior is every bit as stunning as the bold exterior. A dream of a house.
Rob Williams on 29 December, 2017 3:59 pm
I very nearly got a flat in Trellick Tower! During the late 70’s I was a newly qualified teacher in the Paddington area and Trellick Tower was council owned and no-one on the housing list wanted to go there because of the problems in the area. I was just about to sign up and had to move to Islington. If I had known then what I know now I would have commuted!