1930s Hilda Mason-designed Kings Knoll art deco property in Woodbridge, Suffolk
Modernist or deco? make your own mind up. I’ve gone for this being a 1930s Hilda Mason-designed Kings Knoll art deco property in Woodbridge, Suffolk. But you can call it what you like.
One thing is for sure. This one was designed by noted architect Hilda Mason for her own occupation back in 1933. A striking house and a location to match too.
That setting is four acres of land with elevated views across the River Deben, with a design taking full advantage of them. Yes, that heavily glazed side of the house takes it all in, not least from the wall of glazing in the living room.
Has the house changed? Well, yes it has. According to the agent, ‘alterations and improvements have been undertaken over recent years’. Although these have been done ‘without in anyway detracting from the original design’. That’s probably the case for the exterior, but perhaps not so much for the inside.
I don’t think the layout has been amended radically, but the finish is more contemporary than period. Nothing too over the top, but the finishes look fairly fresh and the details (like the fireplace, the flooring and general decor) are more in keeping with a modern-era house.
As I have said many times before decoration is temporary and if it isn’t for you, then there is always the option to change it.
Space is definitely a plus point here. The agent states that the ‘principal’ accommodation is on the ground floor and first floor, with a second floor housing two further rooms which could be used as additional bedrooms or workrooms as required.
That means between five and seven bedrooms here, along with four bathrooms or shower rooms and three reception rooms (a sun lounge, drawing room and dining room) with those river views. A kitchen too, naturally.
More space outside of the main house too, courtesy of as large workroom or playroom and a double garage. Oh, those gardens too.
As I said, around four acres in total, with three areas of ‘perennial garden’, a terraced area in front of the house and a summerhouse. There is a large Hartley Victoria glasshouse with sandstone terrace and a borehole which provides horticultural water to the garden.
The architecture itself is rather special and there’s no reason why you couldn’t add some more of the 1930s period back into this place if you wanted to. Whether you plan to do that or not, there is still the (not so) small matter of the asking price. This one is up for £2,500,000.
Images and details courtesy of Savills. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
Thanks to Tim for the tip off!
