1960s modernist time capsule in Southampton, Hampshire
This is a very special find. A 1960s modernist time capsule in Southampton, Hampshire.
You know it’s going to be a good one when you spot the original Guzzini light fittings still in place. If any of you are looking at buying this, please do get in touch if you are looking at selling those. Although it would be preferable if you kept them in place.
That’s because this is a relatively untouched piece of 1960s modernism. In fact, from what I can see, this place has only been touched by the modern era in one room, which is an updated bathroom. And let’s be honest, no one really wants a 1960s bathroom to wake up to each morning.
Elsewhere this is pretty much period perfection. That raised, angular design is the first selling point, looking every bit the 1960s house. They certainly do not build houses quite like this anymore.
All too often a period facade just leads to disappointment once through the front door. Not so here. Almost every detail is still intact.
The kitchen will be an absolute joy for fans of the 1960s, with the original units still in place, as well as the retro breakfast bar (not that it was retro back in the 1960s). The agent describes then as ‘a dated range of wall and base units’ that will ‘no doubt feature in a purchaser’s modernisation programme’. I’m hoping not.
Elsewhere, there are those angled wood ceilings, some exposed brick and a terrace taking in the garden from its raised vantage point. I would guess there is much more too, but the agent only has a limited number of photos online. Go view it if you are a serious purchaser, I suspect you will not be disappointed with the remainder of this house.
As for the layout, the ‘spacious’ reception hall with vaulted ceiling has access to that modern shower room (perhaps the one contemporary update here), with an inner corridor leading to the bedrooms (there are four in total) plus steps to the ‘principal’ living space that features a hardwood vaulted ceiling.
The lounge is described as a ‘generous’ reception room with full-width windows that open onto the large veranda. There’s also an exposed brick wall with chimney breast and gas fire here, plus hardwood shelved cabinets that create ‘a semi partition’ to the dining room. The substantial kitchen has a breakfast bar separating it from the dining room plus a door leads that to the utility room.
The bedrooms are made up of a dual aspect master bedroom with fitted units, access to the veranda and overlooking the rear garden. Two other bedrooms are described as doubles and again have fitted units, while the fourth bedroom is dual-aspect and with fitted wall cabinets. The family bathroom has a three-piece suite with a part sunken jacuzzi bath, WC, pedestal wash basin and a large inset mirror.
As for the outside space, you get automated wrought iron gates with intercom, a driveway with plenty of off-road parking, trees and shrubs for seclusion and an integral double garage with a door through to the hallway. There are also ‘extensive’ cellar areas under the house as well.
A large rear garden too, plus a large paved patio extending the full width of the house with two small fishponds.
Just on the market, it is up for £575,000.
Images and details courtesy of Charles Powell. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
