WowHaus

A rare chance to pick up a grade II-listed classic. The 1950s Juniper Hill modern house by John Madin in Lapworth, Warwickshire.

Architecture, setting and original details too. This one has it all. Of course, it has been updated over the years, but the house itself is unchanged architecturally and plenty of original touches remain in place. The updates are largely decorative and/or cosmetic and as such, something you can change if they don’t work for you.

The architecture itself has been preserved and as such, is likely to be hugely popular and will not hang around for long.

Juniper Hill is the work of John Madin, a name synonymous with the architecture of postwar Birmingham. He designed and built this house between 1957 and 1959 for Jack Davies, who was a timber merchant. Presumably, a very successful one as this was likely to have been an architectural statement 60+ years ago.

Davies wanted this a place to get away from it all and to spend time with his family. This design certainly fitted the bill, with the house taking full advantage of its amazing surroundings, with five dominant oak trees and all of that lovely lawn. 2.75 acres in total. The land itself is a dream for many. But it’s the house I am focusing on.

The architecture is on the midcentury modern side of modernism and a design that takes full advantage of the scenery around it.

Accessed through a private gated entrance, a long driveway leads up to the main house, which is constructed from handmade brick and with chamfered buttresses, random marble and hardwood timber flooring all features.

The design itself is angular, with the long, sweeping roof, heavy glazing and of course, the balcony at the heart of the build. Almost like a super-sized ranch house. Internally, the flow of the house is unchanged since construction, which is always key for me.

The original details add to it too. Those include the front door, extensive wood panelling, some exposed brick, original internal doors, that amazing flooring in the kitchen, possibly some of the light fittings (I am looking at the ones in the hallway) and of course, the wood flooring. Love the double-height space as you enter the house too, as well as the gallery above the front door.

As I said, not entirely original, but the fabric of this place is still late 1950s modernism. Load this up with furnishings and details of the era (let’s be honest, there are plenty about) and it will amplify that era even more if you are planning a retro vibe.

As for the layout, the canopy porch leads into the entrance hall with cloakroom, which in turn leads to the open lounge, and flows into the dining room. Substantial, light-filled spaces.

The kitchen is just off there and has been significantly updated, although the original marble flooring of the original build is still in place. Outside of that, modern appliances and a largely white finish. Beyond that is a breakfast area, utility, downstairs toilet and finally the large, double garage.

The west wing (yes, this is large enough to have wings) has four bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite, as well as a family bathroom. But that’s not it for space.

Upstairs, the main bedroom is described as a ‘bright, open space’, with some amazing views of the garden. A bathroom too, as well as a substantial balcony space if you want the breeze on your face as you enjoy the rear garden. Imagine taking that in each morning?

A lot of house as well as a significant property, which is likely to be very popular. If you want it as your next home, it is on the market for £1,500,000.

Images and details courtesy of Mr and Mrs Clarke. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.