1950s Dex Harrison modern house in Ruislip, Middlesex
This 1950s Dex Harrison modern house in Ruislip, Middlesex has had just two owners since construction. You could be the third.
If you are hunting in the area, you might want to be too. This 1952 design is the work of a man who was the chief architect for the Festival of Britain site at Battersea Garden. So some pedigree.
The house was also featured in Nikolaus Pevsner’s 2002 architectural guide and has also been recognised as a ‘building of significant architectural and historical interest’ by the London Borough of Hillingdon.
The small number of owners tends to be a good thing when it comes to houses. It minimises the opportunity for excessive change. This isn’t a ‘time capsule’ by any means, but it does maintain its midcentury modern character both outside and in.
The angular design of the house is still is present, hinting (quite rightly) at some interesting living space within. Love that frontage too, not least the wood cladding that still looks picture perfect. Note that overhang that creates the carport too.
Once inside, enjoy the angled ceilings, high-level glazing, as well as plenty of other original touches from the middle of the 20th century.
The double-height space, the wooden flooring, the built-in shelving, full-height glazing and fitted storage are all still in place, matched up with a fresh finish and some modern-day updates. The kitchen, of course, is a recent upgrade.
But overall, the 1950s look and feel is maintained in what is a sizeable and good-looking piece of domestic architecture. There is around 1,670 sq. ft. of living space in this one, with the house set back from the road behind landscaped front gardens.
The entrance is on the westerly side of the house, with timber-framed glass walls forming what’s described as the ‘bright arterial hallway’ that connects the two wings of the house, boosting the natural light as a result.
The ground floor is largely open plan, with double-height living space in the garden wing complete with striking asymmetric ceilings and original oak chevron parquet flooring underfoot. Sliding glass doors opens directly onto the south-facing terrace.
Beyond that is an open-plan dining space, with the kitchen and pantry adjacent. One of the five bedrooms is also located at this end of the house, described as a ‘flexible space’ that could also work as a home office, study or further reception space. Finishing off the ground floor are a utility room, shower room, boot room and WC.
The upper storey is where you will find the majority of the bedrooms. Four ‘generously proportioned’ double bedrooms to be precise, each with built-in cabinetry and timber-framed fenestration with original fixtures. There is also a family bathroom and a deep-set airing cupboard at one end of the wide, open landing.
Plenty to talk about outside too. The front of the house is primarily laid to lawn and bordered by mature hedging and specimen trees. A private driveway and carport offer plenty of options for parking too.
At the rear are a south-facing terrace and a substantial garden, which has been well-maintained for several decades. If you like your greenery, you’ll love it here.
Fancy moving in? You will need something in the region of £1,025,000 to secure it.
Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
