WowHaus

Contact WowHaus
Menu
1970s, Modernist, United Kingdom

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge (image credit: Hockeys)

Both an academic exercise and a bold statement of the time. Now, this 1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge could be yours.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

I’ll be honest, regardless of its background, I would have been tempted to feature this one purely based on the bookshelves. A sight that will bring a tear to the eye of any book lover. But this isn’t about all that book storage.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

This is a grade II-listed house, one that was designed by Professor Marcial Echenique of Cambridge University in the early 1970s. I suspect little has changed since that construction with the exception of the odd furnishing.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

The aim was to create a large (and impactful) living space on a budget. He managed to do this, with the entire cost of the work just £7,200. I know inflation plays a part now, but even allowing for that, it’s quite an amazing feat.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

Of course, that could have meant something functional and without architectural merit. But that wasn’t the case. As you can see, this is a house that still turns heads around 50 years on.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

Yes, there is work to be done to update the house and bring it back to its best. The kitchen and bathroom of course, but throughout there’s a need to freshen things up. Whether that’s in terms of a new finish or some of your own fittings.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

Yes, some of the finishes are a little basic. But that’s to be expected in light of that back story. I’m sure you could rethink some of them. But the ‘wow’ factor is undeniable, regardless of your love of literature.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

But if you do enjoy reading, this could be your dream home. The double-height reception space is just stunning, with a wall of glass taking in the views across that substantial garden.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

Kick back and enjoy the light and the views in an easy chair or reach for a book. Any book. I can’t imagine the books present in the house are staying, but there is plenty of room for your own over two levels of this substantial living room space. And a reason to justify buying more to fill the space.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

The ground floor is largely open plan, with the gallery area over the main reception and a dining area just down a couple of steps. There is also a separate study, shower room and kitchen on this floor too.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

The upstairs space isn’t just about the books and gallery. There is room for four bedrooms and a family bathroom too. Again, perhaps in need of some updating, but with original details and finishes, you would want to consider keeping. Freshening up and your own furnishings and fittings would transform this house.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

As I said, the plot is big too, which is something of a double-edged sword in a sought-after area. Yes, it’s great to have that magnificent outside space, which backs onto Chesterton Recreation Ground and features mature trees, lawns and storage areas. There is also a brick weaved driveway for off-road parking and a carport too.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

But big plots in popular areas do tend to push up the price of a house. Although in this case, perhaps not as much as you might think in the first instance.

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

This house is on the market for £700,000. Yes, far in excess of its original cost (even when you factor in the land), but in light of current property prices, not as hefty as you might have thought.

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

 

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)

 

1970s Marcial Echenique modern house in Cambridge
(image credit: Hockeys)
Love reading WowHaus? If you enjoy what you have read or have benefitted from it in any way you can help with the growing costs of the site by Buying Me A Coffee at Ko-Fi. Every penny genuinely helps to keep the site afloat.