1960s Edward Schoolheifer Manygate Lane house in Shepperton, Surrey
I have featured a few in the past, but none as eye-catching as this 1960s Edward Schoolheifer Manygate Lane house in Shepperton, Surrey.
Not that it’s in original condition. Far from it. But the house has been sympathetically updated to a high standard. Retaining the architectural appeal and some key details within. But adding in some contemporary touches in keeping with the build too.
The estate itself is one of my favourite modern/modernist developments. Designed by the Swiss architect Edward Schoolheifer for the Lyon Group in 1964, this is design and setting in perfect harmony. They knew what they were doing in the 1960s.
What they did (in some cases at least) was to create car-free estates that tended to focus on bright, open-plan living. If that wasn’t enough, adding in courtyards and surrounding landscaped gardens too.
Ok, it wasn’t a widespread approach, but the likes of Span and the Lyon Group laid down a template that should have been the future. The fact that these houses are so sought-after today tells you everything about their design merit. We’ll not be hunting down 21st-century shoeboxes in quite the same way in 50 years’ time.
Just in case you were worried about the longevity of this development, both the houses and gardens at Manygate Lane were designated a conservation area in 2002 in recognition of their contribution to modernism in Britain. Not that anyone would change them. There’s never a shortage of buyers wanting to live here. I would expect this one to sell very quickly.
And likely to someone who loves modern design. More often than not, the interiors of these houses are very stylish, and this one is no exception. As I said, original details and architecture are in place, but with contemporary touches very much in keeping with the original design aesthetic. It’s a very cool place to live.
The houses are all arranged around formal courtyards lined with pedestrian walkways. Minimal modernism that has aged well. This one, like the others, is set against manicured gardens, with the white-painted, wood-clad first floor ‘floating’ above the aluminium-framed windows on the level below. Extensive glazing is pretty much the norm of all design-led houses now. Not so back in 1964, but essential in connecting the inside and outside space.
So where did all the cars go? Well, they didn’t go away. They’re just elsewhere. The estate has both residents’ and guest car parks connected via the footpaths that ‘wind through’ the gardens. So you can park, but you don’t have to deal directly with the car noise and pollution. Safer for kids too.
As I said, the house here isn’t completely original (which is rarely the case). But this is a house that has been sympathetically updated over decades, with original details still in place, sitting alongside design and decor that works well with the architecture.
The house is centrally located within a uniform row of terraced houses, which is accessed via a gate leading through the ‘generous’ sunken garden paved with large ceramic tiles. Note the facade of vertical slatted timber and large casement windows. Very cool.
The original bright orange timber front door opens to an open-plan living space. The entire ground floor works around a central core of a kitchen, cloakroom, WC, and central staircase. The full-height glazing means plenty of natural light, as well as a great view of the equally cool architecture and greenery that surrounds you.
The ALNO kitchen has been refurbished; the worktops have been newly replaced with granite, and white cabinetry keeps the appliances and storage hidden from view. Of course, the original Jarrah flooring and pine ceilings are still present on the ground floor, maintaining the 1960s vibe that only adds to the character.
A flight of stairs, flanked by the original built-in bookcase facing the sitting room on one side, takes you to the first floor.
Again, plenty of natural light in the bedrooms (they knew how to design houses back then), as well as more of those views. Note that the main bedroom has a walk-in shower and a built-in wardrobe, the second bedroom has built-in storage, and the third bedroom, with views to the front, is currently configured as a study. But obviously, could be turned back into a bedroom if you need an extra one.
Finally, a family bathroom is on the upper floor, with a WC located on the ground floor, the latter with walls covered in wallpaper designed by Christian Lacroix that matches the original sink and electric blue tiles.
As for the outside, the house is flanked by two private gardens, front and rear. The front is paved, with white rendered walls, and the back is laid with large terracotta tiles and with planted borders. A well-maintained communal garden is just beyond, with a private garage (leasehold) further away.
Fancy it? Someone will, as any Manygate Lane house in Shepperton is always popular. The asking price is £640,000.
Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
