WowHaus

An exciting project for someone, this 1950s modern house in East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent, has just been reduced in price.

Exciting because this house has barely changed since construction. Actually, I’ll qualify that, thanks to the additional information provided by the agent, Page and Wells. The house was constructed in 1959, with a further annexe added in 1967. But since then, very little change.

That’s both a challenge and an opportunity. This a challenge because there is a lot of work required here to bring the house back to its best. That’s pretty obvious. But the opportunity to create (or recreate) something special is there too. You will struggle to find a house from this era with so many original details still in place.

Those original details were the work of the original owner, an architect who built the house, known as Ferlaga, for himself. And like all such projects, this was a labour of love as well as a demonstration of his abilities.

He found the perfect place, too, persuading the land owner to sell it to him so he could benefit from the south and west views. The substantial plot is still a bit selling point today.

As is the house, which was undoubtedly quite the design back in the day. Think Californian midcentury modern architecture sat in the picturesque village of East Farleigh in Kent.

It’s a look that really hasn’t aged over the decades. Open-plan, modern living is still all the rage, and developers rarely offer it. So having a template here for a modern house with an open feel is a big selling point.

As are all the original details on offer here. Well, perhaps not all, but the vast majority on display. Bathrooms rarely age well, but much of the rest of the house has.

A light-filled home, thanks to the walls of glass with Utile African Mahogany frames, the open-plan living areas and, of course, the original partitions, and all of that wonderful period cabinetry.

The cabinets, custom-made, are used throughout this house, even forming the basis of the kitchen. That kitchen, whilst not looking at its best right now, is pretty much original, and the cabinets could form the basis of a revamped retro/modern kitchen quite easily you would think.

Elsewhere, a change of decor, flooring, fittings and furnishings would give this place a massive lift. The fabric of a very cool modern house is here. It just needs a pair of eyes sympathetic to the original era and the architecture. Plus some investment, of course.

In terms of the layout, there is a good amount of space to play with both inside and out. As you approach the property, you’ll notice a spacious driveway with room for several cars, a detached garage, and an outdoor workshop, which has so many possibilities.

As for the main house, walk in, and you are greeted by a ‘generous’ hallway with double doors leading into that magnificent open-plan living area. That’s the crowning glory of this one. Your very own slice of midcentury Americana right there.

Elsewhere, the main house offers three bedrooms, with a bathroom plus shower and a separate W/C, as well as a fitted kitchen and that bespoke cabinetry storage throughout.

The two-bedroom annexe is accessed from the main hallway and features its own living space, as well as a separate kitchen, bathroom, and two double bedrooms, so more space for you or potential for separate space for guests or extended family.

Much of which looks out onto the extensive and private south and west-facing garden, which in turn overlooks barley fields. The garden has a ‘spacious’ terrace that is perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining, as well as a range of mature trees, shrubs, and plants.

All of that plus access to East Farleigh and a little further away, all of what Maidstone offers.

A tempting proposition for many, you would hope, but also something that needs a considered approach in terms of updating. Yes, we all love a midcentury modern house, but this also needs to be a 21st-century house too.

Fancy taking it on? The house went up in May and has just been reduced by £200,000, with offers in the region of £600,000 invited. Who knows? Maybe there’s a deal to be done.

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