1960s midcentury modern house in Loughton, Essex

Meticulously maintained and updated in equal measure, this 1960s midcentury modern house in Loughton, Essex, is now up for sale.

At first glance, this is an untouched, design-led 1960s home. At second glance, it is, too. But look more closely, and you’ll notice some additions and upgrades that are sensitive to the original era. It’s the renovation every modern house of this era deserves.

It’s also a modern house that’s very much of the 1960s. If you had a 1960s house in your head, it wouldn’t be a million miles from this one. A large angular building with plenty of glazing, a dark brick exterior (that also makes its way inside) and, of course, bags of open-plan living space within.

There’s plenty of space outside, too, both within the garden and taking in the views from the substantial terrace up above. Which is a nice bonus. But the architecture and the finish are the stars of the show here.

There’s something like 2,695 sq. ft. over three storeys and in a house set back from the road and within what’s described as a ‘leafy plot’.

A slight overhang keeps you dry at the front door, which in turn leads into an entrance hall with ‘immaculately restored joinery and original decorative panels’, setting the tone for the rest of the house.

The finishes within those flowing spaces are just stunning. perfectly restored terrazzo underfoot, teak-faced panelling and dark brick for the walls and the ceilings are lined with thin pine boards.

Which could potentially mean a very dark house. Not so. Large slabs of full-height glazing ensure the outside rays make their way inside, with the added bonus of offering some lovely views over the well-maintained gardens.

The main reception room is the heart of this particular home and is pretty much an example of everything the wider house has to offer. Brick, timber, stone, glass and metal in unison, with the central chimney breast creating a natural focal point. A bespoke bar also sits to one end, which is a nice nod to the past and a hint that this is the perfect party space.

Note also the floor-to-ceiling glazed doors, opening to the terrace area, overlooking the stepped rear garden.

The kitchen is obviously one area that has been extensively modernised, but it works within the ‘modern’ house with its stainless steel worktops and teak cabinetry. A seating area is just beyond, plus a utility room and pantry directly off.

Finally, on the ground floor, are ‘linking’ hallways lined with cupboards, which in turn lead to two double bedrooms, a family bathroom and a separate cloakroom.

After that, it’s up that amazing feature staircase (which might not be for the faint-hearted) to access another living space on the first floor, complete with original pine ceilings, fare-faced brickwork and wall panels of linen cloth, as well as wide windows and access to roof terracing.

The principal bedroom sits in a private corner on this level, with hand-crafted storage, full-height glazing overlooking the garden, and its own en-suite.

At the lower-ground level, a self-contained annexe accessed via a ‘sweeping stair of cantilevered concrete steps’ from the ground floor rear hallway, with independent external access too. An entrance lobby opens to an ‘expansive’ living room along with a galley kitchen, two bedrooms, (currently used as a home office and a hobby room), and a bathroom.

That’s not quite all for the living space, as this one also has a contemporary garden studio, which is as flexible as you would expect. Perfect for working or relaxing.

Talking of the outside, the house has landscaped gardens covering something like 0.2 acres and a mix of trees, hedging, tiered terracing, a water feature, and a paved terrace directly off the dining area. The images pretty much speak for themselves. It’s an impressive layout.

Sold on this one? You will need deep pockets to become the next owner. It is on the market for £2,000,000.
Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.

