1970s modern house in Nazeing, Essex
There is an option to knock down and replace – or you can bring this 1970s modern house in Nazeing, Essex, back to its former glory.
Of course, as a fan of this kind of architecture, I would prefer to see the latter option. But as a realist, I can also understand someone wanting to use this substantial plot for something new.
Regarding the replacement option, the current house sits on a plot of 1.5 acres, and there is full planning permission in place to take down the current house and rebuild a modern family dwelling. Of course, you would have to factor in the cost of ‘knock down and replace’ on top of the cost of purchasing. But it looks a great spot and that might work for you.
Alternatively, consider if this house could still work several decades on. Personally, I can see the potential. I suspect it was a big deal back in the day and could be again for someone with a love of midcentury modern architecture.
Very much of its era, this is an angular build that’s heavily glazed to take in the scenery and boost the natural light, as well as the kind of open-plan living space we all dream of. This is the perfect party venue as well as a spacious family home. Especially with the terrace and steps down to the pool and garden.
But no one is shying away from the fact that it needs a full renovation. Whilst some aspects of the house retain their appeal, there is work to be done to bring it into the 21st century.
How much work is hard to gauge. A viewing would be required to see the house close-up. There’s only so much to see in a set of photos. But to my eye, this looks like it has the bare bones of a very cool living space with a retro vibe. It just needs someone to have that vision – and the funds to carry it out.
So much here is original, and that’s both a good thing and a bad thing. Good because it’s hard to replicate original midcentury modern features. But also, half a century might mean work is more likely to be required. As I said, a viewing is essential if you have an interest in doing that.
I like the look, I like the open living spaces, I like the extensive glazing, and I particularly like the feature brick fireplace in the main upper living area, as well as the wood ceilings and the open tread staircase.
The bathroom looks updated, and I suspect perhaps other rooms, too (not everything is shown in the images, such as the kitchen). But in the main, you are looking at a house that hasn’t changed in decades, aside from some decor or carpeting.
There is a lot of space here, too, both inside and out. Although there isn’t yet a floorplan available for this one, the agent confirms that there are six reception rooms within this one, as well as four bedrooms and two bathrooms. So, a significant space inside.
Most of the bedrooms are on the ground floor, with the main reception space on the upper floor, as well as the kitchen and the main bedroom suite. Why? Because of the views on offer, of course.
As I said, the house is only half of the story. This is a 1.5-acre plot and a selling point in itself, whether you keep or replace the house.
You might well have noticed the triple garage to the side (I know the car people will be all over that), but there’s also an outdoor swimming pool just beyond the house, a long gated driveway (if you need more parking space) and the garden itself, a mix of lawn an orchard, along with a secluded patio and a gardeners toilet. There’s as much potential with the garden as the house.
It sits in a popular area, commuter distance to London and on a large plot, so of course, this isn’t going to be a cheap option. But if you are looking in this area and have the budget, it is something to consider.
Talking of budgets, this one is up at offers in excess of £1,000,000. Note also that the owners of this property are prepared to sell a further one acre plot of land, with a timber summer house and a tennis court that needs to be relayed.
Images and details courtesy of Fine and Country. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
