Oaklands Farm in Wootton Wawen, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire
A strong Frank Lloyd Wright influence over Oaklands Farm in Wootton Wawen, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire. A dream renovation project too.
That’s a big plus, by the way; Houses with an FLW influence might be commonplace in the USA but much less so in the UK.
With that in mind, I’m surprised there isn’t more background available about the house. I do know (via the agent) that it was individually designed, and I would guess it was in the 1960s, with little change since then.
I know one other thing, too. This would be a remarkable renovation project for someone who loves midcentury modern houses. Circular designs like this are thin on the ground, and although they do have their own complications because of the design, they also look stunning when done/renovated properly.
No one is pretending this will be a cheap option. But look at what you get: statement architecture, plenty of period details, and 27.7 acres of gardens and grounds. It isn’t cheap, but there is a lot of house and land for the money, as well as a stunning historic village location.
It looks pretty much untouched since the original build, too, which is both a plus and a minus. Yes, there is work to be done, but the original details are in place: the architecture itself, which reaches out from a circular focal point, as well as the inner detailing.
The living room here is remarkable—almost space-age, if you like—with its curved walls and light well in the ceiling. With a modest amount of work, it could be a movie backdrop or a photoshoot. I get messages from movie and fashion agencies constantly looking for this kind of house.
Beyond that, the beams are still in place, as are the original furnishings, internal doors, full-height glazing, exposed brick, original floors, an original kitchen (which needs some renovation work to bring it back to its best), an amazing curved bedroom suite and period dressing area, plus the retro bathroom of your dreams.
There is lots of space and lots of potential in a house design that has ‘come around’ again. Perhaps once seen as dated, buyers are desperate to find this kind of characterful midcentury modern design in the 21st century. Because, to state the obvious, they don’t build houses quite like this anymore.
There is lots of potential inside and quite a lot outside, too. I’m not sure if this has been a working farm in recent years, but the land has plenty to offer. The barns, totalling approximately 4,823 sq. ft., could lend themselves to various uses, plus the gardens and paddocks beyond. The latter perhaps lends itself to equestrian activities.
It is probably worth chatting with the agent if you have a specific idea. I’m sure they’ll have insight into any potential pitfalls and regulations—or, indeed, past uses of the property and land. A viewing would help, too, of course.
As for the layout, the house is approached via a long driveway flanked on either side by paddock land. Note also the large area for parking outside, with more carport space beyond,
Once inside, an entrance hall leads to the feature circular sitting room and a sizeable dining room. Heading along one wing of the design is the kitchen, and beyond that, a WC and one of the bedrooms.
To the other side of the sitting room and along the hallway is a utility room, a bathroom, and two further bedrooms. The principal bedroom suite is at the far end, offering a circular bedroom, a dressing area, and an en-suite bathroom.
As I said, it’s over 27 acres of land, too, which includes a workshop, two barns, carports, and a mix of garden and paddock. The house is set centrally within it to take full advantage of the views.
This is quite an opportunity if you have the money and like the area. I can’t imagine anything quite like it coming along anytime soon—if ever. It is just on the market, and its guide price is £1,200,000.
Images and details courtesy of Knight Frank. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
