1970s David Shelley modern house in Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire
I think the word ‘unique’ best describes this 1970s David Shelley modern house in Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire.
Thanks to everyone who has sent this across, including David Anderson of the wonderful UKMOHO, which does an amazing job of keeping track of interesting modern houses in the UK. Of which this is most certainly one.
It was built in 1978 to a design by David Shelley, who isn’t a household name but has been responsible for some interesting domestic houses in the UK. This one could loosely be described as a modern-day take on art deco, but it’s much more than that.
The house has a space-age look and feel reminiscent of the kind of houses you find across Europe around this era—curved, organic architecture that looks like it has come from another planet. If you are going to design an individual house, do exactly that—make it stand out from the crowd.
This one also stands out because of its setting. It sits in the middle of 1.5 acres of ‘glorious gardens and woodland’ at the end of a private road. If you like privacy, then this might be the house for you. The overhead shot hopefully gives you an idea of just how isolated you are.
As for the architecture, well, yes, it is designed to grab your attention. But not just that. This design maximises the natural light within courtesy of the extensive glazing and offers lovely views of the nature surrounding it from almost every turn.
This is a house that sells itself from first glance. But there’s much more once you step inside.
I suspect the interior has evolved over the last 35-40 years. There is little radical change but gradual updates to the finish, fixtures, and fittings. However, the open, flowing space is a selling point and perfectly suits the design.
The finish is quite something, too—almost pop art in places, with bold colours and artwork contrasting the white gallery-esque walls. It is very appealing and has obviously had a lot of work and thought put into it.
The black window frames add a contemporary touch, while the kitchen and bathrooms also look to have been updated recently. A special mention for the fireplace in the living room, too, which is a wonderful focal point.
The house has a good amount of space, too—3,165 sq.ft. in total—and, as I said earlier, is generally open and free-flowing.
Walk in, and you are greeted by the inner entrance hall, which gives access to much of the accommodation. The open-plan sitting room is at the heart of this house, described as a fantastic entertaining space with an elevated reception area, sunken seating area, the feature gas fire, and floor-to-ceiling glazing to look out over the garden.
Leading off this sitting room, there is a family room/lounge, a separate dining room, and the breakfast kitchen with an electric AGA. There’s also a dining area, a study area, and French doors leading out onto the outdoor entertaining space.
Beyond that are two ground floor double bedrooms, a fitted utility room, a family shower room, a separate WC, and direct access to the integral double garage.
There’s also a first floor, which hosts the principal bedroom suite, which consists of a large bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with its own sauna, and a balcony with more views of the gardens.
The outside space is quite the selling point too. Around 1.5 acres of grounds wrap around the house and are mainly laid to lawn, with established trees, hedges, and borders just beyond.
Of course, some entertaining space is incorporated, with an elevated patio/decking area and an approximately 12m heated swimming pool. There’s also ‘extensive’ parking to the front of the property via a sweeping driveway, which leads to a turning circle and the double garage.
The house is on the market for the first time in over 30 years and has a guide price of £950,000.
Images and details courtesy of Fine & Country. For more details or to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
