1950s modern house and time capsule in Camberley, Surrey
This 1950s modern house and time capsule in Camberley, Surrey, is one of the best projects I’ve seen in a long time.
But it comes with a couple of things you need to consider straight away. First off, the asking price, which isn’t cheap but seems reasonable for what you get—that is, if you get it for anything like that.
The second point is that this is an auction property. The guide price is £810,000, but as you know, the hammer price could be absolutely anything. I suspect there will be interest in this from both buyers who love it and developers who love the land it sits in.
Of course, I hope someone who loves this house comes along, as it’s a fascinating design that has aged well. If you love something retro, all the better, as the house is packed with original details. This is hardly surprising, as the house has never been on the market before.
According to the agent, the property was designed and built by the owner’s mother, who was ‘among the first qualified Dutch female architects’. Sadly, we don’t have a name.
It is also described as a ‘significant redevelopment project,’ which you might have worked out by looking at the photography online. You will need a proper viewing if you have an interest in buying (which is stating the obvious), but the imagery gets the point across. This is not a ‘move-in’ house as it stands.
Personally, I love it,, and I love the potential of this substantial house, which has more than 2,700 sq. ft. of accommodation. There is also a lot of land, listed as something in the region of 1.8 acres, which creates a secluded space, looking at the overhead shots.
Yes, certain areas of the house need to be updated, but with so many original details, it’s a renovation that should pay off if done correctly.
Those original details are everywhere you look. The architecture itself looks to have barely changed over the years. Although built in the mid-20th century, it still has something of a contemporary look about it, although with more character than most contemporary homes on the market.
And then there is the interior, which is a joy to behold. It is spacious, light-filled, and has some lovely midcentury modern touches scattered throughout. How much of the furniture stays isn’t clear—perhaps something to ask at a viewing—but the more permanent details should still be in place.
That includes everything from the shelving to the flooring, the original light fittings, the kitchen bar and units, that curving staircase, built-in cupboards, and more.
I also want to give a special mention to the stone fireplace in the main reception room. It is very much of its era, a great focal point and a very stylish thing to have in your home back then and still today.
I’m not sure if it still functions to modern-day standards, but having the original cooker in place is quite something, too. Like much of the kitchen, it would be nice if there was a way to preserve it. But I can understand a degree of updating would be necessary to bring it into the 21st century.
That’s the case for much of the house. Some rooms look a little tired and need work. Some flooring and much of the decor would need updating. The bathrooms would certainly need upgrading, and some of the spaces might well need a rethink. But none of that (for me) is a negative. This could be a dream of a project if you have the funds available.
In terms of space, a generous hallway leads to the most impressive area of the house: the 31-foot drawing room with parquet wooden flooring and the feature fireplace. It is a dream of an area and a great entertaining space.
The dining room also has parquet flooring and French doors opening onto the front garden. Beyond that, the kitchen is just wonderful and much larger than many of this era. The agent mentions that the 1950s American-style free-standing stove is in ‘excellent order’, so that might well be something you can work with.
Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms, with the principal bedroom offering an en-suite bathroom and French doors opening onto a balcony overlooking the front garden and beyond.
There is also a large room above the double garage that has been used as a games room and music room in the past but has the potential for a further large bedroom, studio, or anything else that works for you.
The driveway at the front of the house provides parking for around seven cars and accesses the large double garage with power and lighting. I know a lot of you love your cars, so this is probably something of a selling point, too.
As I mentioned earlier, the plot itself measures approximately 0.8 acres and offers a selection of mature trees and shrubs and a ‘previously well-used chicken run the owner’s children spent many hours hiding along in their younger years’.
The property is also near the Tekels Park paddock, where wild deer can be seen roaming.
One other thing to note. In addition to the large front and rear gardens, there are ‘further grounds to the side that would offer excellent potential for further extension, subject to planning’.
Now, the important bit: the buying details. This one is being offered for auction, and the closing date is in a couple of weeks. So you will have to move quickly to view, see the legal pack, and so on. Also, get the potential funds in order.
The agent’s site has full details of all of that. As I mentioned earlier in the piece, this one is guided at £810,000.
Images and details courtesy of Waterfords. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.