There is an exceptional power to good architecture. That is probably not a secret to many who read the pages (both online and in print) of Country Life. I would suggest that our expertise has often leaned more towards the Classical end of the spectrum, but we are something a grand old dame. However, good architecture is good architecture, no matter the style or era.
Royston Summers was a good architect. After training, he worked for Cornwall Country Council, before setting up his own practice in Blackheath, London, in 1964. His housing schemes, for the period, were revolutionary.
He designed the first ever solar-heated council flats. He won a RIBA award for Good Design in Housing in 1969, for his North Terraces in Blackheath (after receiving the award from Tony Benn, he then went to collect his dole money. ‘Such are the vagaries of life in a small architectural practice’, wrote the RIBA Journal in his obituary in 2012).
His most famous works, however, may have been Lakeside Drive in Esher, Surrey, which won the RIBA Architecture Award in 1976, as well as a DoE Medal and Diploma for Good Design in 1980. You can see why when looking at this home for sale with Knight Frank for £2.95 million.
The tranquil cul-de-sac that is Lakeside Drive is set around, well, an ornamental lake. This property might be the finest example of Summers’s design in the development, and has been renovated to a superb standard by its current owners. However, the original style, featuring high ceilings, open-plan living and those large windows remains untouched.
Set in a cross-section, the ground floor offers a spacious dining room, reception room, kitchen (with central island) and attached garage. On the first floor you will find four bedrooms, with the principal suite taking up an entire wing and featuring a walk-in wardrobe and vast bathroom. The other three bedrooms are en-suite, and there is also a large family room.
Outside, as well as the lake, there is a swimming pool and large gardens. Esher itself has an excellent range of schools, shops, bars and restaurants, while Central London is easily accessed from the nearby A3 or various nearby train stations.
-
‘Its loss became a cautionary tale, and a rallying cry for architectural conservation’: The rise and fall and renewed interest in Ireland’s remarkable country housesLesley Bond traces a brief history of Ireland’s country houses and questions whether you can ever separate the house from the history it represents.
-
Alan Titchmarsh: 'I am so weary of seeing Lutyens-style benches and chairs absolutely everywhere'A strategically placed chair doubles as a focal point and a spot to rest — but we need to move on from Lutyens-style ones says our regular garden columnist.
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of themBrithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallistPenny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heartFor sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews housesFrom birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
-
The distinctive and historic home that might just be 'one of Dorset’s most picturesque'Grade II*-listed Manor House, set in just under eight acres, dates from the 16th century.
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courtsFords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
-
The 15 best-value commuter towns for people working in London, according to new research from one of Britain's top estate agentsSavills have released their list of the best-value commuter towns in Britain. But do the sums add up? Toby Keel takes a look.
-
What everyone is talking about this week: Where are the new Cotswolds?The appearance of American Vice President J. D. Vance in the Cotswolds is a sure sign that they're saturated, but where else can you escape to that has the same charm?
