'Inside-out living' at this modern take on the Arts-and-Crafts house, with exotic curves, glass walls and spectacular country setting

We're always on the lookout for something a little different and Checkendon Hill House certainly fits the bill: this is a modern take on the Arts-and-Craft house, built in 2010 with an exotic inside-out living arrangement, fully-glazed walls, huge living spaces — including double-height rooms — and a system of walkways which have to be seen.

It first came on the market during the tail-end of the Pandemic at £3.5m without a sale going through; today it's for sale once more, this time via a new agent, Fine & Country, who have given this house just outside the hamlet of Stichens Green in Berkshire a £3m price tag.

Designed by architect Richard Cutler and built in 2010, the property is set in a prime hillside location in the North Wessex Downs, with incredible interior vistas from which to enjoy the surrounding grounds: almost two acres and are a mix of lawns, shrubs and wildflower meadows.

Set in leafy grounds surrounded by open countryside, it has glazing on several floors to make the most of the magnificent views.

The 6,027sq ft interiors combine open plan with traditional living and meld seamlessly outdoor and indoor spaces, with those views served up through huge windows — in particular a height-of-the-house glass wall whose asymmetric design seems inspired in part by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

A covered bridge leads to the entrance door, into the building’s ‘central tower’ from which half a flight of steps gives access to the upper ground floor.

Here are the vaulted dining room, with French doors opening onto a deck, and the spectacular drawing room, also vaulted and with a feature fireplace and bifold doors leading to a covered deck.

Internal balconies overlook both rooms, forming a three-level library. Also on the ground floor is the striking contemporary kitchen, which enjoys fine country views, and two bedrooms.

The first floor has three bedrooms, including the huge master suite, which has a dressing room and private balcony. One more bedroom is on the top floor, while the lower-ground level houses a media and games room and a family room, as well as the garage.

Outside, the 1.8-acre grounds are primarily laid to lawn, overlooked by the decked terrace and veranda that wraps around the property, where a hot tub provides the perfect place to relax and soak up the views.

Checkendon Hill House is for sale at £3.5 million via Knight Frank — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.

Streatley-on-Thames: What you need to know

• Location: Streatley-on-Thames is between Reading and Wallingford, just a short drive from the M4 and A34.
• Atmosphere: This pretty village on the banks of the Thames shares its shops and transport with the equally delightful Goring-on-Thames on the opposite bank of the river. It has a pub, a hotel and restaurant and a golf club.
• Things to do: Play gold at the local club, try cycling on the hills (the area is famous for competitive hill climbs), watch the Goring and Streatley Regatta, or simply take walks on National Trust land.
• Schools: A wide range of excellent schools are within easy reach, from the Streatley C.E. Voluntary Controlled School (rated Good by Ofsted) to Downe House, Bradfield College, Abingdon School and Radley College.Find more properties in the area.

Credit: Knight Frank

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