9 minute read
REAL HOME
Grand
PLANS
Heading inside a wonderful contemporary masterpiece in the heart of St Albans that caught the eye of Kevin McCloud
Of the 300 plus drawings produced for Abbey Orchard House, over 100 were for the interior. These drawings were then turned into reality by an award winning joinery company who specialise in bespoke interiors for luxury homes and yachts throughout the world. The result, as Grand Designs TV show presenter Kevin McCloud commented, is “remarkable and breath-taking”.
Home automation has been seamlessly integrated with this high quality fi t out allowing heating, blinds, lights and electrical appliances to be activated and controlled from your phone. The light maple interior gives this large house (approaching 600m2) a cosy feel. And with triple glazing and underfl oor heating, no matter what the season your comfort is assured.
After passing through a Japanese gate, the entrance reveals itself. Jasmine trailed over the pergola provides a magical scent as one crosses a stone bridge between fl owing water.
You enter through the massive maple double doors and into a 30m glazed atrium that connects the two wings of this remarkable house. The infl uence of Feng Shui plays its part, as does the strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape. It’s a gorgeous room for gatherings, full of warmth and harmony. Family and friends will be mesmerised by the warm glow that emanates from the massive wood burner that takes centre stage.
And when the mercury rises, the warmth of the wood burner will be replaced with the magnifi cence of the gardens that become part of the room simply by opening the massive glazed doors. As Kevin McCloud stated, “this room hits you between the eyes”.
Poggenpohl and the architect combined their respective skills to create a kitchen that is practical and elegant, blending seamlessly with the adjacent dining room. A breakfast area is ideal for food on the go, and a full range of Wolf Sub Zero appliances complete this premium environment.
The double sided wood burner provides ambience for any meal. Combine this with views of the adjacent courtyard, bespoke table, dresser, chairs and lamp fi tting and your guests will never want to leave. The engine room of the house, the computer controlled heating and hot water system makes e cient use of heat generated by gas, wood burners and fi tted solar panels that endure excellent eco credentials and running costs of this spacious property are kept to a minimum. The snug is a perfect meeting place with seating for ten – this area is located to maximise on the morning light from the east.
Abbey Orchard House doesn't have corridors. Instead these connecting spaces have been designed at double width to allow art or collections to be displayed with space to contemplate.
There is a cinema room with an integrated screen that combines with an Epson HD projector, surround sound system and electronic blackout blinds. The room with blinds up is also an excellent gathering room for children with views up to the Abbey Church. Storage is also a key feature of this room, with ample space to ensure the house is free from clutter.
The Abbey suite bedroom is approximately 30m2 and combines sitting area with bedroom. As one
awakes and activates the electronic blinds, the 11th century Norman tower of the Abbey Church rises dramatically on the hill above. The large glazed doors open onto private verandas that flow onto the orchard planted with a wide variety of fruit trees. A huge range of fitted wardrobes and elegant bathroom complete this stunning bedroom suite.
The River Suite bedroom is similar in size to the Abbey Suite, once again this room combines a sitting area with bedroom – but it's the huge wood burner that makes winter something to look forward to. Summer is also a joy as the huge glass doors glide open to give access to this river side setting and surrounding private gardens. A walk in wardrobe o ers plentiful storage, but it is the bespoke Japanese bath and massive walkin shower that complete this beautiful suite.
This is a remarkable brand-new riverside residence in the heart of this Cathedral city. Abbey Orchard House, whilst new, already has a story to tell. Never previously developed, this huge site (in excess of 2.5 acres) sits close to the Roman town of Verulamium. But it was in medieval times that the fertile site formed part of the Abbey of St Albans. This south facing site grew apples, pears and other fruits of fancy, thus it became known as the Abbey Orchard. Surrounded by substantial detached character houses to the east and west, the River Ver to the south and the majestic Abbey and Cathedral Church of St Albans to the north, the location is unparalleled in the Home Counties. English Heritage oversaw the planning and development of the site and insisted that any building had to be exceptional and blend into this historic and beautiful location. Although five minutes' walk from the centre of St Albans, Abbey Orchard House is discreetly positioned in such a way that it is only visible from the air. Approached through two sets of electronic gates down its own 130 metre private driveway privacy is assured.
Nick Ingle, Head of Savills Harpenden, says: “Abbey Orchard House is a contemporary masterpiece in the heart of the city – undoubtedly one of the most individual and outstanding architectural houses I’ve had the privilege to be involved with. It’s a piece of art in its own right and the level of craftmanship and attention to detail is second to none.
“The owners have created a truly breathtaking home that combines superior design and bespoke interiors – drawing on Japanese traditions and styles to connect with nature for a wonderfully calming ambience. The location is also unparalleled, discreetly positioned in such a way as to only be visible from the air.”
ABBEY ORCHARD HOUSE
Pondwicks Close, St Albans, has a guide price of £5.95m. For more information contact Savills Harpenden on 01582 465 000 or visit savills.co.uk
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