Description
This exquisite example of modern architecture won a Civic Award in 2021 for its contribution to Cheltenham Architecture. Commissioned by its only owners just 4 years ago, the design is a masterful exercise in light and materials all with an eco-friendly approach. Lying low in beautifully landscaped gardens, the plan follows the clean lines of a single-storey, complementing its neighbours by using the mellow Bath stone that continues on the terrace.
The approach is via Painswick Road, of which the property occupies a corner position, behind a wrought iron fence with areas of landscape planting planted with structural shrubs, tall specimen trees and a soft wash of purple spring heather.
Modest in its elevation, the profile is characterised by the soft stone brickwork and glazing to the front and rear facade. An oversized doorway, leads into a beautifully bright entrance hall with a useful cloak cupboard, where solid, bleached oak, bleached flooring and underfloor heating provides tactile material underfoot. A wooden pocket door divides this space to introduce the exceptional living space that unfolds to one side, cleverly conceived on an angled plan to create a logical, lateral layout. Full-height expanses of glass optimise the south-facing light while connecting to the gardens from every element.
The primary living space is wonderfully bright, with two full height glazed framed sliding doors leading out to the terrace and a further door opening to the study, a wonderful space in which to work or to be used as a guest bedroom if so wished. The kitchen/dining and living room is a large, collaborative space which is ideal for entertaining, cooking and dining with the seating area positioned around a Contura I40 fireplace. The kitchen itself comprises a well-appointed area of units from Schmidt with high end appliances from Gaggenau including a fridge, freezer and wine cooler, a Quooker tap and two Siemens oven with microwave and a Siemens induction hob. From here a utility room with outside access completes the accommodation on this side of the house.
A bedroom wing is positioned across from the living space. The main en suite bedroom, a peaceful retreat from the rest of the house, is set on its own to the front of the house, along with a walk in dressing room and en suite steam room. Opposite here are two further bedrooms both serviced by en suite shower rooms and glazed doors opening to the terrace and garden. There is ample storage within each room.
The intentional approach to the build focused on the materials, carefully selected for their durability and technical ease, and the eco-friendly approach that would make for the safest and most energy efficient permanent home or lock up and leave. The property generates 40% of its own electricity annually, by way of Solar Panels, Air Source Heat Pump and a Heat Recovery system. Automated blinds are set to all windows which can be operated via the handsets or on an App. The bedrooms have black out blinds and all other blinds have the clever ‘one way’ blind system, allowing no visuals from outside in.
Outside
Intended to be an extension of the interior accommodation, where the two seamlessly meet, this expanse of outside space was designed to be low maintenance, yet a place to sit and enjoy integral to the home’s overall experience. Lying low under high brick walling, there is an immense sense of privacy and security from every part of the plot. Well planned and planted, with ample greenery complimenting the terrace, it is an unexpected size for living so close to town, and has been cleverly conceived to offer strategic seating areas including a built in bench area and a pergola, which is controlled to have open at every angle. Within the garden is a Rainbird irrigation system, which is controlled and adjusted by an App. To the rear of the garden, behind electric gates, is parking for two cars.
Situation
Painswick Road is undeniably one of Cheltenham finest addresses, a wide and leafy road lined with high calibre homes that connects The Park to Tivoli, two areas of Cheltenham that are highly sought after. This beautiful pocket of Cheltenham has its own 'village' atmosphere and is within strolling distance of a lovely range of amenities both in Tivoli and the ever-popular Bath Road, including a deli, health shops, butchers, coffee houses and restaurants. The property enjoys the best of all worlds, with parks and green open spaces in addition to esteemed educational establishments The Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Cheltenham College and Dean Close all within a comfortable walk or short drive. Cheltenham's fashionable shopping districts, Montpellier and the Promenade, are extremely close enjoying some excellent shopping, restaurants and the many internationally renowned Festivals to include Jazz, Music and Literature that the town offers. Communication links are highly accessible to the M5, A40 and A435 and Cheltenham Spa train station is under a mile away so comfortable walking distance.
Local Authority Cheltenham Borough Council (01242) 262626
