Broadcast September 2017

Owner's Narrative

“This house is one of the truly great – Grand Designs. During his visits Kevin McCloud was wooed by this house – as he approached the house on his final visit he drew breath and said “This is a special place” and then as he saw the house, “Wow what a house – surrounded by majestic giant trees this extraordinarily shaped house is almost lost in the green”. His superlatives didn’t stop there. As he entered the house he continued, “This is remarkable, inside it is breathtaking, the light is so soft you can almost touch it every surface glows and is pristine, I’m quite overwhelmed by all of this!”

He described the house as “Organically inspired, geometric craftsmanship that hits you between the eyes. Futuristic and historical it’s hugely successful”.

Abbey Orchard House is undoubtedly one of the most individual and outstanding architectural houses built in England in the 21st century. It is modern living that combines craftsmanship that these days is only found in luxury hotels or yachts that creates an ambiance that calms the mind and as Kevin McCloud mentioned, “Provides space for contemplation”.

After a hard day this house will put everything into perspective with its connection with nature and calm organic interior.

The two massive wood burning stoves (in the lounge/dining and main bedroom) provide not only sustainable sources of heat that power both the underfloor heating and hot water but also the comfort that the natural flames bring to any room. Triple glazing throughout, 300mm insulation in the walls, floor and roof combined with computer controlled heating systems providing outstanding levels of comfort with the knowledge that environmentally this house has a light footprint.

Winter and summer this house performs. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer but always full of light and reflection. Something that is rarely found in a house of this size and sophistication”