Rich history, architecturally splendid, abundant nature and close proximity to a city – Abbey Orchard proves you may just be able to have it all for just shy of £6 million.
The luxurious five-bedroom detached house, priced at £5,950,000, is on sale in the highly sought-after city of St Albans.
Listed on July 23 by estate agent The Modern House, the freehold property sits on Abbey Orchard, standing out as a striking paragon in the marriage of man-made design and untouched nature.
Perched against a private woodland backdrop, the glorious house and its outbuildings total approximately 6,000 sq ft.
A remarkable aspect of the property is its riverside plot of more than two acres, a rarity considering its close proximity to the city’s heart.
The Modern House state: "The design by the architect Rogan Gale Brown is a thoughtful response to its surroundings, the history of the plot and to the needs of modern life, moving with the undulations of the land in a series of minimally stepped levels while respecting the Japanese aesthetic of the patrons’ heritage."
Adding an ancient element to the property’s appeal, Abbey Orchard is located between a historic cathedral and picturesque river, on a Scheduled Ancient Monument site.
The property covers the buried remains of a medieval monastery precinct, and permission to build was granted due to the brilliant design which pays homage to the site’s history.
The house bears the look of a butterfly from a bird's eye view, characterised by the opposing design of living spaces and bedrooms across enclosed sections of the front and back garden.
The plant, sedum, is used atop the intentionally deep roof structure, subtly integrating nature by creating an insulating ecosystem and providing a scenic sight.
Dark Ibstock brickwork covers the elevations, blending seamlessly into the woodland’s shaded field layer, underneath the crawling ivy and jasmine which clutch the sloping brick screen walls.
The formal entrance ascends in a bridge over a fish-filled ‘moat’ to a glazed atrium, mirroring a ‘Kairo’ in traditional Japanese architectural design.
Inside the house, all five bedrooms lie on one side while the common spaces are counterposed on the opposite side.
Every room in the house has an ever-present interaction with the outside, with brick screens providing a sense of privacy to each room, leaving the impression of its own private terrace.
Emphasising the bond between the house and nature are the delicately designed gardens.
The lawn acts as a barrier between the house and the woodland, offering a substantial sightline to the cathedral situated far in the north.
At the bottom of the garden exists a tranquil section of the River Ver, its midpoint marking the border between the private grounds and Verulamium Park.
Located within St Albans, the neighbourhood extends into Hollywell Hill, famous for its range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
In an extraordinary alignment of modern architecture, ancient history and natural aesthetics, this St Albans property stands as a rarity.
It's a spacious, secluded haven, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It offers exceptional insulation from the outside world while embodying the convenience of urban living.
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