In our series ‘An Interview with a vendor’, we challenge our vendors to think about the reason why they are so in love with the properties they own and treasure.
This is ‘The Third Sun House’, one of the first modernist homes to be built in the UK. Now restored back to its former glory by the vendor, they describe in their own words what spurred them to move into such a statement property, an icon of modernist history.
What drew you to the property in the first place?
We both have an interest in Art Deco design and architecture, with its 1930s glamour and romance. Before we bought the house we had been to Miami and loved the architecture there.
We heard about the Sun Houses in Amersham, I think a neighbour in Maidenhead tipped us off, and went to have a look at them. We were intrigued by the Third Sun House and the glimpses we saw of it behind the trees. About a year later we found out it was for sale, so we had to go and view it. It was a game changer for us, we felt very lucky to have the opportunity to buy such an impressive house.
We were drawn to the architecture and the chance to live somewhere different, with its character and history. The house is 90 years old but the design still feels ultra-modern, timeless and well proportioned. It has a really solid structure, while the streamline walls and windows make it feel refined and elegant. There’s something magical about Modernist architecture – its simplicity and proportions, the striking features, like the wrap around Crittall windows and “brise soleils” over the windows, the way the sunlight enters the buildings, and the thought that went into their design as ‘machines for living’, with the efficient use of the space inside, and the way it flows. They are not the same as modern houses, they seduce you into living in a different way, perhaps a more serene or considered way.
Original features in the Sun House, like the revolving kitchen door, the settle in the dining area and the built-in cupboards made it feel really special. The original polished chrome door handles and hooks on the internal doors and cupboards, handrails in the stairwell, the tiered glass lampshades in the living area all add to the elegance.
We learned about the house’s history – the Modernist movement, the architects, the story behind how it came about. We were drawn to being part of something special, looking after an important and stunning piece of architecture, and being able to experience its beauty every day.
It only had two previous owners before us, and is still virtually untouched from its original design, so we knew the structure was intact, unadulterated. Other properties we’ve lived in have been altered and tinkered with a great deal over their lifetime. While we’ve been living here, we’ve learnt a lot about its life from previous occupants, our neighbours and from our own investigations.
Did you have specific needs around things like accommodation, location, outdoor space? How did it answer them?
Previously we had a 2 bedroom maisonette in a listed Georgian building, with a shared garden. The size of the Sun House, including the storage space in the garage, and outside space was perfect for us.
We were looking for a freehold detached property that had its own garden with private outdoor space for relaxing and socialising, where we could grow vegetables and fruit. The roof terraces, at the top of the building and above the garage, as well as the space in the garden more than answered this, and the trees around the edge of the garden provide screening and a wonderful outlook.
We needed parking for at least 3 cars, and there was space at the front of the house to accommodate this. We were also hankering after a log fire, so were thrilled the house had a wood burner.
Although the kitchen is smaller than the one we had previously, we felt it actually makes more efficient use of space and flows well, with enough storage and everything to hand. It’s also convenient having a laundry space separate from the kitchen. We like being able to close the kitchen door to shut out the sounds and cooking smells from the dining and living area.
Being able to commute into London for work was an important deciding factor for us. Amersham is great for this as it has the option of the metropolitan line tube or the overland Chiltern line. The metropolitan line starts at Amersham, so the trains are always empty in the morning, guaranteeing you a seat. And it takes less than 15 minutes to walk to the station (with the hill providing a little bit of a morning workout).
The location of the house between Old Amersham and Amersham-on-the-Hill is great too. It’s a 5-10 minute walk from the shops and restaurants in picturesque Old Amersham and about a 15 minute walk to the amenities in Amersham-on-the-Hill, which ticked a box for us.
Have you made any improvements, alterations or extensions?
Before we moved in, we needed to extend the off-street parking area. We created a gravel drive that fits 3-4 cars (instead of one). We also had some of the trees removed that were very close to the house, allowing more light to enter the rooms.
After we had been in the house for a few years, we had the garden room built at the back of the garden, with an additional toilet that provides a great office space for working from home. We’ve also used it for other purposes, such as a guest room.
We made the usual updates to improve the kitchen and bathroom when we moved in, overhauled the central heating system, and have done extensive maintenance work to the outside of the house and windows. It’s looking pretty sleek now!
Do you have one or more favourite corners, rooms, outlooks or features?
Probably the most knockout feature of the house is the roof terrace. Reaching the top of the stairwell and opening the door is always a joy. When working at home, it’s a great place to get away from your desk and take in the views.
It makes a wonderful secluded sun deck, we’ve spent many hours up there sipping G’n’Ts while soaking up the rays, enjoying a feel of Miami glamour in the Chiltern Hills. It’s great for a barbeque, or just enjoying the views and watching the birds and squirrels. During the summer nights we like to lie on the sun beds and stargaze, spotting shooting stars and satellites.
The stairwell is a lovely place to hang out too. We often pause there to appreciate the views of the garden, or to marvel at the way the sun is lighting the architecture and the beautiful design of the tall Crittall windows. It never loses its impact.
The panoramic wall-to-wall windows in the master bedroom are a special feature. They look out into the tree tops, so the room is not overlooked. It’s lovely seeing the foliage and blossom change throughout the seasons, the birds and the squirrels, and the sunlight streaming through them in the morning, it feels very zen.
As its name suggests, the way the Sun House interacts with sunlight is a fantastic feature – the way the sun enters the house at different times of the day, and the sun and shadows fall on the exterior walls at different times of day throughout the year is captivating. The garden room is a great place to view this and appreciate the house’s architecture from the outside.
When the sun goes down we really enjoy having the log burner, we can highly recommend it. We love getting all toasty in the living room with a glass of whisky or a hot toddy.
Does your work affect how you use the property or how you relate to it? A creative space, a sanctuary from the office, an extension of your professional life, etc.
We both work in advertising and appreciate a good bit of design (as did the previous owner). We’ve really enjoyed finding out about the history, the Modernist movement and the architects who built the Sun Houses.
We work from home now, and it’s been wonderful to be able to spend so much time in the house and appreciate it throughout the day, we feel very lucky.
What will you miss the most?
I think the thing we are going to miss the most is feeling like we’re part of something special, including the positive reactions we get from other people who also appreciate the architecture, and our lovely neighbours who share our love of the Sun Houses and their history.
And of course we will miss the way the house makes us feel – the beauty of the architecture and windows, the flow of the house and its efficient use of space, and the way the sunlight interacts with the house inside and out.
“The Third Sun House” is for sale – £1,250,000. Click here for the details.
If you’d like to take a closer look, please contact the office on 020 3987 1739 or email, [email protected]
