Property description
Known originally as ‘Tramore Chalet’, this unique house was built around 1850 as a summerhouse-cum-folly for the grand Victorian villa Tramore. Set in the estate’s wooded grounds facing an artificial lake, it enjoyed views from two balconies. A former arrow slit window facing the planet Venus suggests it may even have been designed as a love nest, and this intimate atmosphere still resonates. The ground plan of the main house is an isosceles trapezoid, which generates a remarkable roof structure and gives the impression, both inside and out, of optical illusion.
This extraordinary home was once owned by Peter and Peggy Strausfeld, Peter being the emigré artist famous for his series of striking wood-and linocut Academy Cinema posters displayed around London from 1950s to 1970s. Peggy was an acclaimed artist too, specializing in the decoration of ceramics, and her design of doves and vines still adorns the dining room fireplace. The rooms are quirky, almost all being of an unusual shape and enhanced character.
Ideally situated for commuting, the owner automatically gets a key to the gate for Preston Park station just a short, wooded walk away and by road one can hop straight out onto the A23. The house also provides off road parking for up to three cars.
What the Owner says:
Its artiness, fun, extreme oddness and quiet secluded setting were the main reasons we fell in love with this house.
Its outlook features several beautiful trees, from a magnificent cypress by the road to a cute little juniper in the garden, and these trees in turn attract a considerable variety of bird life, including collared doves, blue tits, magpies and blackbirds. At certain times of year we even hear nightingales.
We have been here for many very happy years and it will be a huge wrench to leave.
Room sizes:
- GROUND FLOOR
- Entrance Hall
- Cloakroom
- Kitchen: 18'6 x 7'9 (5.64m x 2.36m)
- Dining Room: 13'3 x 10'3 (4.04m x 3.13m)
- Conservatory: 10'2 x 7'0 (3.10m x 2.14m)
- Lounge: 15'6 x 12'3 (4.73m x 3.74m)
- Inner Hallway
- Bedroom 3/Study: 14'7 x 6'9 (4.45m x 2.06m)
- FIRST FLOOR
- Landing
- Bedroom 1: 20'0 x 10'4 (6.10m x 3.15m)
- Balconies
- Dressing Room/Office: 23'6 x 10'4 (7.17m x 3.15m)
- Bathroom
- Bedroom 2: 15'6 x 4'4 (4.73m x 1.32m)
- OUTSIDE
- Rear Garden
- Off Road Parking
The information provided about this property does not constitute or form part of an offer or contract, nor may be it be regarded as representations. All interested parties must verify accuracy and your solicitor must verify tenure/lease information, fixtures & fittings and, where the property has been extended/converted, planning/building regulation consents. All dimensions are approximate and quoted for guidance only as are floor plans which are not to scale and their accuracy cannot be confirmed. Reference to appliances and/or services does not imply that they are necessarily in working order or fit for the purpose.
Property Features :
- OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 25TH JULY 2015 - by appointment only
- Quirky detached house
- 2/3 bedrooms
- Cosy cottage feel
- Close to Preston Park Station