The Garden House
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Architect: Howard N. Mitchell
Register for similar homesDesigned in 1964 by the architect Howard N. Mitchell, The Garden House is a delightful single-storey residence in a secluded setting.
Located off a quiet lane in Uplyme, Lyme Regis, the three-bedroom house with garage sits in half an acre of garden. Boasting many original features, the interior has been sympathetically restored by the current owners. For further information please see the history section.
The Garden House is reached via a private driveway off Mill Lane. It is located in the pretty village of Uplyme on the Dorset / Devon border. The village is served by a good pub, a village store, and a sports field including cricket green and tennis courts. The popular seaside town of Lyme Regis is approximately one mile away and can be reached either by road or on foot along a picturesque footpath beside the River Lym.
Direct train services run from London Waterloo to Axminster in approximately 2h 40m. The market town of Axminster is approximately five miles away.
Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.
History
The Garden House was built in 1964-65 for a Mr. G. A. Britton, about whom little is known, and designed by Howard N. Mitchell, an architect based in North London. Although not as adventurous in its design as some of the more well-known houses of the period, The Garden House is a fine example of mid-century Modern architecture. Making the most of its verdant setting, the house allows generous views and lets in much light.
The site of the house is the former apple orchard of Waterside, the neighboring property. The trees and hedges that have grown up over the last forty years make it a private plot.
Today the house still retains many of its original features. Chief among these is a beautiful fireplace and surround made from brick and maple panels. A 1950s teak shelving unit and new oak-plank flooring add to the sense of warmth that characterizes the living room. Generous glazing throughout makes this a light house that is spacious in feel. The unusual aluminium double-glazed windows that are used in all rooms slide open horizontally. Also of interest are the original door handles. The house is largely constructed from silver-grey reformite blocks.
The current owners have carefully respected the original design of the house, but have also done much impressive work to bring it to its current condition. All the electrics have been recently renewed, ceiling spotlights have been added, solid oak-plank flooring has been installed and the bathrooms have been enlarged.
