A fine example of mid-century modernism, this four-bedroom end-of-terrace house occupies a superior position in Greatwood, a small development of 19 houses designed by architect Norman Starrett in 1962 in a style he called the ‘H2 Design’. The houses are arranged in small groups of staggered terraces to give maximum privacy. Located in a quiet setting away from the main road, Greatwood retains a private and tranquil atmosphere.

The development is one of a small number in the Southeast London area designed by Starrett for Hyndewood, a development company that is perhaps only rivalled by Span in the postwar era for the quality of its housing. The development was given a Civic Design Award in the 1960s, and the architecture and setting of Greatwood have been recently protected by a local listing. Sir Nikolaus Pevsner also singled out the development for praise in his celebrated Buildings of England series.

Demonstrating a simple form, the three-storey house is approached across a forecourt with space for a couple of cars. Like many houses of the era, there is an integrated garage that has direct access to the ground floor. To the right of the main building is a single-storey, flat-roofed extension that houses a large second reception room / fourth bedroom, and a separate kitchen. Also at ground level is a dining room with sliding doors to the rear garden.

The first floor is completely given to a single large reception space, with balconies at either end. The east-west orientation of the house captures the sun throughout the day, light streaming in through large windows on all levels.

An open-tread staircase leads to the top floor bedrooms, of which there are three, and a family bathroom. Each bedroom has access to a balcony through sliding glass doors. The master bedroom has the most peaceful aspect, looking across the garden surrounded by mature trees.

Uniquely, this particular house sits on a corner plot with an extended garden on the north side in addition to the west-facing rear garden. The house has been judiciously maintained by the architect owner.

Greatwood is five to ten minutes’ walk from the high street of Chislehurst and fifteen minutes from Royal Parade, both of which boast a wide range of independent shops, chain shops, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants. It is also ten minutes’ walk from both Chislehurst (Zone 5) and Elmstead Woods (Zone 4) train stations. Journey times are around 15 minutes to London Bridge and 25 minutes to Charing Cross. European train travel is possible from nearby Ebbsfleet International (a fifteen-minute drive). The M25 and M20 are within five minutes’ drive.

Chislehurst has an excellent choice of local schools, both public and private. The house is within easy walking distance from Bullers Wood High School for Girls; an Outstanding school which is planning to open a boys school on the same site next year.

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.