This remarkable 4-bedroom courtyard house was designed in the late 1960s by the architect Derek Seward for his own occupation. It can be found close to the historic Somerset town of Langport in the village of Curry Rivel which is located high up on the south facing escarpment of a ridge. The house is located just off the main village road.
Accommodation includes four bedrooms on the first floor – one with an en-suite bathroom and another that opens out onto a sun room. The ground floor features a wonderful open plan kitchen / dining room with full-height glazed doors that open onto the walled courtyard garden. A striking concrete fireplace sits at the heart of the space. At an elevated level (but still open plan with the main space) is a study area. There is also a kitchen and utility room on the ground floor. Seward’s choice of materials throughout is particularly notable – such as the use of marble throughout the bathrooms.
The courtyard garden has been carefully landscaped by the architect and provides a perfect space to sit outside in the sun. The courtyard gardens leads up to a rear garden, currently largely used as a (very abundant) vegetable garden. There is also a workshop space and garage. There is parking space for numerous cars at the front of the house.
The house was completed in 1971 and then extended and updated in the early 1980s. This is the first time the house has ever been on the market.
Seward worked largely as an architect that served the local council, with a particular responsibility for the preservation of the area’s historic buildings. His personal interest, however, has always been in Modern architecture, as can be seen in the design of his own house. The influence of Scandinavian architects such as Alvar Aalto can clearly be seen in the courtyard form and the use of vernacular style.
Curry Rivel is a village that dates back to the 12th century and gets it’s name from Sir Richard Revel, a prominent landowner of that time. Curry is thought to be derived from the Celtic word crwy, meaning boundary. Today the village is largely seen as an extension of Langport, an attractive, small town with a good range of facilities. Larger towns nearby include Somerton, Street, Glastonbury, Taunton and Yeovil. The latter two towns have train stations that run direct services to London.
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.
