Designed by the Swiss architect Edward Schoolheifer for the Lyon Group in 1964, this immaculate three-bedroom, end-of-terrace house forms part of the much-admired Manygate Lane Estate in Shepperton, Surrey. Contemporary additions such as the kitchen and bathroom are thoughtfully considered and complement carefully preserved mid-century features. Set in verdant communal gardens, the house comes with a private garage on the estate and has two separate walled gardens.

The Estate

The visionary Manygate Lane Estate was designated a conservation area in 2002 in recognition of Schoolheifer’s contribution to the modernist movement in Britain. The houses are arranged around formal courtyards lined with pedestrian walkways. Their stark simplicity and sleek panelled façades set against manicured gardens and the white-painted, wood-clad first floor floating above a bank of aluminium-framed windows on the level below. What was at the time a radical use of extensive glazing encourages a wonderful connection between the ground floor spaces and the private front and rear gardens.

The estate has both residents and guest car parks connected to the house via the footpaths that wind through the gardens. Like many mid-century estates, Manygate Lane was designed to be car-free and, as such, has a prevailing sense of calm throughout and a wealth of areas for children to play safely. For more information, please see the History section.

The Tour

Entry to the house is through a sunken garden, paved with a large stone tiles and landscaped with mature succulents, bamboo and palm. The living spaces on the ground floor wrap around a central core, which accommodates a kitchen, cloakroom, powder-room and the central staircase.

Minimally designed, the kitchen has a sleek and seamless Corian worktop, with appliances hidden behind white cabinet doors. The floor is lined with a marble mosaic, in keeping with the neutral palette. Fully glazed on the ground floor, the interior spaces blend with the gardens in a seamless continuum. Original windows have been carefully replicated with double-glazed copies throughout.

Existing joinery has been meticulously restored in the dining and sitting room, where Jarrah flooring runs underfoot and pine runs around the perimeter of the ceiling.

A staircase with a Parana pine balustrade elegantly ascends to the first floor, which is carpeted in a lustrous shade of mustard, contrasting nicely with the dark blue walls. The three bedrooms have been arranged around the central stairway and each benefits from a large picture window with views of private gardens. The two largest bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, the third is currently configured as a study. All of the doors on the first floor have been replaced and have handles by FSB. The original hot air heating system has been retained and upgraded.

The bathroom is designed in a neutral palette, maximising light drawn in through a frosted window. It has a walk-in shower and bathtub.

Outdoor Space

The home benefits from two private gardens, each with distinctive features. The front garden is meticulously landscaped and designed for alfresco dining and entertaining. Outdoor lighting illuminates the space in the evenings, creating an idyllic atmosphere that can also be enjoyed from the interior of the house. The sunny back garden has been beautifully planted and is laid to lawn, making it the perfect location to pull up deck chairs with a drink in hand. The enclosed communal garden lies beyond a short fence and can be enjoyed by all residents on the estate.

The Area

Shepperton has good local amenities, including the nearby Red Lion pub, which is much loved by locals. This part of Surrey is well known for its green spaces and nature reserves, such as Sheepwalk Lake, a haven for ducks, grebes and an abundance of other waterbirds. Shepperton also has easy access to riverside walks along the Thames and a lake, a 25-minute walk away, is available for open water swimming.

Manygate Lane is located five minutes’ walk from Shepperton train station, which runs direct services to London Waterloo. Walton-on-Thames station is also a short drive away. The house has very good access to the M3/M25.

Service Charge: approx. £450 per annum (includes maintenance of communal gardens and grounds)
Council Tax Band: E

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.