Set in over three acres of private gardens, this wonderful seven-bedroom house in Somerset unfolds over 3,750 sq ft. Designed by the acclaimed architect Raymond Moxley in 1959, the interior is replete with original mid-century features, such as parquet flooring and wide expanses of timber-framed glazing framing verdant views of the gardens. The house has been in the same family for over 60 years and is surrounded by open countryside, with Street town centre and Millfield School a short walk away and Bruton, Frome and Wells also within easy reach. The house is also three miles south of Glastonbury.

The Architect

Ray Moxley (1923 – 2014), at the time of the house’s commission, was a young, forward-thinking architect based in Bristol. He served three years in local government architect’s departments and in 1953 he left to start his own practice.

In 1964, Moxley went on to build one of Bristol’s first high-rise blocks. His exceptional drive and determination made him a brilliant construction manager and he developed a method he called ‘rapid building’. His success in this field brought in many commissions, including Chelsea Harbour, a huge site adjacent to Lots Road Power Station, where he worked with Chamberlin, Powell, Bon and Woods on a significant number of houses, flats, and industrial and commercial buildings. Moxley also served as vice president on the RIBA council for some years. His last work was Excel, the International Exhibition Centre. He died on 11 October 2014, aged 91.

The Tour

Surrounded by open fields and countryside, Marshalls Elm is set back from the road by a generous private driveway, bordered by a stone wall creating privacy to the entrance. A carport has off-street parking, alongside a large integral garage.

The original timber-framed glazed doorway leads into the primary entrance hall with well-retained square parquet flooring. Double-height ceilings create a dramatic first impression, with a workspace set beneath the open-tread cantilever staircase, which unfolds dramatically through the central plan.

The arterial corridor leads to a series of interconnected living areas on the westerly aspect. Four full-height timber-framed glass doors form the rear façade, inviting an excellent quality of natural light and ensuring constant visual connection to the gardens. In the summer months, this section of the house flows onto the terrace, merging the interior and exterior spaces. In the winter, the open fire, finished in decorative tiling, warms the room and creates a focal point. Lines of bespoke joinery and bookcases run the lengths of the walls, and sliding pocket doors form natural divisions between the living and dining areas.

The original 1960s cabinetry and cork flooring add a sense of craft to the kitchen, designed with functionality and family life in mind. A utility room housing appliances is interconnected. Additionally, there is a ground-floor cloakroom, two useful storage areas and access to the wine cellar.

Double-height glazing illuminates the cantilevered staircase leading up to the seven double bedrooms, which span the first floor, four of which have expansive westerly views of the garden. The main bedroom also has a balcony. Three bathrooms serve the upper-storey bedrooms, and there is also an office.

Outdoor Space

Keen horticulturalists, the current owners have lovingly landscaped and tended the garden over many years. As a result, the grounds are chock full of plants, mature shrubs and rose beds that provide colour and interest throughout the year. Lines of specimen trees and hedging form the borders, creating welcome shade and privacy. The swimming pool and pool house form the centrepiece, a fantastic addition in the summer months. There is also a full-size tennis court.

The Area

Street town centre is around a mile north, with the daily amenities of the high street and Clarks shopping centre easily reached on foot in around 20 minutes. Also within walking distance is Greenbank, the iconic Art Deco heated swimming pool, built in 1937 for the town’s residents (particularly women and children, as men were inclined to swim naked in the river brue). Also in Street is the Strode Theatre, which shows excellent films.

Millfield School, a huge draw for the area, is just over a mile to the north and also easily reached on foot or by car in less than five minutes.

Glastonbury is around 10 minutes’ drive away, and Wells is a little further north, about 20 minutes by car. To the east, the popular towns of Frome and Bruton and the Somerset highlights Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Osip, The Old Pharmacy and The Newt are easily reached by car in 30 and 40 minutes, respectively.

The area is well-renowned for beautiful countryside, with wide open fields surrounding the house, and for more extensive walking opportunities; the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge, Stockhill Wood and the Chew Valley are around ten miles north. Bristol and Bath are around an hour by car.

Council Tax Band: G

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.