This wonderful four-bedroom townhouse in Newhall, Essex was designed by RIBA award-winning architect Richard Murphy. Volume and natural light have been prioritised throughout the design, which includes a landscaped garden, south-facing roof terrace and a double garage to the rear. The house is well located for travel into the capital from Harlow station, which runs services to Liverpool Street in 30 minutes.

The Development

Designed by Roger Evans Associates, Newhall was built on former farmland at the start of the millennium. Existing retrofitted buildings were reimagined alongside new housing designs, creating a cohesive and green community that prioritises pedestrians over cars.

The estate’s environmental credentials include measures to reduce water waste and pollution. Sustainably sourced resources were also used where possible in construction. Traditional crafts were combined with state-of-the-art technologies and include a high level of insulation, soundproofing, low-energy lighting and energy efficient appliances. As part of the build charter, all designs have to adhere to strict material guidelines, maximise daylight and trees must be visible from every window throughout the estate.

The Tour

Milestone Road arcs gently, steering away from any hard corners. Part of a terrace designed by Richard Murphy, the townhouse is of brick with a steep sloping Welsh slate-topped roof. A hedge-lined pathway, well maintained by the estate, guides towards its cerulean blue-painted front door.

An entrance lobby lies beyond, with plenty of light drawn in through the glazed front door and a porthole window. Solid oak floors run throughout the ground floor and upstairs living room, with comfortable carpet used elsewhere.

Designed in an open plan, the kitchen and dining room have a convivial atmosphere. Glazed doors leading out to the south-facing garden make for fuss-free summertime hosting. The kitchen has Corian worktops and Electrolux and AEG appliances. ‘Lotus‘ wallpaper by Farrow and Ball adds intricate visual detailing to the dining room.

The first bedroom – currently used as a study – lies downstairs. Zesty yellow walls have been cleverly paired with ‘Arance’ wallpaper by Fornasetti for Cole and Son. A double-aspect corner window brings in day-long sunlight, while to the rear, a recessed space allows room for storage. Sunshine hues continue in the adjoining shower room.

A green painted dog-leg stair ascends to the first storey, where the main living room, two further bedrooms and a bathroom lie. Exceedingly bright, the spacious living room has been designed to maximise daylight with a towering corner window.

The main bedroom suite is on the top floor, with a pitched ceiling that emphasises a feeling of spaciousness. Deep recessed wardrobes behind sliding doors provide plenty of storage space along one wall, while that opposite is covered with ‘Macchine Volanti’ wallpaper by Cole and Son. A smart bathroom lies adjacent and a glass door set within soaring panels of glazing leads out to a generous roof terrace.

Outside Space

Double doors open into the south-facing rear garden from the open-plan kitchen. Paving extends throughout, creating a pathway between an array of mature plants set around a pagoda and central magnolia tree that include agapanthus, acanthus, wisteria, roses, tree peonies, bamboo, dog wood, smoke bush and box hedging. A gate at the rear leads to a separate brick-built building with a garage, the high walls of which lend the garden a secluded feel.

There is a south-facing sun deck with a high railing on the top floor, entered via double (?) doors from the landing. Its elevated position gives wonderful views across the estate and surrounding countryside beyond.

In addition to the garage, the house also has off-street parking.

The Area

Harlow was one of several new towns built under the New Towns Act of 1946, passed after World War II to ease overcrowding in London and offer a vision of modern living. Sir Frederick Gibberd intended Harlow to be an outstanding example of the comfortable marriage of town and country, with lots of well-integrated open space to separate residential neighbourhoods and commercial zones. Newhall is an extension of this vision.

There are some fantastic independent cafés, pubs and restaurants nearby, notably the award winning New Ground Café, the Griffin Café, The Rainbow and Dove, and Mui and Koko Noodle Bar. A monthly farmers’ market is planned to commence later this year.

An expanse of green pasture lies minutes from Milestone Road and provides walking and cycling access to Harlow Common Woods and Latton Woods, which has mature pines, an older broadleaf wood and primroses in spring.

Just a 10-minute drive away is The Gibberd Garden, a beautiful Grade II-listed landscaped garden created by Sir Frederick Gibberd and his wife Patricia. With their former home of nearly 50 years at its centre, the garden comprises lawns, woodland and their personal collection of modern sculpture and architectural pieces, with a tearoom and a lively programme comprising music, theatre, art and writing events throughout the warmer months. Parndon Wood Nature Reserve is less than a 15-minute drive away and has two beautiful walking trails, a café and a centre for children’s activities. Sunset Sessions is a series of open-air music events that take place here throughout the summer months.

Newall Primary Academy is located within the estate, along with a Montessori nursery school

With easy access to the M11, north London is less than one hour’s drive away. Stratford Westfield is around 40 minutes by car and Canary Wharf is around 45 minutes’ drive. Central line services run from Epping station, a 20-minute drive from the house, and Harlow Town station runs Stansted Express services to London Liverpool Street in 30 minutes. Stansted International Airport is less than 20 minutes away by car.

Tenure: Freehold
Service Charge: Approx. £425 per annum
Council Tax Band: F

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.