Set on a dramatic sloping plot, this expansive five-bedroom house overlooks the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells. Built in the 1980s, the house was entirely remodelled in 2016/17 by architectural designer Martin Swatton and extends to 4,879 sq ft.

The original dwelling is thought to have been inspired by the Mid-Century Case Study Houses of Los Angeles architects, Craig Ellwood and Richard Neutra. Swatton’s additions sought to modernise the house through the use of internal Crittal windows and doors, underfloor heating throughout, a composite slate roof, larch cladding to the upper level and an extension of the living space, downwards into the slope of the valley, creating a private gymnasium.

The house is positioned at the end of Fairlight Close, a quiet residential cul-de-sac, near the village of Southborough. On approach from the the close, the house has a modest appearance, concealing its lower ground level beneath the slope of the landscape. Access is gained at ground  level. Upon entry, sight-lines out across High Weald, above tree height, are immediately established through the glass doors and external glazing of the living room. The hallway leads past this space, on to a large kitchen which is arranged around a central island with Corian worktops and modern appliances. The kitchen spills out onto a decked balcony which also has breath-taking views of the valley beyond, as far as George Ledwell Taylor’s Hadlow Tower in the far distance. Adjoining the kitchen is a utility room which provides access to a garage with parking space for two cars.

A comfortable living room is positioned next to the kitchen, with wide engineered oak floorboards throughout and large Crittal-framed doors and windows, facing out onto the valley and inwards, drawing natural light across the depth of the plan. A contemporary wood-burning stove occupies a focal point in the corner of the space, against an exposed brick wall. There is a quiet office which can be accessed via glazed bi-fold doors from the driveway at the front of the house. The hallway leads, beyond a WC and storage space, to the eastern end of the house which is occupied by two dual-aspect bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms.

A dramatic staircase with glass balustrades, lit from the north by two strips of vertical glazing, leads down the lower ground floor. This part of the house is principally taken up by a master bedroom suite, with a large balcony beyond black-framed sliding glazed doors. The master bedroom also has its own en-suite bathroom and private dressing room. There are two further en-suite bedrooms on this floor, as well as a gym with a smaller private balcony, and a wine cellar, at the western end of the house.

There is a large landscaped garden at the rear of the house, which borders the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is frequented by a vast range of wildlife including local deer.

The house is excellently positioned within the catchment area for Tunbridge Wells Grammar Schools for girls and boys. Tonbridge mainline station is just over two miles from the house and runs direct services to Charing Cross, London Bridge, Cannon Street and Waterloo train stations in approximately 40 minutes. A luxury coach service runs ten minutes from Fairlight Close, directly into the city and Canary Wharf. These is also easy access by car to the A21 and M25.

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.