This exceptional modernist house was designed by German architect Eugen Kaufmann in 1936. It lies on the Angmering-on-Sea estate in East Preston, West Sussex, around 400 yards from East Preston Beach. The three-bedroom house is a superb example of modernist architecture on the English coast and is one of Kaufmann’s only surviving residential projects in England. It retains many original features, including an assortment of varyingly L-shaped, clerestory and rectangular Crittall windows. Perhaps the most visually arresting of the original features is the external spiral staircase to the rear, which ascends from the south-facing garden to a large first-floor balcony. The curved lines of the wisteria-covered staircase soften the otherwise clean, sharp lines associated with modernism, adding an art deco flavour to the overall design.

The Architect

Eugen Kaufmann (1892-1984) was born in Frankfurt, graduating from the Technical High Schools of Munich and Berlin in 1914 and working alongside Ersnt May on the pioneering Neues Frankfurt housing project in the late 1920s. He came to London in 1933 at a similar time to Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer, where he started his private practice. This house was chosen for the MOMA Modern Architecture in England exhibition in 1937 alongside other renowned works from Frederick Gibberd and Berthold Lubetkin. Kaufmann’s output in the UK was not prolific, and the row of four houses in Angmering-on-Sea, of which this is one, are some of the few remaining Kaufmann designs in England. For more information, please see the History section below. 

The Tour

Willowhayne Avenue is a peaceful street dotted with detached houses of varying architectural styles. Large specimen trees and a wonderful selection of planting have been introduced across the estate, maintained to a very high standard. From this secluded setting among the trees, it is also possible to hear the sound of lapping waves from the nearby sea.

This house is set back from the street behind a private driveway with space for two cars; a garage en bloc lies in front. The door has been painted bright blue, a nod to the seaside locale. The sharp, square lines of the house are punctuated by a recurring L-shaped theme – in the clerestory windows and architectural detailing on the facade. It cuts a stark silhouette against the sky above, softened by surrounding greenery and the curved staircase at the rear.

The main living spaces unfold across the ground floor, with the open-plan living and dining area positioned at the back of the plan. Brilliantly bright because of its south-facing position, the space is illuminated by a wall of windows and glazed doors that open directly onto the garden; as a result, there is a wonderful sense of flow between indoors and out. A short set of steps ascends to the dining area, delineating the spaces while maintaining a link to one another.

From here, an original hatch in the wall opens to the kitchen at the front of the plan. This has a striking blue lino floor and an original Crittall window over the sink that frames views of a palm tree beyond. Ample storage is concealed within the cabinetry, and a door opens to the side return, where a shed – home to utilities, including the washing machine – is situated. There is also a WC and coat cupboard on this floor.

Stairs ascend to the first floor, carpeted with a beautiful, natural wool design and crowned by a gently curved, original bannister. This floor is home to three bedrooms and a large family bathroom, with the landing illuminated by sheets of clerestory glazing and a large L-shaped window. The layout of this floor is typical of the practicality that drove modernist design principles, incorporating built-in storage, generous proportions and southerly light.

The south-facing main bedroom has a wonderful quality of light, with doors that open directly to the terrace. Double-glazed Crittall windows can also be opened to allow the sound of the sea in. There is a full-height wall of built-in wardrobes for storage; original pine floorboards extend underfoot. The two other bedrooms are similarly serene; one has direct access to the terrace.

The bathroom has a large built-in bath, with grey lino underfoot that mirrors the design of the kitchen floor. Circular tiles have been introduced behind the sink, adding texture to the scheme. Storage on this floor takes the form of two deep cupboards at opposite ends of the landing.

Outdoor Space

The south-facing garden acts as a natural extension of the living spaces, with access from the living room to the lawn area and from the dining room to a raised patio. The latter is perfect for outdoor entertaining and is a wonderful spot to dine while listening to the sound of the sea. The patio is covered by the first-floor terrace.

The garden has been thoughtfully planted with a mixture of evergreens and seasonal plants, including comfrey, Mexican orange blossom, a mature hydrangea, bamboo, ferns, rosemary and barberry. There are several mature specimen trees, including two Portuguese laurels, an elder, a walnut tree and a Robinia. These border a flourishing lawn, adding to the excellent levels of privacy and shielding the space from the elements.

A generous terrace stretches out from the first-floor bedrooms, overlooking the garden below. A real suntrap care of its south-facing position, it makes the perfect location for an evening drink or morning coffee on warmer days.

The Area

The house is in a tranquil location on the Angmering-on-Sea private seaside estate, less than five minutes walk from the beautiful East Preston beach. It is a short walk from East Preston village centre, home to a range of shops, restaurants and bars. Angmering-on-Sea Tennis Club is also within easy reach.

East Preston lies equidistant from Littlehampton and Worthing. Littlehampton offers facilities for sailing and is also home to the architecturally acclaimed East Beach Café, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, which is around a 10-minute drive from the house. Nearby Arundel and the surrounding South Downs National Park offer excellent walking and cycling trails.

The West Sussex Coast is peppered with seaside towns whose popularity continues to grow as new businesses and local amenities breathe fresh life into the area. The vibrant cultures of Brighton and Hove, and the internationally renowned theatre and galleries of Chichester, are just half an hour away.

Angmering train station is a five-minute drive away and runs services to London Victoria and London Bridge and Brighton. London is approximately 60 miles away by car.

Service Charge: approximately £197 per annum
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.