The Ryde, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

This beautiful four-bedroom, mid-century house has been creatively and sensitively renovated by its current owners. Forming part of the renowned Grade II-listed Cockaigne House Group, it is configured over a single storey where fluid living spaces unfold in a playful rectangular plan of grids and glazing. There is off-street parking, an EV charging point and lush gardens at the front and rear. The house is a 10-minute walk from Hatfield station, where regular trains run to London.

The Architects

These exceptional houses, conceived by architects Peter Phippen, Peter Randall and David Parkes, are celebrated as one of Britain’s finest post-war private housing schemes. The houses were designed around internal courtyards and set out with linear front-to-back layouts of flowing spaces, variable in length. Together they form a long and staggered unified terrace. For more information see the History section below.

The Tour

The house sits back from the road, approached via a short path of herringbone-laid brickwork that cuts across a colourfully planted front garden. The front door is recessed between two lateral wings; from here, enticing views run the length of the house, across the hallway and through the flowing open living spaces to the rear terrace and courtyard garden beyond.

The house's harmonious balance of mid-century architecture and contemporary updates is apparent on entry. The renovations have been conceived with ingenuity and clarity, resulting in a home rich in character. Sunlight bathes the interiors through walls of floor-to-ceiling glazing and traversing skylights above.

Sliding doors afford gentle delineation across the house, allowing for flexible configurations. Currently, accommodation is arranged across two long bays: the kitchen, dining room, living room and boot room sit within the wider bay, while in the narrower are the house's four bedrooms (one an en suite) and bathroom. One of the bedrooms is currently split in two and used as an office and a painting studio.

Arguably, the house's most impressive room is the open-plan living space. Lined in matt-finished, golden-hued douglas fir cladding, it is an incredibly bright room with an entire wall of glass at one end, opening onto the terrace and courtyard garden beyond. A sliding door allows easy access to the bright dining space and kitchen, recently updated and organised in a sociable, open layout, making it an excellent spot for easy entertaining. Runs of simple white cabinetry provide ample cooking and storage space.

The central courtyard has been partially enclosed, providing a lovely winter garden-style ambiance in the inner hallway - a tranquil spot that the current owners use to read and play.

The main bedroom is exceptionally light with plenty of built-in cabinetry and an en suite bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frame views of the garden from one of the further bedrooms, while the third bedroom has a plethora of cleverly conceived bespoke storage. Lying off the hall is the modern family bathroom, with a clean neutral palette illuminated by another large skylight.

A utility and boot room completes the layout, opening directly to the handy workshop and storage.

Outdoor Space

The attractive front garden provides a welcome introduction to the house and abuts the private driveway. The calming tranquillity of the house extends into the rear garden; laid out in grids, it stands as a haven of planted billowing perennials, bushy ferns, colourful bulbs and scented climbers that attract bees and butterflies.

Adjacent to the living room and the main bedroom is a bright patio - an ideal spot for a morning coffee. Beyond, separated by blackened stripped fencing and verdant climbers, is a gate that provides direct access to the communal gardens.

Owners of Cockaigne houses have a share of extensive communal gardens across the site, spanning just under three acres in total, which includes a tennis court and a secure children’s play area. There is also an invaluable community house, which hosts yoga sessions, supper clubs and Christmas get-togethers, and a self-contained one-bedroom guest flat, which residents can book for visitors for a nominal charge.

The Area

The shops of Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Hertford and Hatfield are a short drive away from The Ryde. There are also many local amenities and supermarkets within walking distance. The area also has several well-regarded schools in easy reach.

The house sits a mile from the wonderful green expanses of historic Hatfield House, Park and Gardens; for a small charge, residents of this area are entitled to apply for a pass that grants year-round access. For other forays in nature, Stanborough Lakes are an excellent summer destination for open-water swimming and there are also several golf courses in easy reach.

There are many excellent restaurants in and surrounding Hatfield, including Brocket Hall with its wonderful park. Osprey in nearby St Albans is a purveyor of beautiful furniture, adjoined to the San Lorenzo Italian café and deli.

Hatfield Station can be reached on foot in approximately 10 minutes, where direct trains run to London King’s Cross in approximately 27 minutes and London Moorgate in around 40.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 935 years / Service Charge: Approx. 600 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £40 per annum / Council Tax Band: E