Hawridge, Buckinghamshire HP5

Designed by Wide Sky Architects and completed in 2023, this remarkable home takes its visual cues from the quiet dignity of traditional agricultural buildings. And, while referencing the barn vernacular in silhouette and materiality, it has also been created with a resolutely contemporary vision; where clean lines, expansive glazing and refined detailing come together to form a house that is deeply rooted in its setting, yet confidently of its time.

Set within the Green Belt and in the protected landscape of the Chilterns National Landscape, the setting is as rare as it is idyllic. Surrounded by gently undulating Buckinghamshire countryside, the home is perfectly positioned to offer sweeping views across open fields in almost every direction. It is a setting where architecture defers to nature, and where the design has been executed with painstaking attention to detail.

The specification is uncompromising in its quality, and the setting is nothing short of sublime. This is a home that celebrates both craft and comfort, and it does so with quiet confidence.

A striking Italian-made front door by Oikos sets the tone upon arrival: oversized, sculptural and immaculately detailed. It opens into a wide entrance hall where polished concrete flooring by Lazenby introduces a material palette of cool greys, balanced by texture and weight. The floor continues through into the kitchen, establishing visual continuity and grounding the internal architecture.

Immediately to the left is a generous coats storage area, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the entrance. To the right, a beautiful solid walnut staircase rises with clarity and purpose, its simplicity allowing the quality of its materials to speak. Like everything else in this house, every detail has been considered with care and restraint.

The kitchen and dining space forms the heart of the home. Light pours into the room through expansive ultra-slim glazing by IQ Glass, framing pastoral views that shift with the seasons. Bespoke cabinetry blends hand-painted finishes with rich tones of solid walnut, while Dekton worktops provide a tactile and durable surface. A matching Dekton dining table anchors the far end of the room, positioned to take full advantage of the views.

The connection between inside and outside is uninterrupted, and often reciprocal - sheep from the neighbouring field have been known to peer in, a gentle reminder of the home’s rural setting. Integrated appliances include a Quooker Pro 3 tap, Neff ovens, Miele dishwasher, Leibherr refrigeration and a Bora induction hob with through-floor extractor. A coffee station completes the space with understated efficiency.

Along the hall, the utility room houses systems for water filtration, purification and softening. Drinking water is sourced from the aquifer beneath the land and treated to provide a clean, healthy and sustainable supply. Just across, the cloakroom is a surprising moment of expressive design. Gold mirrored tiles and Vitra sanitaryware elevate this small space into a refined composition that feels both playful and polished.

The sitting room lies beyond: a generous dual-aspect space defined by warm-toned engineered oak flooring by Ted Todd and more of the expansive IQ glazing. The effect is both cosy and expansive. A door leads through to a study/family room, again dual aspect, and finished in the same tactile material palette. The versatility of the house means the study could easily be used as an occasional guest bedroom if required.

Upstairs, the home unfolds across two wings. The principal suite is set apart for privacy and includes bespoke wardrobes, eaves storage and a beautifully crafted en suite shower room. Designed by Watermark and fitted with Duravit and Coalbrook fittings, it balances function with a calm, spa-like atmosphere.

Two further double bedrooms sit across the landing. Each is generously proportioned and framed by countryside views, the ultra-slim glazing once again creating a sense of lightness and clarity. These bedrooms share a family bathroom that mirrors the en suite in tone and specification.

Outside, the landscaping has been purposefully restrained. Lawn and porcelain terraces give way to the natural contours of the surrounding fields. There are no high fences here, just simple post and rail, allowing the landscape to remain uninterrupted. A large, gravelled parking area accommodates four vehicles with ease.

The home is underpinned by modern environmental systems. Heating is provided by a Kensa ground source heat pump. Lighting throughout is by Lutron, and remote-controlled exterior blinds have been fitted to the ground-floor south-facing windows. A water harvester beneath the garden feeds two outdoor taps, and security cameras and a full alarm system are also in place.

This is a home where thoughtful design meets everyday comfort. Rooted in its landscape and shaped by a commitment to quality, it brings together contemporary architecture, sustainability, and the simple pleasure of countryside living. Every material and every detail has been chosen not only for how it looks, but for how it feels to live with, creating a space that is both beautiful and deeply practical.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING

In line with UK Anti Money Laundering (AML) regulations, we are legally obliged to verify the identity of all prospective purchasers once an offer has been accepted. To carry out this process, we use a trusted third-party identity verification system. A nominal fee of £24 per person (inclusive of VAT) applies for this service.