Shortlisted for the RIBA House of the Year Award in 2018, Pheasants is a truly singular home nestled in the Chilterns National Landscape. Its striking S-shaped concrete form was designed by Sarah Griffiths & Amin Taha and almost hovers above the carefully landscaped grounds that surround it, with broad swathes of glazing setting inside and out in unbroken dialogue with one another. The garden is home to a reflection pool, an enfilade of terraces, and a striking Corten pavilion that projects the home’s warm and surprisingly delicate silhouette.



The Building



Pheasants is a remarkable building that replaced a bungalow previously on the site. It was designed for the owners, who wanted “a country villa for the 21st century”. The couple enlisted the help of RIBA in finding the perfect architects for the project; Griffiths and Taha's plans were chosen from around 70 submissions. The design was inspired by Andrea Palladio’s 16th-century Villa Foscari, while presenting a distinctly modern face on this green stretch of the River Thames.



The house won a RIBA South Award and was shortlisted for RIBA’s House of the Year in 2018. It features on the cover of Dominic Bradbury’s book 21st-Century Houses (2025).



Environmental Performance



Longevity is at the heart of Pheasants’ design. One manifestation of this is the building’s eco credentials: concrete was chosen not just for its visual appeal, but for its high thermal mass. Overhangs and cantilevers shield the internal living spaces from high summer sun, and the elevated terrace design of the building is to protect against flooding. A ground-source heat pump and solar energy storage was also added, along with photovoltaic panels, underfloor heating and a Corten brise-soleil, designed by the home’s artist owner.



The Tour



The house lies in a peaceful pocket of the Chilterns National Landscape (AONB). The approach to the house is a striking one, its quietly confident volumes rising amid verdant grounds. Corten gates separate the driveway from the quiet private road. There are two separate entrances: one to the main house and one to the Gate House, both of which open in front of a reflection pool with a bronze sculpture by Lloyd Le Blanc.



Inside, an open-plan living room takes in views of the lake across an internal courtyard, where a single silver birch tree waves in the breeze. Hidden pocket doors make this a private space when needed, or open the room up to the rest of the ground floor if desired. A fireplace with a log burner is fitted with a discreet chainmail curtain on top of a concrete bench running the length of the wall, beneath which is pull-out storage. A steel staircase and bookcase lie opposite, creating a central focal point, running the full length of the plan and continuing up to the first floor.



The kitchen is simply arranged with white cabinetry around a large island. Beautifully appointed with two Neff ovens and an induction hob, an integrated dishwasher and a large larder fridge-freezer. Next door, a utility room has additional storage space and access to a WC.



The principal bedroom – the first of five – lies on the ground floor, a position that makes it gloriously scenic. It has a beautiful and spacious en suite bathroom, a dressing room with a walk-in wardrobe, all with captivating river views.



An additional four large bedrooms lie upstairs; all have pristine en suites (two with baths, two with showers) and paired back schemes. One of the bedrooms faces the river and has a brilliant linen storage area. The two rooms at either end have striking corner windows that encourage plenty of light.



Separate from the house and designed in a complementary but contrasting manner, the Gate House is a separate space designed as an artist’s studio and spacious study. Pine-clad internal walls contrast with the concrete used in the main house. A one-bedroom apartment is situated on the upper level.



Outdoor Space



The two acres of grounds that surround Pheasants are essential to the home’s overarching experience. There is constant communication between inside and out, a design that roots the building in the leafy Chilterns landscape. Moments for pause and contemplation are to be found throughout the design in the form of concrete benches seemlingly growing out of the house's meticulous design.



The house has been designed with entertaining in mind. From sliding doors, the house opens to a covered terrace, where Corten steel concertina doors open to an outdoor kitchen. Terraced steps designed as a flood barrier descend to the lawn, which has plenty of room for summer gatherings or lazy games of football. Mature trees, including an especially old and elegant magnolia, frame the garden, enhancing its sense of privacy.



The natural pool between the two dwellings is a magnet for wildlife, including a visiting kingfisher, dragonflies and water striders in the warmer months. Other water features are dotted around the grounds of the main lawned garden at the rear of the house.



The corten steel clad Pump House sits in the grounds. Housing a Tesla Powerwall 3 for renewable energy storage plus the water and heating units for the house. An EV charging point sits here too as well as ample space for garden equipment and storage. Other outbuildings include a storage shed mainly used for logs and there is also a summer house. A garage sits within The Gate House building.



There is also a boat mooring on the riverfront, and parking for multiple cars in two separate driveways.



The Area



Pheasants lies in the south of the Chilterns National Landscape, almost equidistant from Marlow and Henley-on-Thames. There is a wealth of countryside walks nearby, along with plenty of paths alongside the meandering River Thames.



Henley is an 11-minute drive away. An atmospheric town, it has charming medieval streets peppered with Victorian and Edwardian architecture and is set along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames. There is an excellent offering of boutiques and art galleries, a three-screen cinema, a theatre and several very good restaurants and pubs. The town comes alive in the summer months for the Henley Royal Regatta and the Henley Festival of Music & Arts.



Local spot The Flower Pot can be reached by boat (or paddleboard). There are also several good gastro pubs nearby, including The Hand & Flowers and The Coach in Marlow (both headed by Tom Kerridge). Others of note include The Stag and Huntsman in Hambleden, The Five Horseshoes in Maidensgrove, The Dew Drop Inn and Hurley Hotel in Hurley, and The Dog & Badger in Medmenham.



The area is surrounded by a good choice of state and independent schools, including Gillotts and Rupert House School. Other Oxfordshire options include Shiplake College, Abingdon School and Cranford School. Eton College, Radley College and Wellington College are all within easy reach.



Henley-on-Thames station is a short drive away and runs services to London Paddington, via a change in Twyford. Alternatively, the M4 is also easily reached for driving into the capital.



Council Tax Band: G