One of the finest midcentury properties in Britain is up for sale – this Peter Womersley-designed Farnley Hey house in Farnley Tyas, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Its stunning four-bedroom home with spectacular views over the Pennines, designed by architect Peter Womersley in 1954 as a wedding present to his brother. It was impressive then and it is impressive now – because Farnley Hey has been maintained in its original condition. Give or take a few appliances and utilities, you could be walking back into 1954 when you walk into this house.
According to English Heritage: 'In style Farnley Hey suggests the influence of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright , brought to a dramatic site in the Pennines. It typifies the best of the 1950s in its lightness, sense of the picturesque and optimistic stance.'
Features of note include its large floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer the light and those views, as well as an extensive use of camphorwood and York stone flags, not to mention the 'period' lemon yellow Formica panels.
Specifics of the house include those four bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom), a large study, a kitchen / dining room and two reception rooms. One of the receptions is known as The Dancefloor because of its polished floors, in-built audio system and double height ceiling. It was originally created for parties and recording live music. So if you're a musician or a party animal, it could be the house for you. With 1.2 acres of land, there's no neighbours to annoy either.
Downside? The price obviously. You'll be looking at something around £749,000. Not cheap, but a lot cheaper than the price likely to be asked if the house was further 'down south'. Lots more images at the agent's site.
