Categories / Architecture, Property

For sale: 1950s Miramar house in Mackworth, Derby, Derbyshire – with original 1950s kitchen

Mira1

We hunt high and low for interesting houses and by looking at the exterior of the Miramar house in Mackworth, Derby, Derbyshire, it might not look like our most exciting find. But amazingly, parts of this house are still much the same as they were in the 1950s.

Miramar is a detached, single-story house, designed by noted Derby architect Derek Montague and built for a local businessman in 1952, despite having the looks of an earlier, art deco era. It stands in an elevated position, with plenty of country views, which is best viewed from the floor-to-ceiling picture window in the entrance hallway.

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Categories / Architecture, Property

For sale: Modernist-inspired five-bedroom house in Bolton, Lancashire

Bolton1

There's a common misconception that all northern towns are made up long terraced streets and social housing, all of which is available for the price of a large family car. As the likes of the Domus house in Burnley and the Farnley Hey house in Huddersfield show, interesting architecture does exist in the northern half of the UK. In fact, here's another interesting property – this modernist-inspired five-bedroom house in Bolton, Lancashire.

The agent's historical details are virtually non-existent, but we believe it was designed in the late 70s, possibly the early 80s, with influences probably from both modernist and midcentury architecture. It was certainly designed and constructed by the current owners and sits fairly high up overlooking one of the main roads into the town and set in an acre of landscaped grounds. The exterior has certainly been well-maintained and updated over the years, while the interior has been given more of a traditional look. Although most of that (except maybe the entrance hall) would be easy to take that out and throw in the 'period' interior look it deserves.

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Categories / Architecture, Property

For sale: Six-bedroom 1930s art deco house in Prestwich, near Manchester

Prestwich1

If this six-bedroom art deco house in Prestwich, near Manchester was a football match, it would be a game of two halves. Why? Read on.

It's all about the photos offered with the listing. Details are scarce on its history, the agent simply describing it as 'one of the most individual, presage, detached properties in the Prestwich area'. But a glance at it should be enough to tell you it's an art deco property very likely to have been built in the 1930s, with some very cool original details.

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Categories / Architecture, Property

For sale: 1950s Peter Womersley-designed Farnley Hey house in Farnley Tyas, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

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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.

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Categories / Architecture, Property

For sale: 1960s Peter Charles-Greed-designed house in Burley, New Forest, Hampshire

House1

I'm not sure it's all that from the outside, but inside, the 1960s is alive and well in this Peter Charles-Greed-designed house in Burley, New Forest, Hampshire.

Designed in 1968 by the architect for his own use, the house is located on a large, secluded site with a paddock in a peaceful part of the New Forest National Park. Inspired by Alvar Aalto and Frank Lloyd Wright, it's all about space inside, with large rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. But best of all, the lavish interior from the 1960s is still pretty much in place – including lots of built-in marble and American walnut furniture and some great period light fittings. For lovers of the era, it's a dream.

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Categories / Architecture, Homeware

Umbra Fishcondo – modernist house-shaped fish bowl discounted once more at Achica

Fishcondo

Regular readers will remember that we featured the Umbra Fishcondo when it was discounted at Achica just after Christmas. Well, Achica has just started another Umbra sale for the next day or so – and the Fishcondo is discounted once more.

As we mentioned back then, this is a modernist-style house for your fish, designed by Teddy Luong and with the option to add other floors by simply buying an extra one. The inner glass bowl is removable for cleaning, with the outer shell made of durable ABS plastic.

Achica has it discounted until the end of tomorrow, down from £49 to £25. Note that you’ll have to sign up to view (and buy from) Achica, but that’s free and very quick if you’ve not done it before. Fish, of course, are extra.

Achica website