An outstandingly impressive Huf Haus set in award-winning gardens of almost three acres, with a tennis court and 12-metre indoor swimming pool.
The House
Located amidst a tranquil and secluded setting on the outskirts of Great Missenden, Harewood is a Huf Haus design classic. The clean and striking architectural lines contribute to an inspired and formidable concept of modern living, creating a timeless design whose key attributes are sustainability, quality materials and sharp linearity. Add to this the Huf Haus ability to reconfgure the accommodation to suit changing needs.Lying in a discreet location behind a pair of electronically-operated gates, Harewood is not visible from the road. The driveway leads to the car port and garage whilst the eye is drawn to the white timber, balconies, recesses and covered walkways which create the striking design of the property. Upon entering the reception hall, one has the feeling of “other worldliness”. With its timber and glass architecture, spectacular views of the surroundings can be seen from every angle. The house is full of light and utterly captivating.The dining room and study area open onto the kitchen with its expansive glazing which forms two walls and brings the outdoors into the house. A covered terrace opens further onto the sun terrace, creating plenty of options for indoor and al fresco dining. The family room is separated from the dining room by a futuristic gas freplace which creates a focal point. To the other side of the reception hall lies the drawing room which radiates a feeling of sheltered warmth. The dining room, Bulthaup kitchen and reception rooms all have a large sliding 2.3-metre door merging the inside and outside space. A bedroom completes the ground floo accommodation and the magnifcent dual staircase rises from the reception hall to the semi-galleried landing above. This serves as a peaceful library and reading room.
The master bedroom suite on the frst foor spans the depth of the house with the dressing room conveniently placed between the bedroom and bathroom. The wardrobes, chests of drawers and library bookcases were made by StilART. Daylight streams in throughout, thanks to the foor-to-ceiling windows and roof glazing. One almost has the impression of being high above the tree tops of an East African lodge; the only thing missing is the girafes. The en suite bathroom, with a view over the gardens at the front of the property, has attractive light grey ceramic tile fooring and wall covering. There are two more bedrooms with en suite shower rooms on this foor with a woodland or valley view.The confguration of the lower ground foor currently includes a home ofce/cinema and gym. These rooms could easily be reconverted to bedrooms if required, as originally intended. There is also a luxurious spa incorporating a 12-metre heated swimming pool and traditional cedar hot tub in the adjoining loggia. The spa and living space combine to represent the perfect setting for relaxing after a hard day’s work or for entertaining family and guests. The changing play of light and shade throughout the day and year are a source of delight, as are the stunning views of lavish green scenery. The interior architecture is underscored by fne wooden fooring and culminates in custom-designed built-in furnishings crafted to the highest standards.All floos have programmable underfloo heating but, in addition, the ground and frst foors beneft from an air circulation (AirCon) system to speed the warming/cooling process between the many temperature zones that can be individually programmed throughout the house.
Gardens and Grounds
The house sits on a gentle slope and the driveway is accessed from the slightly more elevated point of the property. The prize-winning garden, designed by Andy Sturgeon who achieved six gold and one “best of show” awards at the Chelsea Flower Show, complements the house perfectly. Strictly axial elements, such as the koi pond, enter into an intriguing dialogue with the variety of shapes and structures in the natural surroundings. Much of the garden has been laid to lawn with a wide variety of exotic bushes and shrubs. A path and wooden bridge lead to the mature woodland at the upper end of the site. This area has a particularly remote and rural feel; reminiscent of idyllic childhood days in a world of make believe. Another path leads down to the tennis court at the lower end of the garden.SituationHarewood is located in Little Kingshill, a hamlet just over a mile from the centre of Great Missenden which ranked fourth in the Daily Telegraph survey, “Best Places to Raise a Family in the UK” and described as “a gem”. The village serves all day-to-day needs ofering a supermarket and a wide variety of independent shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants, including Le Petit Auberge and The Nag’s Head Inn. Cultural attractions include the famous Roald Dahl Museum whilst London is only 39 minutes away by train.The village is home to The Gateway School which is one of the leading preparatory schools in the south east. Further afeld, Wycombe Abbey provides private secondary education for girls and there are excellent state schools in the vicinity including The Misbourne, Dr Challoner’s High School for Girls and Dr Challoner’s Grammar School for boys. Sporting interests are catered for by the outstanding 18-court Great Missenden Tennis Club and the surrounding countryside ofers ample opportunity for walking and cycling with beautiful views of the Chiltern Hills.