The Ryde, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Filled with original features and conceived for effortless living, this four-bedroom house sits in a leafy spot of the Grade II-listed Cockaigne Housing Group development. Designed with the mid-century ethos of indoor/outdoor spatiality in mind, the modular plan extends around a light-filled conservatory and a free-flowing sequence of living spaces. There are gardens at the front and back of the house. The house is a 10-minute walk from Hatfield Station, where trains run to London King’s Cross in around 25 minutes.

The Architects

These exceptional single-storey houses, conceived by architects Peter Phippen, Peter Randall and David Parkes, form what is regarded as one of the finest post-war housing schemes in Britain. Built between 1963 and 1966, they were designed around internal courtyards and set out with linear front-to-back layouts of flowing spaces that vary in length. Together they form a long, staggered and unified terrace. For more information, see the History section.

The Tour

The low-lying lateral facade is clad in a dark timber weatherboard. Access is via a paved driveway with a garage and verdant plantings. The glazed entryway brings a West Coast modernism feel to this part of Hertfordshire. Inside, a plan of around 1,700 sq ft unfolds, adhering to the mid-century inclination for flowing, interconnected rooms.

Entry is to a hallway leading to the the glazed dining room, overhung with a draping vine. Its canopy extends over the space, filtering the light that enters from above. The light and airy dining room has direct access to the open-plan kitchen and living space. There are two bedrooms at the front of the plan, on either side of the entrance hall.

The kitchen sits at the heart of the house, bathed in light from a skylight above. A sensitive contemporary renovation reflects the white concrete blockwork, with horizontal wooden panelling framing the cabinetry. An informal dining area and designated office space are orientated in a free, open plan promoting communality. Original pine panelling has been retained. This pairs beautifully with the light pouring in through glazed doors which open to a central conservatory.

To the rear of the plan are the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and the sitting room. Doors can be opened to the garden, sustaining an easy flow in and out. The primary bedroom rings with sunlight. Abundant glazing maintains a strong visual connection with the garden.

The sitting room welcomes light from the conservatory with a sliding door accessing the breakfast room. French windows open to a rear paved patio, perfect for extending the living spaces during the warmer months. Light enters through the wall of glazing to fall on the panelling and mid-century storage surrounding the living spaces.

Outside Space

The owners of the houses that make up The Ryde share the extensive communal gardens of almost three acres on the western edges of each plot. The gardens include a tennis court and a secure children’s play area. There is also an invaluable community house that plays host to yoga sessions, supper clubs, birthday parties and festive get-togethers. This also houses a self-contained flat for guests, bookable for a nominal fee.

The Area

The Ryde sits a mile from the wonderful green expanses of Hatfield Park; for a small charge, residents of this area are entitled to apply for a pass that grants year-round access. For other forays in nature, Stanborough Lakes are an excellent summer destination for open-water swimming. There are also several golf courses in easy reach.

There are many excellent restaurants in and surrounding Hatfield, including Brocket Hall with its wonderful park. Osprey in nearby St Albans is a purveyor of beautiful furniture, adjoined to the San Lorenzo Italian café and deli.

There are a number of excellent schools nearby, including multiple Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated primary and secondary schools.

Hatfield Station can be reached on foot in approximately 10 minutes, where direct trains run to London King’s Cross in approximately 25 minutes and London Moorgate in around 40.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 996 years
Service Charge: Approx. £610 per annum
Ground Rent: Approx. £50 per annum
Council Tax Band: E