Wonford Road, Exeter, Devon

This superb RIBA award-winning house in sought-after St Leonard's, Exeter, was designed by the acclaimed architect David Sheppard. Occupying a light-drenched south-facing plot, the house is defined by clean lines of render, timber cladding and a necklace of clear and opaque glass that invites dramatic shards of light to stream throughout the three storeys. Cleverly conceived living spaces come to life with playful material touches and fun pops of colour, blending seamlessly with the beautifully landscaped private terraces and gardens, while balconies extend from the front and back to provide elevated views across the surrounding countryside.

The Tour

Set back from a quiet residential road, the house makes a striking impression on approach. A private front driveway comfortably accommodates two cars, with plenty of space for bike storage too. The primary entrance is seamlessly concealed on the easterly aspect, leading through to a double-height entrance hall and central circulation area. The principal rooms that follow are fantastically considered, with a playful approach to layout, colour and material palette.

The open-plan living room faces north-east to the rear garden, where sliding glass doors frame the rich green patina of the changing gardenscape; when left open during the summer months, the living space spills out onto the bright terraces. The natural light here is, as to be expected, exceptional.

This sense of solid and void permeates the spaces within through light and shade, and punchy primary colours define the sculptural quality of the interior volumes. The dining area lies to one side, forming a more intimate setting, with the open kitchen directly adjacent creating a natural, sociable flow. Dinesen flooring (and heating) runs underfoot, and a separate pantry and utility room are neatly tucked away to one side. There is also a WC and cloakroom on the ground-floor level.

A wonderfully sculptural staircase rises through the central atrium, with glass panels that allow light to soak through the stairwell and down from the skylights overhead. Expansive ribbons of glazing wrap the first-floor level, which has been cleverly designed with a flexibility of use in mind. Wide, open landings are loosely partitioned, producing bright corners for working, reading, sleeping or resting.

Two bedrooms and a family bathroom lie on the first-floor level, both with an excellent provision of storage and deep-set closet space. There are also bedroom at the top of the house; both are quiet retreats, and each has an en suite bathrooms. Internorm doors open onto private terraces, with spectacular far-reaching views across the Devonshire hills.

While the house feels perfectly complete, architectural plans are also available for additional interventions, such as a winter garden.

Outdoor Space

The outside space is an immersive celebration of local wildlife, rich in biodiversity and teeming with flora and fauna. The gardens have been both expertly designed and lovingly tended: a sea of carefully curated herbaceous perennials and grasses that bring a kinetic energy and sensory experience, and a central lily pool reflecting light back from the terrace.

Seating areas have been strategically placed to follow the course of the sun, and a pathway winds through beds and borders to the canopy of mature trees forming the boundary and bringing a welcome dappled shade. A shed at the foot of the garden provides external storage and there is also a useful side passageway, circling back to the front driveway.

The Area  

Exeter is a vibrant cultural centre based around the Exeter Cathedral, with an excellent selection of restaurants, shops, theatres, cinemas, a museum, football, rugby and leisure centres and a vibrant riverside with water sports and cycling trails.

This particular part of the city, St Leonard’s is a handsome, tree-lined residential neighbourhood with a lively community spirit and a hive of independent restaurants, coffee shops, retailers and delis which line nearby Magdalen Road. Local favourites include Stage, 18 Grams, Leaf Street, Ben’s Farm Shop, Magdalen Cheese and The Mount Radford pub.

The area is also renowned for excellent private and state schools at all levels, together with the University of Exeter and an excellent college.

Exeter has an extensive transport network with the M5 and Exeter St David's Station which runs services to London Paddington in just over two hours. Exeter Airport is around 15 minutes away by car, providing air services within the UK and international destinations.

Council Tax Band: G