Ditton Grange Close, London KT6

On a quiet, private no-through road close to the centre of Surbiton, this superb house has been completed to a design by Alan Camp Architects. Two sweeping storeys, arranged across 4,721 sq ft of internal space (including an integral garage), occupy the vast plot and look out to large, beautifully landscaped private gardens at both the front and back.

The Tour

The house has been cleverly designed as a home of two halves, or as two independent abodes united by a central studio connection.

On approach, the design employs a stealthy façade of long-profile ‘Geobricks’ from architects’ favourite EH Smith, providing a subtle transition between the dramatic, oversized fenestration. The façade is set behind a front garden with driveways on both sides leading to independent front doors. The garage is positioned to the left and provides a route into the left hallway.

The rooms that flank the central studio, which could also serve as a living space, extend to around 18 metres and look onto on another across a central courtyard garden. Polished concrete with underfloor heating spans the ground floor and recessed track lighting illuminates from the ceilings. There are kitchens by Pluck on both sides, both with concrete worktops appliances by Fisher Paykel and Bora, and living and dining spaces in each. Sliding glazed doors open onto the rear garden and towering pivot doors open from the studio to the front.

Staircases of Dinesen Douglas fir rise to the first floor on each side and continue in their long, wide board form across the bedroom levels. It is currently arranged with four bedrooms across the first floor, all en suite and with air conditioning. The two principal suites have large balconies overlooking the garden and two bedrooms that open onto the respective family rooms. These two massive rooms are separated by a simple stud wall, allowing for easy reconfiguration.

Outdoor Space

The rear façade is an uplifting mass of white, formed by the same profile of brick as the black of the front, and against it sway the sedum and wildflower of the symmetrical flat roofs. Beyond the central courtyard, where a lone Niwaki bonsai punctuates the middle, a section of lawn leads to the rear where there is a terrace for outdoor entertaining.

The Area

Surbiton is an ever-popular neighbourhood thanks to its excellent transport links, schools and proximity to the river. Hampton Court Palace’s beautiful gardens are also close by, as are the 2,500-acres of Richmond Park. The town's high street presents a balanced offering of well-known names and independent spots; local favourites include coffee shop Surbeanton, easy-going trattoria Cento Uno and boulangerie The French Tarte. The area has a variety of excellent pubs, including The Grove, The Antelope, and The Victoria. There is also a regular farmers' market on Maple Road.

Kingston-upon-Thames is a 13-minute drive from the house (or a leisurely stroll along the river). An even greater range of amenities can be found here, as well as perennial favourites like Toast and Heal's. Pretty Ham lies just beyond; the home of Ham House and the Green Michelin-starred Petersham Nurseries.

A number of exceptionally well-regarded schools are within easy reach of the house. Stellar state-run options include St Andrew's, St Mark's and Coombe Girls' School, while private Surbiton High School is also nearby.

Surbiton station is a 10-minute walk from the house from which direct train services run to London Waterloo in under 20 minutes. Road connections are also excellent, with the A3 easily reached.

Council Tax Band: TBC