Split House, Burchetts Green, Berkshire

Designed by Jake Edgley, Split House is an impeccably designed four-bedroom house in the Berkshire countryside. Its brick, stone, stained timber and glass profile makes a striking first impression and hints at the exquisite textures, light and craftsmanship within. A wide terrace wraps around part of the house, stretching across the lawn and towards established grassy meadows beyond. Despite its secluded feel and proximity to the Chilterns National Landscape, the house is a nine-minute drive from Maidenhead station, which runs Elizabeth line services to Paddington in just over 40 minutes.

The Architect

Edgley Design is a London-based architecture practice that takes a dual approach to architecture and development. Their work has been widely published both nationally and internationally, including in RIBA Journal, Dezeen and Elle Decoration. The practice has won several RIBA London awards among others, and were shortlisted for the Stephen Lawrence Award. Split House was awarded the 'Best Contemporary-style Self Build' in The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Awards 2020.

The Building

Set down a quiet, peaceful road, the house's twin timber-clad peaks rise above the surrounding mature trees. Its design was intended to complement the surrounding topography and vernacular, taking the form of two separate barn-like structures, which conceal an open-plan canopy roof. The open-plan living spaces extend along one side in a design that spills out onto the generous wraparound garden terrace and the generous swathe of lawn beyond.

The rear of the house opens up with horizontal planes evoking the overhanging roofs and open spaces of Californian case study homes where the house and views are more private. The canopy provides shade from the sun in summer, and creates a covered outdoor eating area, with the extended roof and paving giving the sense of a large living space merging from inside to outside.

The Tour

A gravel driveway extends in front of the house, with a generous provision of off-street parking.

Entry is through an generous pivot door set into the house's central slanting glass atrium, where light cascades in from above with open balcony bedroom landings on each side. On the rightis a handy cloakroom, with a built-in storage bench for boots and shoes.

The open-plan living spaces stretch out on the left of the house. Constant visual connection is maintained by horizontal picture windows on opposite sides of the room and through a spectacular wraparound bank of glazing. Doors open out to a patio that sits at the same level as concrete floors within, creating an easy flow between inside and out. Exposed stone and brick walls introduce texture into the otherwise sleek space.

Flexible and generous, the room is currently divided between a living area, which is orientated towards a brick fireplace fitted with a log-burner, a dining space and the kitchen. The latter is formed of birch-ply cabinetry in an L-shape, snaking round to form a breakfast bar with room for three stools. Appliances have been cleverly integrated into the units and within a second bank of tall cupboards on the opposite wall.

A snug completes the ground-floor plan, with the same concrete flooring and white timber-clad walls. A flexible space with another pair of generous picture windows, it would equally make for an tranquil home study, or additional bedroom if required.

Oak clad ascend to the first floor, making full use of the atrium's lofty space. The open spindles of the banister keep the space open and continue upwards to form a balustrade along the edge of the gallery landing.

The house's bedrooms lie on either side of the mezzanine, with the principal room on the left. A particularly peaceful space, it has a vertical window that overlooks greenery and white-painted beams that lend an airy feel. On one side is a neat en suite shower room, with a bank of built-in wardrobes along another. The other bedrooms are all similarly serene with double-height pitched ceilings; two have built-in wardrobes and desks, while all four have newly fitted soft carpet underfoot. All joinery has been made bespoke from birch ply.

A generous bathroom completes the plan and is finished with sand-coloured tiles. There is a walk-in shower to one end and a bath perfectly placed beneath a tree-facing window on the other.

Built with sustainability in mind, the house and hot water are heated via an air source heat pump and there are two MVHR units for ventilation.

Outdoor Space

Swathes of green lawn stretch out from the house, which is enclosed by tall mature trees with an established meadow at the rear. The simple landscaping reflects the clean lines of the interior, seamlessly extending from the sheltered patio that runs across its south and westerly aspects. Remarkably peaceful, the house is surrounded by the woodland and the rolling hills of the Chilterns.

The Area

Burchetts Green is a peaceful village within easy reach of Maidenhead, Marlow, Henley and Reading. It sits just to the south of The Chilterns National Landscape, where there are endless walking and cycling routes to explore. Cosy nearby pub The Crown is a restorative spot to unwind after a day spent exploring the local countryside.

Local culinary options are excellent. The village of Bray, a 15-minute drive away, has two Michelin-starred restaurants: The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn. Marlow, a 20-minute drive north, is home to Tom Kerridge’s acclaimed The Hand and Flowers restaurant and The Coach pub, both of which also serve Michelin-starred fare.

Soho River House and Oakley Court are under a 20-minute drive away, while Roux at Skindles and several other notable riverside restaurants are a pleasant stroll along the river from the house. Cookham is a short drive or a 30-minute cycle away; a worthy trip for food at The Bell and Dragon alone.

There are countless outdoor spaces in the area, with wonderful walks available throughout The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cliveden House is nearby, as is the National Trust’s Runnymede Park and Gardens. The 5,000-acre Windsor Great Park is a short drive away to the south.

Both Maidenhead and Taplow stations are a seven-minute drive away, with fast services to London Paddington taking just 22 minutes. The Elizabeth line serves Maidenhead station, with direct services into the heart of the capital, including Tottenham Court Road in 38 minutes, Liverpool Street in 43 minutes and Canary Wharf in 50 minutes. By road, the M4 is seven miles away and offers connections to the M25 and Heathrow Airport, which is just over 30 minutes away by car.

Council Tax Band: H