5 bedroom detached house

Situated in a secluded cul-de-sac near Esher town centre in Surrey, this remarkable modernist home was designed by renowned architect Royston Summers in 1975. Forming part of an exclusive collection arranged around a serene lake, these homes are among the most distinguished examples of 20th-century British architecture. Summers' work earned a RIBA Award in 1976 and later a DoE Medal and Diploma for Good Design in 1980. This particular residence, occupying the largest of the 16 private plots, extends to approximately 4,000 sq ft across five bedrooms. The property features exquisite landscaped gardens covering half an acre and a stunning original mosaic-tiled swimming pool.

Set at the farthest end of the cul-de-sac, this home enjoys a private and peaceful setting behind a walled garden and a magnificent Lebanese cedar. A private driveway leads to a double garage and a spacious forecourt with ample parking.
The exterior showcases rich-hued Ockley brick and expansive glazing on both levels. Inside, natural light floods the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, a large roof light above the central void, and extensive south-facing glazing along the front.

The ground floor is centred around a spacious atrium, with an open-plan living and dining area to the south, a kitchen and studio to the west, and an office, utility room, and double garage/workshop to the east. The kitchen, an original Poggenpohl design, remains in excellent condition with built-in appliances, including two full-size ovens, a freezer, two fridges, gas and induction hobs, and a Gaggenau indoor barbecue.

Upstairs, five bedrooms are arranged across the first floor, accompanied by three bathrooms. The main south-facing bedroom boasts an expansive en suite with a slate floor and luxury Boffi fixtures, including a freestanding bath crafted from resin-bonded crushed limestone. Each bedroom retains its original fitted wardrobes.

The home has been carefully maintained and restored over the years, preserving key original features. These include the open-tread staircase, oversized internal doors, and much of the joinery, all crafted from white Canadian rock maple. The ground floor retains its original silk panels, while hessian and fabric finishes remain on the landing and in the bedrooms. Updates have been subtle, with light oak flooring and a refreshed lighting system among the few contemporary enhancements.

Lakeside Drive is a designated Conservation Area in the borough of Elmbridge. Before its current use, the land was part of the gardens of Milbourne House, a former hunting lodge of Claremont House. The nine-acre estate retains its original lake and a collection of mature trees, many of which are under preservation orders.

Each of the 16 homes on Lakeside Drive was designed with privacy in mind, utilizing a modular construction that allows for flexible internal layouts. More details can be found in the History section.

The front garden is graced by a majestic Lebanese cedar, casting dappled shade over the south-facing façade. The sweeping lawn extends around the western side of the house, leading to the rear garden via original concrete pathways. Tall Leyland cypress hedging ensures privacy, while the seating area and swimming pool receive ample sunlight due to the home's flat roof design.

A standout feature of the property, the heated swimming pool is the only one on Lakeside Drive to preserve its original mosaic mermaid, complete with a gold-leaf tail. Adjacent to the patio dining area, a charming summer house includes a sauna, adding an extra touch of luxury to the outdoor space.