Hole in the Wall

The house, known as Hole in the Wall, is a mid-20th century structure set within landscaped grounds designed to reflect its architectural style. A long driveway, accessed through bespoke metal gates on Overton Road, leads to a courtyard where the house’s entrance is discreetly located; boarded gates provide access to the rear garage. Planting within the garden and the house’s alignment further screen it from view.

The house’s scale is revealed by the lawned area of the garden it overlooks. It is a long, low, single-storey building constructed from fair-faced brick and glazed panels arranged in horizontal and vertical lines and flat surfaces. A projecting, wide timber-clad roof canopy provides the dominant visual element and visually anchors the full-height glazing and exposed brickwork below.

The main garden elevation is largely glazed, maximizing light into the central living room. A cut-out is present in the corner of the wall at the left-hand end, with a connecting screen wall linking the house to a terrace and swimming pool area. The right-hand, more functional section of the house, containing the kitchen and bedrooms, is divided by a slim brick pier and features low brick walls with glazing above. The rear or entrance elevation is a solid brick wall extending beyond the side walls, punctuated by two entrance doors (one outside the garage gates and another internal) and a door to the boiler room. A garage and workshop block, matching the house in style and materials, adjoins the rear elevation.

Internally, the house is divided into two distinct areas. An open-plan living room occupies the western end, with a small snug room at the far end. To the east are the functional rooms, including a centrally lit bathroom and toilet, a gallery kitchen featuring original fittings, and a hallway leading to both entrance doors and a small study. Two bedrooms are located at the east end, accessed by a corridor connecting the entrance hall with the kitchen. Many original fittings and finishes remain, including built-in storage units, exposed brickwork, and tongue-and-groove ceiling linings. Other original features include brick fireplace walling in the living room, original doors, floor surfaces, and light fittings and the units and equipment in the gallery kitchen.