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1960s Glynn Hollister midcentury modern house in Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Updated to a high standard, this 1960s Glynn Hollister midcentury modern house in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, is now on the market.
Updating is often a concern when it comes to mid-20th-century houses. It’s so easy to suck the life out of a house when you remove original details. But you also have to be mindful that houses are for living in. Not everyone wants to live in a time capsule.
This one takes the middle ground, with a renovation described by the agent as ‘thoughtful’—something I would tend to agree with. It is updated in many ways, but it is also still a characterful midcentury modern design.
You will find it in the popular seaside town of Aldeburgh, which is on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For reference, it’s about two hours from London on the train (the nearest station being about seven miles away).
This particular part of it was designed by Glynn Hollister in 1960 and built by Reades of Aldeburgh to a design that was likely quite cutting-edge for its day. It took inspiration from the US midcentury modern designs of that era. In fact, it’s reminiscent of the popular Eichler homes in the US from about that time.
Updated, but the core features are still here. The architecture, of course, with that lovely angled roof. But also much of what made these houses popular, with the open plan space, the outside/inside living concept and original touches like the oak parquet flooring.
Beyond that, the owners have gone for a neutral finish, working the character in with a fine selection of retro and midcentury modern fixtures, fittings, and artwork. The end result is very cool and functional.
Of course, many of those design touches will be leaving with the existing owners. But that doesn’t stop you from adding in your own. This is the perfect backdrop for showing off your vintage furniture and your taste in art. Or inspiration to start your own collection.
The house is screened from the road by a high hedgerow and approached via a shingle drive, with space to park two vehicles.
Access is into the entrance hall, which leads to what’s described as a ‘generously sized’ living room. That description is about right, too: a lovely open space with ceiling-height glazing to boost the natural light.
The space is split between the living and dining areas, with the kitchen just beyond it. It’s always a great entertaining space when things are open like this. The dining area opens onto a south-facing decked terrace (if your party wants to move outside), and the living room has a ‘Scan 66’ wood-burning stove when things turn chilly.
As I mentioned above, the original oak parquet floor is still present here, which is always a plus.
On the northern side of the house, you’ll find three double bedrooms, each one of a good size. The ‘guest bedroom,’ which can also serve as a dressing room, is fitted with built-in wardrobes. The second bedroom is currently used as a study, and as you might have guessed from its shape and layout, was originally the garage.
Can I take a moment to appreciate the bathroom, too? A room I tend to gloss over in most houses, but I love that huge retro mural on the wall.
As for the outside, there’s a wrap around garden. It is a combination of shingle areas and herbaceous borders around a large expanse of lawn, with a decked terrace great for summer dining.
Note also the raised kitchen garden if you want to grow your own vegetables, which is presumably what the original owners do right now. They are likely harvesting a bit of it, too.
Fancy this one? It’s on the market right now with a guide price of £585,000.
Images and details courtesy of Flick and Son. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
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