The house that Huf built
Summer in London is great: rooftop bars, picnics in the park and open-air theatre. But, when the mercury rises, even the most dedicated urbanite can be forgiven for dreaming of a retreat in the country, making this West Sussex Huf Haus a sight for city-sore eyes.
“With the surrounding parkland and tranquil setting, The Lake House stands apart from Huf Hauses in more urban locations,” says David Williams of Grantley. And, with a white frame and clay-tile roof, David believes the house has a “softer look” than traditional black-framed Huf Hauses, helping it blend into its country setting.
Internally there’s over 5,500 square feet of spacious accommodation, with open-plan areas, double-height spaces and five bedroom suites. You’ll also find extensive outbuildings, such as an air-conditioned helicopter hanger. Highlights of the 21-acre grounds include a three-acre lake stocked with rainbow trout, a bluebell wood and a tennis court.
The Lake House is for sale with Grantly (www.thegrantleygroup.co.uk) at a guide price of £4.5 million.
Pre-fab sprouting
Over the past decade, over 200 homes have been built in the UK by Huf Haus. The floor-to-ceiling glass facades, split-pitched roofs and visible structure make them instantly recognisable.
The German, quick-to-build, prefabricated home has entered the public imagination. The company dates back to 1912, when it was founded by Johann Huf, and today’s familiar style has been around since the early Seventies.
With their light-flooded, open-plan interiors, the houses appeal to fans of modern architecture, but David notes that their environmental credentials – The Lake House has geothermal heating and high levels of insulation – make them popular with eco enthusiasts too.
A Huf Haus show home is open in Weybridge (www.huf-haus.com).
