Thirties masterpiece: Stunning modernist home with a waterfront garden is for sale... but there is a catch

This architectural gem on Hayling Island has a waterfront garden, but there's a catch — the owners are going to live in a new house in the garden
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Jess Denham25 April 2018

Modernist architecture aficionados have the rare opportunity to buy Britain's first "poured on site" concrete house, a grade II-listed, four-bedroom property built on Hayling Island in 1934.

However, before they leap at the chance the snap up The Saltings, they should know that the owners have consent to build a new home at the end of the property's garden.

This single-storey dwelling will have a flat, green roof and be built in a complimentary modernist style. It will be “very low” so as not to be an eyesore and heavily affect the views. However, it will cut the garden in half and, crucially, remove direct access from the garden to the waterfront.

“There was a condition of planning which stated that both houses could not have water access,” explains Craig Towersey, Hayling Island manager for Henry Adams estate agents. “The new house will, but there may be scope for an informal arrangement between the two owners.”

If this doesn't put you off, then they will find The Saltings is one of three "originals" in the same style on popular Sinah Lane. It was designed by globally renowned architecture firm Connell, Ward and Lucas, who were heavily influenced by Swiss-French architect and modernist pioneer, Le Corbusier. It is up for sale for the first time in three decades for a guide price of £1,225,000.

INSIDE THE MAIN HOUSE
This house is full of light, thanks to the ribbons of windows and there is Italian marble on floors, walls and even skirting boards throughout.

The monochrome interiors reflect the era in which the house was built. Further nods to the Thirties include the clean-lined marble fireplace, walnut storage cabinets in the hallway, an Art Deco frosted glass lampshade in the bedroom and pastel-coloured rugs and cushions.

In keeping with the progressive attitude of the period, there are no sentimental touches of rustic romanticism — the bold, bright blue sink in the bathroom is a particular highlight.

Full of light: the fresh interiors are peppered with 1930s touches

The floor plan is flexible and offers 2,100sq ft of largely open-plan floor space.

The large roof terrace with its sea views of the harbour is a great space for entertaining and there are large granite patios at the front and back of the house.

Ribbons of windows: the original black steel frames have been restored by the owner

Towersey says The Saltings is a “family-sized house in the modernist style” that would suit many types of buyer but especially those who “do not want to live in a run-of-the-mill property”.

“The Saltings has been a family home for the last 30 years, but it would also suit a keen sailor or make a superb weekend retreat for a professional city couple,” he says.

Hayling Island, which is connected by a bridge to the mainland, is becoming increasingly popular, with the spring and summer property markets particularly busy.

Local house prices average £320,859, and Towersey notes that a larger, six-bedroom home in a similar style sold last year for over £2million.

Prepare to share: a small new dwelling is to be built in the rear garden for the current owner

“The island offers much of what you can find in more expensive coastal locations, such as Poole and West Wittering, but with excellent transport links,” he says.

“It is close to both the M27 and A3 roads, while Havant railway station, no more than seven miles from any point on the island, offers a fast service to London Waterloo taking an hour and 20 minutes.”

The Saltings is a three-minute drive from Fratton station, one stop before Havant on the same speedy line. There are a number of local schools but buses serve those further afield and a ferry takes pupils to Portsmouth.

Golfers will enjoy the excellent course on your doorstep and there are two top sailing clubs nearby with access to the Solent and Chichester Harbour. Hayling Island has three miles of Blue Flag beaches and is the home of kite surfing - locals claim it was invented here and it hosts the world championships. There is also a nearby sports club offering racket games facilities.

For culture lovers, there is a local theatre, and the well-known Chichester Festival Theatre is 25 minutes away.

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