Property Type: House
Project Type: New Build
Location: Long Ditton
Size: 2,700 ft2
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Notable Features: Period with Contemporary Twist, 5 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms, Utility/Laundry/Boot Room, Double Kitchen Diner, Double Reception Room, Mansard, Landscaped Gardens to Front & Rear
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Specification: Bespoke Kitchen, Bespoke Wardrobes, Luxury Bathrooms, Under Floor Heating, Air Conditioning, Bespoke Fireplaces, Bespoke Wall & Floor Finishes, Home Automation, Lighting Design, Floor to Ceiling Glazing, Mansard, 
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A Property of Two Halves
Planning permission is being progressed for a contemporary new-build family home on a vacant lot in Long Ditton, Surrey. Located at the end of an existing residential row, the site is surrounded by mature trees, several of which are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Rather than seeing these constraints as limitations, the design uses them as an opportunity to create a home that is deeply connected to its landscape and surroundings.

The 2,700 ft², five-bedroom, five-bathroom house is conceived as a property of two halves: a refined, contemporary exterior that responds sensitively to its setting, and a warm, robust interior designed specifically for modern family life. At its heart is a landscaped courtyard containing an existing Ash tree that cannot be removed. The architecture has been carefully arranged around this natural feature, with the latest foundation technology being employed to minimise the impact of construction on the tree and its root system.

Set back from the road, the house presents a contemporary interpretation of a traditional family home. Custom brickwork is combined with Crittall-style glazing, timber cladding, render and polished concrete to create a palette that is both modern and sympathetic to the surrounding architecture. The contrasting materials give the building a strong architectural identity while allowing it to sit comfortably within the established character of Long Ditton.

The ground floor extends backwards around the existing Ash tree, forming the central courtyard and creating a natural link through to the generous rear living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling glazing maximises natural light throughout the home and establishes a strong visual relationship between the internal spaces, courtyard and landscaped gardens. The rear living room opens directly onto a child-friendly garden, creating a flexible environment for both everyday family life and entertaining.

Internally, the design balances luxury with practicality. A large double kitchen-diner forms the social heart of the house, complemented by a double reception room, utility/laundry and boot room. Bespoke joinery and wardrobes provide carefully integrated storage, while luxury bathrooms, bespoke fireplaces and considered wall and floor finishes add a sense of individuality throughout.

The interior material palette is deliberately tactile and robust, incorporating polished concrete floors, Tadelakt finishes, bespoke joinery, ribbon fireplaces and an extensive bespoke lighting design. LED lighting is integrated throughout, creating different atmospheres across the home while highlighting key architectural features. Home automation, air conditioning and underfloor heating provide contemporary levels of comfort and convenience without compromising the clean architectural aesthetic.

Sustainability is central to the design. Green roofs, ultra-efficient thermal and acoustic insulation, rainwater harvesting and carefully considered building technologies all contribute to reducing the home's environmental impact. The extensive glazing is balanced with high-performance construction methods to create a comfortable and energy-efficient family environment.

The overall vision is to create a distinctive contemporary home that combines the character and proportions of a period property with the functionality, performance and architectural ambition of a new build. The result will be a sophisticated yet practical family house—bold enough to push the boundaries of contemporary design, but considered enough to remain timeless, welcoming and affordable.