Sold
"Pitched ceilings and a mezzanine level, work harmoniously to create an interplay of spaces which, together with the picture windows, offer a dramatic sense of volume in the communal areas."
Occupying a wonderful position, perched high above the Derwent Valley, is this beautifully original, four-bedroom house, designed by John Humpston. Completed in 1967, the house shares similar inspirations as those of his contemporary, Peter Aldington; exhibiting a characteristic palette of carefully preserved mid-century materials, including quarry tiles, whitewashed brickwork and pine cladding.
Hackney
SOLD
History
Built in 1967, on the site of a former parish quarry, this house was a private commission carried out by local architect John Humpston.
Before setting up his own practice with his colleague Brain Taylor, Humpston was a senior architect for the Derbyshire County Council architects' department, where he was notably in charge of the design and build of Chesterfield library.
Humpston has explained that he designed this particular house as a private commission, while working at the D.C.C. architects' department, and some of the house's flourishes seem to betray his excitement in this personal aspect of his work.
He was very particular about the materials to be used inside and out; these stipulations have resulted in a coherent palette of materials which survive remain in place and include beautiful pine cladding, welsh quarry tiles and white-painted sand limes, which are reminiscent of the early work of Peter Aldington.
Humpston's drawings of the south-west elevation exclude a dormer roof which was added at a later date to accommodate the addition of a further bedroom, as well as the extended living room and kitchen. However, the original plans illustrate the importance of the circular stairwell and its echoed dining snug at respective ends of the house. The majority of Humpston's original design features remain to this day and form essential parts of this rare and wonderful modern home.
Interested?
