Open House

December 2009

Octagon houses have always appeared larger than average, which is to be expected when creating homes for the top of the market. But in their latest property they have moved the goal posts yet again, with an uninterrupted 35 metre of ground floor living space, for this detached home with heated swimming pool, on the prestigious Crown Estate in Oxshott.

The giant interconnecting living quarter runs along the entire rear width of the house, stunningly light filled and bright, due to the number of full length windows and French doors looking out onto a South facing garden.

There are suggested living zones: starting with a morning room, perfect for checking the papers after a pleasant swim in the Knightswood outdoor heated pool. As breakfast time beckons, lucky residents can wander into the sleek stealth style kitchen, where the bespoke units, all dark and moody, are cleverly concealing some serious equipment from Gaggenau. There is also ample space for an informal dining area, somewhere to enjoy a freshly brewed cappuccino whooshed up in the built-in espresso maker. Then the owners could venture into adjoining light filled family room, which has large fold back doors opening onto a portico covered terrace, with stunning views across a lavishly landscaped garden.

As the day rolls on, so too does the next living zone, which by now also runs the full depth as well as width of the house, presenting both a formal dining area with its own sitting enclosure, and finally a 26′ square drawing room with five full length windows and French doors, the perfect entertaining wing for some seriously large parties.

And that’s just one side of the ground floor. There’s also a cinema room, study, utility and changing room wing, complete with shower. Venturing across the impressive marble entrance hall and up the Scarlett O Hara staircase to the first floor galleried landing, there are just 5 bedrooms, but what rooms. All large doubles, and all en suite, with the Master hogging the centre rear width of the house, incorporating 2 dressing rooms, a mini kitchen, and a glass encased private terrace overlooking the garden.

A bespoke design scheme by Hill House ensures that all the interior details measure up to Octagon’s exacting standards; Shagren leather panels in the guest cloakroom, exclusive glass fronted furniture in the Master bathroom, and a dramatically lit entrance hall.

The gardens have been given the full Octagon landscape treatment, including lush lawns edged by contemporary stone terracing. There is a triple garage, and security is assured with electronically controlled entrance gates video linked to the house, along with a full internal/external alarm system.

Priced at £5.75m Knightswood House is available to view through appointed agents Savills 01932 586200 or 01372 461900.