luxury architect houses for sale Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of Whitwell, a charming and community-oriented village on the south of the Isle of Wight, Strathwell House is an architectural gem discreetly positioned within a secluded half-acre plot. Completed in August 2022, this stunning home was designed by acclaimed RIBA award-winning architect Lincoln Miles, known for his appearances on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. In collaboration with the current owners and local builder Richard Dowers, the property reflects a bespoke vision that blends contemporary open-plan living with a wonderful connection to the open fields that sit beyond the home.   From the moment you arrive, the property impresses with its understated cedar-clad exterior, which conceals approximately 3,000 sq. ft. of meticulously designed living space. A private gated entrance opens onto a gravel driveway, offering ample parking and access to the detached double garage, complete with power, and an electric door. The thoughtful design fully embraces the plot’s gently sloping topography, resulting in a unique layout that maximizes natural light and sweeping countryside views.   Inside, luxury and practicality unite in perfect harmony. The spacious open-plan living and dining area flows seamlessly into a high-specification kitchen featuring top-brand appliances, including Neff double ovens, a microwave, and a coffee machine. A built-in Airforce induction hob with an integrated rising extractor and high-end finishes ensures this kitchen is as functional as it is stylish. Adjacent to the kitchen is a useful utility room, with a large plant room and separate cloakroom. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors from the spacious dining area open onto a paved terrace, with a heated infinity pool at its center—a true highlight for entertaining or simply enjoying on peaceful summer days.   The property offers three beautifully appointed bedroom suites, each with its own character and purpose. Two ground-floor guest bedrooms feature en-suite shower rooms and access to private courtyards, ensuring privacy and comfort for visitors. The principal suite, elevated at the rear of the home, includes a luxurious en-suite bathroom, a large dressing room, and a stunning wall of windows that create a floating-in-the-trees effect, making it the perfect retreat to unwind and take in the local wildlife.   The lower ground floor is a versatile space with its own entrance and shower room, making it ideal for use as a self-contained annex, home office, or additional living area. Currently fitted with a bar area, for entertaining and use as a games room, this area has been cleverly designed to allow for easy conversion into separate accommodation if desired. Throughout the property, underfloor heating powered by an air-source heat pump ensures comfort, while discreet internal blinds, LED lighting, and thoughtfully positioned external power sockets enhance convenience and style.   The outdoor space is equally impressive. The terraced rear garden offers a peaceful escape, bordered by a neighboring equestrian paddock and a brook. A beautifully landscaped path leads down through lawned areas, vegetable beds, and a polytunnel to a serene nature pool that integrates with the surrounding environment. The attenuation pond adds a functional and ecological benefit in its design, located at the rear of the plot.     WHAT THE OWNER SAYS:   Strathwell House has enabled us to enjoy being in the heart of Whitwell village’s vibrant community whilst nestled in a quiet rural plot that affords far reaching views of the surrounding downs. It has been a great home that was designed to be sociable and in which to host and entertain our family and friends.   Our historic village pub The White Horse Inn, is a couple of minutes’ walk away and is popular with visitors and locals alike. It has been a great place to make new friends and to socialise.   The neighbouring village of Niton has all the facilities we need day to day and is but a two-minute drive from Whitwell or an easy 20-minute walk away. Ventnor is our nearest town and has some great restaurants and pubs offering a wide range of cuisines. The town also offers a variety of locally owned independent shops that we love to support.   The footpaths and bridleways that criss-cross the village enable us to access the nearby cliff paths and to walk up to the surrounding downland where we enjoy spectacular island wide views when walking our friendly dog. Being close to the island’s southern Jurassic coastline stretching from Sandown to Freshwater means that living in Whitwell we enjoy easy access to some fantastic beaches.   Living on an island that has a tourism focus means that we and our visitors have a host of exciting and interesting activities to enjoy.

Vendors insight into the beautiful Old Rectory Farm, Lympsham – Timeless Living in a Village Haven Old Rectory Farm has been a truly special home for us, a striking Jacobean farmhouse dating back to 1715, full of history and character, from the dramatic bell tower and battlements to the beautifully crafted interiors designed by Stephenson’s Architects. We’ve loved the bespoke open-plan kitchen with its Aga, the elegant spaces that have hosted so many celebrations, and the wonderful period features, including the hand-carved doors and the former cider room that nods to the house’s past. The gardens have been our sanctuary, blending the feel of a classic English garden at the front with a more Mediterranean style at the rear, all with open countryside views. Tucked privately within a thriving village, it has offered us both peace and a strong sense of community. This is a home filled with warmth, memories and charm. Step through the elegant tower entrance of Old Rectory Farm, and you’re instantly transported into a world where history, character, and modern family life exist in perfect harmony. Dating back to 1715, with a striking 1866 Victorian Gothic extension, this is a home where every corner tells a story, yet every space is designed for contemporary living. Picture mornings in the farmhouse kitchen, sunlight spilling over granite countertops and the warming glow of the Aga, while the family gathers around the breakfast table before stepping outside into the gardens. Flow effortlessly between the dual-aspect drawing room and second sitting room, whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, or retreating with a book in the study. Upstairs, the light-filled landing with tower room opens to five generous bedrooms, each offering a private sanctuary. The master suite, with its walk-in wardrobe and modern en-suite, is a personal retreat, while a guest suite with its own en-suite ensures visitors feel at home. For fitness, focus, or fun, the former chapel-turned-meditation space offers endless possibilities. Outside, the grounds are nothing short of magical. Expansive lawns, mature specimen trees, and flowering borders surround the house, while a walled Mediterranean terrace offers the perfect spot for long summer lunches or evening drinks under the stars. A peaceful courtyard, private corners, and a charming outbuilding create the ideal setting for hobbies, gardening, or simply enjoying the serenity of village life. Nestled in the heart of Lympsham, you are close to the village shop, post office, sports clubs, and schools, yet the countryside stretches endlessly beyond. Cycle paths, coastal days out, and the Mendip Hills are all on your doorstep. Easy access to the M5, Bristol Airport, and nearby train stations means city life or commuting is never far away. Old Rectory Farm is more than a house - it’s a lifestyle. Whether raising a family, working from home, entertaining friends, or retreating to tranquillity, here is a home that adapts to your life, offering space, history, and a sense of belonging that is truly rare.