Blythe Road

A feat of architectural design, this curvaceous seven-bedroom family house for sale is a complete one-of-a-kind, thanks to the vision of its architect owner.

Alex Michaelis, co-founder of architectural practice Michaelis Boyd, has brought a striking take on Le Corbusier-esque modernism to his free-flowing home. Built in 2015 on the site of a former garage, the gently curving dwelling sits in response to its surroundings. Soft and undulating, with no hard edges, it peels away from the existing buildings on either side.

A showpiece of ingenious architecture and design, it’s first and foremost a well-functioning family home that puts a playful twist on everyday living. From its staircase slide to the fireman’s pole and heated outdoor swimming pool, this is a house that doesn’t take itself too seriously despite its impressive credentials.

The floorplan is considered and moves between vast convivial spaces for congregating and more private areas, while interesting shapes create dynamic, inspiring backdrops. A rectangular ground floor that spans a generous entrance hall, boot room, kitchen and reception room, is topped by two cylindrical volumes that house the sleeping quarters, connected by a bridge.

Lit by two huge lightwells and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the standout kitchen and dining room is the heart of the home. Along one wall, a seemingly endless stretch of banquet seating can accommodate 20 diners, making this an unrivalled entertaining hub. Designed to both cater for a crowd and withstand the demands of everyday use, the space balances ergonomics and aesthetics, and is centred around a five-metre-long stainless steel Bulthaup island. The restaurant quality kit by Electrolux Grand Cuisine is just as impressive. The culinary arsenal includes a gas hob, combination oven, blast chiller, sear hob, surround induction zone and precision vacuum sealer, none of which would look out of place in a professional kitchen. Tall units and roomy countertops provide all the necessary storage and preparation space to cater to your inner chef.

Take the fireman’s pole down to breakfast, followed by a morning dip in the outdoor pool; well insulated and heated to 30 degrees, it can be used year around. Inside, underfloor heating and triple glazing ensure an ambient living environment in all seasons, too. Overlooking the courtyard garden and pool, the adjoining reception room is a similarly calming space that’s large enough for everyone to come together for movie nights – with a wood burner to crank up the cosiness. Bringing up the rear of the ground floor, sliding doors conceal a home office, quietly tucked away.

A sense of the home’s curving structure becomes more apparent as you ascend to the first and second floors. Circular porthole windows and looping balustrades bring a soothing quality that’s echoed in the pared-back interior design choices. Energised by ample natural light, the palette is minimal throughout, with plaster finish walls and wide plank Dinesen wood floors.

The first floor is divided between an arching guest bedroom suite with a marble-clad bathroom, and a convenient utility room at one end, and three bedrooms and an inviting family bathroom at the other, featuring a freestanding bathtub and separate shower.

The highlight of the floor above is the principal suite, elevated by a rare gem of an in-room bathtub, carved from a single piece of marble. Two further bedrooms await on this level – both finished in the same understated style – along with another family bathroom and a TV snug complete with a curved banquet sofa.

Crowning each turret is a contemplative roof terrace apiece; calming spaces to press pause without feeling overlooked. In fact, privacy is a defining feature of Blythe Road. Set behind electronic gates, the driveway and entrance are hidden from view of the road, with mature mulberry and fig trees lending a leafy, peaceful first impression.