This incredible former stables, converted by the renowned architect Derek Phillips in the 1960s, offers the potential to create a wonderful village house in large, idyllic gardens less then twenty miles from Central London.

The seven-bedroom house has over 3,800 sq ft of internal space and is set in a private plot of approximately 1/2 acre, just off the village green. The accommodation is arranged around a central courtyard, with the garden extending out to the rear. Although it is now in need on some updating, it is a property with immense appeal thanks to its rare combination of notable attributes (including the setting, location, size and internal spaces).

When converting the stables, Phillips endeavoured to keep the drama and integrity of the original spaces intact. High ceilings, and large doors and windows, feature in many of the spaces, while others are more intimate, with exposed wooden beams. Built-in furniture and fittings reflect the Mid Century Modern era in which the work was done.

Accommodation is extensive and can be best seen by looking at the floor plan for the property. The ground floor includes four bedrooms, a living room, kitchen / breakfast room and a large amount of integral storage / garage space (which could be converted into further accommodation). The first floor features three further bedrooms, another living room (this one being more expansive) and a study. There is also workshop space in outbuildings close to the main house.

The level gardens are primarily laid to lawn, although also incorporate a vegetable garden and seating area. The private gardens are a considerable part of the appeal of this property, as is the cobbled courtyard at the front of the house. There is space for parking numerous cars. For a video showing the gardens and exterior of the property from an aerial view, please click here.

Derek Phillips (1923-2013) is an architect who is perhaps best known as pioneer in lighting design, a subject on which he published a number of books and became a recognised industry leader. Although born in the UK, he studied at the celebrated Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), an architecture school that has included such faculty members as Alvar Aalto, Buckminster Fuller and Louis Kahn. His career took him around the world working on projects as prestigious as Westminster Abbey and The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The house can be found tucked away opposite the picturesque village green in Bovingdon. This small historic village is in an area of Hertfordshire that is remarkably rural in character, despite being just four miles from a London Underground station (Chesham). There are a number of local services in the village (including pub and shops) with a wider range of services at Hemel Hempstead (3 miles away). Trains run from Hemel Hempstead to London Euston in approximately half an hour.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.