A glass-fronted Grand Designs mansion once mocked by neighbours and likened by presenter Kevin McCloud to a university research facility has gone on sale for almost £5million.
Paul and Penny Denby’s bold modernist property sparked plenty of debate when it appeared among the traditional mock-Tudor homes of the prestigious Keston Park estate near Orpington, Kent.
Planning approval took five years and required two full redesigns. The architect behind the project later recalled that some residents were so opposed they appeared ready to confront the scheme “with picks and forks”.
Completed in April 2011, the expansive home featured a cinema, library and dramatic six-metre-high living space. On Channel 4’s Grand Designs, McCloud described its curtainless design as resembling a “Miami art-deco house”.
He said some people living on the estate might believe the property was “a mistake”, suggesting it had been built in the wrong setting.
“From the front, it certainly gives off a scent not of suburbia, but of a research centre on a university campus — or perhaps the headquarters of one of Paul’s companies,” McCloud told viewers.
The 6,949 sq ft, six-bedroom detached property was designed by Paul and Penny Denby as their dream home before appearing on the Channel 4 programme in 2011
Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud compared the curtainless property to a “Miami art-deco house” and said it resembled a university research centre
“Yet behind that anonymity is a genuine family home created for Paul and Penny,” he added.
The couple, who demolished the neo-Tudor property they had occupied for nearly two decades, named their new creation Sylvan Glade.
Their ambitious self-build, however, was hit by financial difficulties as work progressed.
The project was initially expected to cost £1million, but the final bill rose to approximately £1.6million. When their bank declined to lend more money, the couple turned to their son Mark, a fund manager, for a loan.
Although the completed house showcased vast glass walls and flowing curved interiors, its exterior did not completely convince McCloud.
“Cosy is not a word that comes to mind when looking at the outside of this house,” he said.
He argued that the elaborate grid across the exterior failed to reflect the curves inside, while the overall building appeared oversized for its plot.
“This level of scale and complexity has come at a considerable price,” McCloud added.
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Fifteen years after its Grand Designs debut, Sylvan Glade has returned to the spotlight with a guide price of £4,999,995.
The chain-free detached property includes six bedrooms and approximately 6,949 sq ft of living accommodation.
According to the Rightmove listing, Sylvan Glade is aimed at buyers looking for a highly individual, design-focused home that combines seclusion with ample space for entertaining.
Its extensive glazing allows morning sunlight to fill the interiors, while the open-plan rooms lead out to landscaped gardens and terraces designed for summer parties, al fresco meals and everyday family life.
‘The architectural transparency of the home creates constantly shifting natural light throughout the day, while the woodland surroundings provide a unique sense of calm and seclusion rarely found so close to London.’
There is also a self-contained one-bedroom apartment and the potential to create a further ground-floor apartment.
The property was this month reduced to its present asking price from £5,750,000, according to Rightmove.
Despite the rows that had accompanied its creation, Penny insisted most residents eventually came around.
She said at the time: ‘I think the vast majority are happy about it. There are some people who aren’t happy about it but they are in the minority.’
Keston Park is one of the South East’s most desirable private residential enclaves, with gated entrances, CCTV and 24-hour security patrols.
Accountant Paul and Penny demolished the neo-Tudor house they had lived in for almost 20 years to build their dream four-bed home, which they called Sylvan Glade – but some of their neighbours on the upmarket estate in Orpington, Kent, were initially unimpressed
Former residents have included late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman.
The Rightmove listing adds: ‘Featured on Grand Designs, this striking six-bedroom residence has been thoughtfully designed to maximise natural light, with extensive glazing, spacious open-plan living areas and high-quality finishes throughout.
‘The versatile layout includes a self-contained one-bedroom apartment, four bathrooms, a lift serving all floors, underfloor heating throughout and a double garage with three-phase EV charging.
‘Set behind secure gated entrances with 24-hour security patrols, the property enjoys a peaceful setting while remaining within easy reach of Locksbottom’s amenities and Orpington station, offering fast connections into London. Offered to the market chain free.’