Architectural landmark and family home
WHOEVER ends up buying the White Cottage, on a quiet road at the south west corner of Wandsworth Common, will not only become owner of a supremely elegant family home, but custodian of a highly unusual piece of architectural history.
The house, built in 1903 and on the market for £5m, is the work of the architect Charles Voysey, a leading light of the Arts and Crafts movement and a crucial figure in British 20th century architecture. Voysey built just 40 houses, most of which are larger country homes – the White Cottage is a very rare example of a London house by him, and a supreme expression of the simplicity, attention to detail and naturalistic grace that imbued Arts and Crafts design.
When its current owner, Mark Boston, bought it 16 years ago, it was in need of serious attention – Boston estimates he has spent over £1m on its restoration over the years. “My wife fell in love with the house because it’s such a beautiful place, but it had faded and been neglected,” he says. “It’s a gem of a house though, and it became like owning an old MG car – you keep on wanting to improve it and return it to its former glory.”
The Grade II listed house has five bedrooms, and includes a drawing room, dining room and library. At the back of the house, an outdoor swimming pool installed by Boston has been designed in keeping with Voysey’s style. Furniture by modern British Arts and Crafts specialist Tony Colletd, made specially for the house, is also being included in the sale.
As are, most intriguingly, Voysey’s original drawings. While much of his work – including the textile and wallpaper designs for which he was also famous – is in museums, including the V&A, his drawings for the White Cottage have remained at the house. They came in handy for the restoration, but Boston points out that this is no mere museum.
“It retains its Voysey feel, but the house has been completely brought into line with requirements of a modern family,” he says. “We want to hand it on to somebody who will appreciate it, who understands what is special about the property and retains that sense of being a custodian.”
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