Essential Surrey, May 2014

In May, I wrote an article about The Homewood, one of only two Modernist National Trust properties, for Elmbridge Lifestyle Magazine. It ended up being run right across Essential Surrey’s portfolio including The Guildford Magazine, The Kingston Magazine, The Woking Lifestyle Magazine and on their website – it even beat Paul Hollywood to the cover on two of the four magazines! (All copy as submitted.)
Guildford Magazine

A Modernist masterpiece on your doorstep

Following the closure of High Cross House in Devon due to a lack of visitors, it’s more important than ever to visit the National Trust properties on our doorsteps. High Cross House was designed by Swiss-American architect William Lescaze in 1932 and is considered to be one of the UK’s finest examples of Modernist architecture. Characterised by the idea that ‘forms follows function,’ Modernism has shaped the way we live today.

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MidCentury Magazine, December 2013

In November 2013 I visited The Homewood, one of only two Modernist properties owned by the National Trust, and interviewed resident curator, David Scott, for MidCentury Magazine.
The Homewood

Image ©National Trust Images/Stuart Cox

The National Trust owns just two Mid Century properties. One of them is The Homewood in Esher, Surrey. It’s not only a striking example of early British Modernism by a talented young architect, it’s also a record of his life.

Patrick Gwynne designed the Homewood in 1937, aged 24, as a home for his parents, himself and his sister. It replaced their Victorian villa on the same plot, and was completed in 1938. The family celebrated with a party – Pimms was followed by dinner on the terrace. For a year “we danced like mad,” said Patrick. Great entertainers, they made full use of the living room’s sprung floor and built-in gramophone.

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