The prospect of awaking to a view across Epsom Downs and within a commutable distance of Canary Wharf attracted this client to build a new house next to the RAC’s Woodcote Park golf course. Flanked by recently constructed Georgian-style houses, the new neighbour, designed by Eldridge London, is clearly a building of its time. The two wings of the house are set apart to optimise views and the path of the sun. One wing contains double height living spaces with bedrooms above and accommodation for children and staff below whilst the other wing contains a gymnasium and swimming pool which faces a sunken court space outside. The court in turn leads up to a large expanse of lawn that runs away to the boundary with the golf course beyond. As well as being radically modern in appearance the house incorporates the latest energy saving systems including solar heating and ground source heat pumps and is covered by a sedum roof. Any opposition to the project was dispelled by Epsom and Ewell Planners who declared in the planning report that Eldridge Smerin’s house was " a potential listed building of the future ". The building won a RIBA Award in 2011 and was shortlisted for the Manser Medal.
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