For fans of brutalist architecture, the perfect restoration project awaits: one of Surrey’s famous “Elephant Houses” is up for auction with a guide price of £220,000.
Situated on Apex Drive in Frimley, the house is one of 32 similar properties designed by the renowned architect Lawrence Abbott, whose other designs include the Pompidou Centre and Lloyd’s of London.
Abbott’s homes are grouped into eight blocks of four, built in pale grey brick and white mortar, dotted with sparkly quartz. The buildings’ colour and unique structure, with each block divided by a trunk-like feature staircase, earned them the nickname the “Elephant Houses”.
The development was built in the 1960s by the Apex Society as part of a drive to create more affordable housing. The houses were initially sold under a scheme that allowed occupants to purchase 45 per cent of their property, under strict guidelines. By 1981, the rules were adjusted, and owners could buy their homes outright, or sell them on.
Number 18 Apex Drive has remained in the same family since 1978. The current owner, who inherited the property from his mother after she died, grew up at the house. And now, for the first time in 45 years, the property is for sale.
Inside, the semi-detached house spans 1,033 sq ft over three storeys, with three bedrooms, a garage and a private courtyard garden. On the ground floor is a reception room, with the kitchen and dining room above. The bedrooms, two of which are double with built-in wardrobes, occupy the third floor.
This layout, with the kitchen located above the living room, inspired a further nickname amongst locals: “the upside-down houses”.
The original curved and U-shaped windows remain in the house’s main living spaces, with an unusual curved wall where the house meets its neighbour.
18 Apex Drive is currently vacant, and, according to the auctioneers, “requires complete refurbishment”. It is open to cash buyers only, who must be able to complete within six weeks.
“This is an incredible opportunity to purchase a historical architect-designed property and put your own stamp on the interior space,” says Daniel Gale at First for Auctions. “These iconic homes rarely come up for sale, and one in almost original condition is particularly unusual.”
The last house on the development sold in December last year for £415,000 — a staggering £195,000 more than the guide price for number 18. Previous sales have also attracted attention, including a neighbouring house which made creative use of its curved edges and added playful pops of colour to the interiors. The property sold for £347,500 in 2018.
Interested? 18 Apex Drive will be auctioned online at 10am on Friday 29 September, with viewings available on 21, 26 and 28 September.
