Grand Designs Glass Mansion With Controversial Past Lists for £5M

A Grand Designs home, criticized by neighbors and described by host Kevin McCloud as resembling a 'research centre on some university campus,' has been listed for sale at £5 million.

The striking modernist glass mansion, built by Paul and Penny Denby, faced significant opposition from locals when it was constructed in the exclusive Keston Park estate near Orpington, Kent. The construction process was lengthy, requiring five years for planning approval and two complete redesigns. Architects recalled strong local opposition, with residents expressing their displeasure during the build.

Completed in April 2011, the expansive home, featuring a cinema room, library, and a six-meter-tall living area, was dubbed a curtainless 'Miami art-deco house' by McCloud on the Channel 4 show. He noted that "Some on the estate will feel that the entire house is a mistake, boxed in in the wrong place." McCloud also observed, "At the front there's certainly a whiff, not of the suburban, but of a research centre on some university campus or even the HQ of one of Paul's companies."

Accountants Paul and Penny Denby demolished their previous neo-Tudor home of nearly 20 years to build their contemporary four-bedroom residence, named Sylvan Glade. The project encountered financial difficulties, with the initial £1 million budget escalating to approximately £1.6 million. The couple required a loan from their fund manager son, Mark, after their bank declined to provide additional funding.

While the finished house showcased extensive glass elements and a curved interior, McCloud was not entirely convinced by its external appearance. He commented, "Cosy isn't a word to describe the exterior of this house. The over-complicated grid pattern doesn't do justice to the curvaceous interior and the building just seems too big for the plot. This scale and complexity hasn't come cheap."

Now, 15 years after its television debut, Sylvan Glade is on the market for £4,999,995. The six-bedroom detached house spans approximately 6,949 sq ft and is being marketed as chain-free. The sales particulars highlight the property's suitability for buyers seeking a design-led home with both privacy and entertaining capabilities. The listing mentions how "Morning light floods through the extensive glazing, while the open-plan living spaces naturally extend onto landscaped gardens and terraces – ideal for summer gatherings, outdoor dining and relaxed family living."

Architectural transparency is noted as a feature that creates shifting natural light throughout the day, complemented by woodland surroundings that offer seclusion close to London. The property also includes a self-contained one-bedroom apartment, with the potential to convert another ground-floor area into an apartment. The asking price was recently reduced from £5,750,000.

Despite initial controversies, Penny Denby stated that most residents eventually accepted the house. Keston Park, where the property is located, is a well-established private residential enclave known for its security measures, including gated entrances, CCTV, and 24-hour patrols. Notable past residents of the estate include former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman.

The property listing further details the home's thoughtful design, emphasizing maximization of natural light through extensive glazing and spacious open-plan living areas with high-quality finishes. The versatile layout includes a self-contained apartment, four bathrooms, a lift, underfloor heating, and a double garage equipped with three-phase EV charging. Its location within secure, gated entrances ensures privacy while providing convenient access to local amenities and fast train connections to London.