AUSTWICK - This outstanding grade II listed building, is one of the most important 20th century houses in Derby and the only example of the work of Barry Parker and Sir Raymond Unwin. The house was built in 1902 for the Robins family who had then become
prosperous enough to build a new house and purchased a plot of land from the Strutt family. At a time when Duffield Road was just becoming a desirable area built upon the former park of St Helens House, the pavements were raised and embellished with chains
supported by iron posts from the local foundry. The pyramidal home originally two storeys and servants quarters, which now provides bedrooms five and six. The main windows faced west, but in order to improve the view and increase the natural sun light a 45
degree out shut was added to both of the main reception rooms. The front of the property has a striking row of ten mullioned windows to the first floor and the main landing has a further five north facing mullioned windows, in total there are sixty six...
AUSTWICK - This outstanding grade II listed building, is one of the most important 20th century houses in Derby and the only example of the work of Barry Parker and Sir Raymond Unwin. The house was built in 1902 for the Robins family who had then become
prosperous enough to build a new house and purchased a plot of land from the Strutt family. At a time when Duffield Road was just becoming a desirable area built upon the former park of St Helens House, the pavements were raised and embellished with chains
supported by iron posts from the local foundry. The pyramidal home originally two storeys and servants quarters, which now provides bedrooms five and six. The main windows faced west, but in order to improve the view and increase the natural sun light a 45
degree out shut was added to both of the main reception rooms. The front of the property has a striking row of ten mullioned windows to the first floor and the main landing has a further five north facing mullioned windows, in total there are sixty six windows.
The continental Art Nouveau provided much of the inspiration for the interior design including the architect designed door and window furniture and copper beaten fire hoods. The exterior is as beautiful with gardens that have been landscaped to represent the
original garden of the wonderful example of an Arts and Crafts home.
Accommodation comprising
Vestibule
Entered via the original solid panelled door from the front elevation, the hall has full height cloak cupboard with double doors, housing the Servowarm central heating boiler, attractive tiled floor and doors to reception hall and guest cloakroom.
Guest Cloakroom
Having a two piece suite comprising of a period style wash hand basin and low flush WC, the walls and floor are fully tiled, there is a single glazed window to the side elevation and vinyl floor covering.
Reception Hall
14' 6" x 8' 0" (4.42m x 2.44m) The reception hall has the original half glazed door from the entrance; the glass has been replaced but is still a striking feature. This door along with almost all of the internal doors had the original architect
designed furniture. There are stairs to the first floor with a bold curly polished wood handrail typical of Arts & Crafts design and beneath is a tall arch cut into the staircase which leads to the formal dining room, there are storage cupboards under to the
left, panelling to the right of the doorway and a lobby area to the rear with doors to the lounge and study/family room. There is a wall mounted gas central heating radiator with a fretwork cover and display shelf over.
Breakfast Kitchen
12' 2" x 12' 4" (3.71m x 3.76m) Having leaded windows to the rear elevation overlooking the garden, the kitchen is fitted with a comprehensive range of solid oak wall mounted cabinets coordinating open end display units and glass fronted china
display cabinets, having complimentary oak edged laminate work preparation surfaces with under drawers, cabinets and inset sink and drainer with mixer taps and ceramic tiled splash backs. Also benefiting from an inset de Detrich split level fan assisted oven
and coordinating de Detrich five ring gas hob with fully tiled surround and splash back and overhead stainless steel canopy with concealed multi speed extractor fan and lighting. There is ample space for a breakfast table and ceramic tiled floor. A wonderful
original feature is the servants' bell system with a corresponding call bell to each room restored to its former glory and an insight into the lives of the residents of the past.
Utility Room
11' 6" x 6' 10" (3.51m x 2.08m) Having four windows to the side elevations and a solid timber door to the garden, there is a full height storage cupboard and a wall mounted gas central heating boiler. Having space and plumbing for an automatic
dishwasher and washing machine with laminated work surfaces over and an inset stainless steel sink and drainer, the walls are tiled to approximately three quarter height
Dining Room
16' 4" x 14' 3" (4.98m x 4.34m) The beautifully presented room reflects the period of this family home. Having windows, which are placed symmetrically to the lounge room there are three leaded mullioned windows to the front and an additional
out shut (large walk in square bay) with three further mullioned windows to the north elevation. Having an exposed stripped pine floor and a period tiled fireplace with coordinating tiled hearth, cast iron grate and the original Arts and Crafts beaten copper
canopy over. As traditional for the period there are deep but simple picture rails which follow the line of the windows and also a wall mounted gas central heating radiator.
Office/Family Room
12' 6" x 11' 0" (3.81m x 3.35m) Having a single door opening into the garden and two leaded glazed side panels to the rear, there are also three mullioned windows to the side elevation overlooking the lean to conservatory. There is a mullioned
window from the inner lobby as it was part of the design to allow a glimpse of the room before entering. There are also fitted bookshelves to one wall and a gas central heating radiator.
Lounge
21' 9" x 20' 6" (6.63m x 6.25m) The generously proportioned family lounge has windows symmetrical to the dining room, three mullioned windows to the front and an additional out shut (large walk in square bay) with three further mullioned windows
and east elevation, there are also two further windows to the side. Set into an inglenook is the raised fireplace with tiled hearth and original copper canopy. Positioned either side are display arches with oak shelving which compliments the oak plate rack
that extends over the front of the inglenook. Also having a brass and ebony call bell and three gas central heating radiators.
Staircase
From the entrance hall is the superb polished oak Art Nouveau curling staircase to the first floor. A fine example of the standard of fixtures and fitting within the home.
Galleried Landing
Having four mullioned windows to the side elevation and a rich ivory colour scheme it is tempting to relax on the window seat, which has storage incorporated and while away the hours. There are doors to four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate WC and
a large airing cupboard providing ample storage. There is also a staircase to the second floor and a gas central heating radiator.
Master Bedroom
15' 0" x 14' 6" (4.57m x 4.42m) Having five mullioned windows to the front elevation, two further windows to the side and a Charles Rennie Macintosh style changing screen fitted with stained glass panels. The external shape of the property
is obvious in the first floor rooms with sloping ceilings and dark oak beams. There is an original oak fronted corner cabinet with copper handle and the original tiled fireplace with solid oak surround and cast iron grate, there is also a brass call bell and
a gas central heating radiator.
Inner Lobby
From the landing is a door to the inner lobby, which leads to a spacious shower room and master bedroom.
Bedroom Two
14' 10" x 14' 4" (4.52m x 4.37m) Having five mullioned windows to the front elevation, two further windows to the side and sloping ceilings, dark oak beams with spotlights. Having an original oak fronted corner cabinet with copper handle and
the original tiled fireplace with solid oak surround and cast iron grate, there is also a brass call bell, a wash hand basin in a vanity sink unit with fitted mirror and shaving point and a gas central heating radiator.
Bedroom Three
13' 6" x 12' 6" (4.11m x 3.81m) Having four mullioned windows to the rear elevation, two further windows to the side and sloping ceilings. Having an original oak fronted corner cabinet with copper handle and the brass call bell, a wash hand
basin with fitted mirror and shaving point and a gas central heating radiator.
Bedroom Four
12' 6" x 12' 4" (3.81m x 3.76m) Having four mullioned windows to the rear elevation and sloping ceilings with dark oak beams. With an original tiled fireplace with solid oak surround and cast iron grate, there is also a brass call bell, a
wash hand basin in a vanity sink unit and a fitted mirror over, there is also a shaving point and a gas central heating radiator.
Bathroom
Having a window to the rear elevation and a deep corner bath with Victorian style taps with a hand shower attachment. The walls are fully tiled and there is a wall mounted gas central heating radiator.
Separate WC
Fitted with a two piece ornate suite with two mullion windows to the side elevation. There is a pedestal wash hand basin and a low flush WC, the walls are fully tiled and there is a fitted extractor fan.
Second Floor Stairs And Landing
Bedroom Five
14' 0" x 12' 3" (4.27m x 3.73m) This would formerly have been the servants' quarters but now provides two rooms, which could be bedrooms, playroom or study. Having a dormer window to the rear elevation and an original cast iron fireplace and
grate, with storage in the eves and a recessed storage cupboard. There is an open doorway to bedroom six.
Bedroom Six/Study
12' 4" x 14' 2" (3.76m x 4.32m) Accessed only via bedroom five, having fitted strip light to the ceiling and storage in the eves and a gas central heating radiator. This is the only room in which the servants' bell is not connected.
Fore Garden
Via steps that lead to the house from Duffield Road setting the property back and above the road, entering a beautifully planted fore garden providing a great degree of privacy. With an extensive range of mature and established flowering plants, evergreen
trees and shrubbery and herbaceous borders all of which have been landscaped in away that reflects the original garden, which was always intended to be an extension of the individuality that the designers Parker and Unwin were trying to create both inside
and out. The garden continues either side of the property and to the side is a lean-to style plant house adjoining the study.
Rear Garden
There are two attached brick buildings providing garden store and workshop with light, power and water point. The garden is mainly laid to lawn and edged with well stocked planted borders with a range of flowering plants, mature evergreen shrubbery and many
established trees. Having a high red brick wall to the rear and substantial paved patio.
Garage
To the rear and accessed via Chevin Road is a detached brick garage with up and over door, light and power and a personal door to the side.
Double Carport
Also accessed via Chevin Road where on street parking is generally available, the carport provides further secure off road parking and has double timber gates.
- Rare Grade II Listed House
- City Location
- Four Double Bedrooms
- Office\Studio
- Garage Plus Carport
- Walking Distance To City And Parks
- Original Art Nouveau Design Features