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Classical Brick House and Stables in Effingham, Surrey

Green Acres is a 4,200-square-foot replacement dwelling located in the picturesque Surrey Hills, an area within The Metropolitan Green Belt. This exceptional project encompasses a newly built home, a double garage, a stable block, a sand school, and a tack/store, all set within an extensively landscaped two-acre plot.

Achieving the client’s dream scheme required a lengthy planning process, involving several applications to navigate the restrictions on building positioning, area, and height. The resulting layout pays homage to the traditional farmstead forms characteristic of the local area, with a larger, taller farmhouse surrounded by lower, linear outbuildings grouped around courtyards.

The main house features a simple block plan with a hipped roof and a single-storey rear return. Oriented to face the road, the property also boasts a private, sunlit patio at the rear that opens onto expansive lawns, creating an inviting space for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.

Green Acres is intentionally understated, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding countryside and traditional buildings. The home’s charm lies in its carefully considered tones, textures, and proportions.

Constructed using red York brick laid in Flemish bond, the house is enriched with thoughtful details, including a soldier course at first-floor level, radius window heads, and a flint plinth—a material frequently used in the local area. The roof is finished with warm clay tiles, complementing the rustic character of the design.

The entrance is highlighted by a sandstone surround featuring pilasters and a curved head, creating an understated focal point. Hardwood sliding sash windows, painted in a soft, complementary tone, are paired with square-edged sandstone cills to enhance the home’s refined character.

The eaves are humbly detailed with two stepped header rows of brick, while the rectangular chimneys, set at the gable walls, feature simple yet elegant brickwork. These restrained design choices unify the property’s aesthetic, creating a timeless dwelling that sits harmoniously within the rural Surrey Hills landscape.