An unusual award-winning house that has hit the market for £365,000 – despite being branded as looking like an ‘elephant’ and ‘creepy’ by locals.
The three-storey, three-bedroom modernist property in Frimley, Surrey looks a bit different to most other semi-detached homes.
The tower-like appearance, large u-shaped windows and curved staircase that protrudes out in front of the house make it appear quite unlike any others.
This is the unusual brutalist designed home which has been placed on the market in Frimley, Surrey for £365,000
The unusual semi-detached house has a wonderful roof garden surrounded by six-foot high walls providing privacy
The house is one of several built in the mid 1960s by architect Lawrence Abbott were designed to provide affordable housing
It was one of several built in the mid-60s in the Surrey commuter town by architect Lawrence Abbott as part of a drive to build more affordable housing.
The homes, built in eight blocks of four, formed an award-winning development when they were completed.
Later in his career, Mr Abbott was involved in projects such as the Pompidou centre in Paris and the Lloyds building in London.
Since then, the grey finishing and trunk-like staircase has led to them being branded ‘elephant houses’.
They have drawn mixed reviews from locals and potential buyers on social media.
Billijo Chapman commented: ‘I used to live opposite these and would run passed them on my way to/from school as they creeped me out so much.’
The house is in an award winning development of eight blocks of four houses, although the design is seen as challenging
Inside, the homes are bright and spacious, but locals have described the exterior as ‘creepy’ and ‘like an elephant’
The home is full of unusual design features such as this book shelf which looks like the rear deck of a diving boat with a ladder
The house has had a modern kitchen and bathroom included and also benefits from a south facing garden
Shirley Williams posted: ‘Where’s the kerb appeal. Award winning design. Really??’
Clare Bowen hill said: ‘Sorry, but that is one ugly house.’
And Brian Danaher commented: ‘When we lived in Frimley years ago my wife called it the elephant house.’
However, others expressed their admiration for the design and are clearly fans of the £365,000 home.
Steve Hill wrote: ‘I like it. If I didn’t have a big family I could happily live here!’
Alex Lawrence commented: ‘There are several all in one street – look surprisingly appealing! But too small for a family home.’
According to Greg James Estate Agents, the house is only a short distance from Frimley High Street on a cul-de-sac
Much of the house is open plan which provides it with allows light to flood in and make it look far more spacious
The house has wooden floors throughout and is split over three levels plus the amazing roof terrace providing extra space
Inside the home certainly has a modern touch, with bright white walls and a black tiled bathroom.
There is also a living room on the ground floor, a refitted kitchen, dining room and bathroom on the first floor and the three bedrooms above. The house also comes with a garage.
A spokesperson for Greg James Estate Agents, which is handling the sale, said: ‘Just moments from Frimley High Street tucked away in a cul-de-sac location is this well-presented town house on an award winning development, designed by the renowned architect Lawrence Abbott.
‘This unique property has plenty to offer just some of which includes incredibly light and well-proportioned rooms, a re-fitted modern kitchen and bathroom, south facing garden, parking and a garage.
‘Being extremely well presented you will find plenty of individual features, making the property quite unique whilst giving a lovely homely and contemporary feel.’
The house also has three bedrooms, a south facing garden as well as a garage, making it an ideal family home
The house has a living room on the ground floor, with kitchens and bathrooms on the first and the bedrooms on the top floor