Westow, York

 

Full Description:

Badger Bank is a unique, contemporary residence occupying a superb 3.5 acre site between the villages of Westow and Kirkham Abbey. Designed by ecclesiastical Architect, Ronald Sims, the house is nestled into a hillside and enjoys a split-level floor plan with rooms that are flooded with natural light.

The design of the house is a response to its siting and has an appearance which is at once both traditional and contemporary. Constructed of local limestone under a blue slate roof, the property features a glass atrium to the rear elevation which fills the space with light and allows for uninterrupted views across its grounds and towards Badger Wood.

The project has been something of a labour of love, designed to create a low-impact, sustainable home which takes full advantage of its unique setting.  Attention to detail is evident throughout the main house with the use of natural materials such as underfloor heated limestone floors, ash-panelled ceilings, solid ash internal doors and iroko external joinery.

Notable features within the house include heat recovery ventilation, underfloor heating and a central vacuum system. Windows are double-glazed and high levels of insulation have been incorporated within the build, resulting in an ‘A’ rated EPC.  Badger Bank has the unusual advantage of being ‘off-grid’ having an alternative power source provided by PV solar panels, wind turbine and battery storage.

As its name suggests, Badger Bank occupies a wonderful hillside position, with the 3.5 acre site creating a natural amphitheatre bound by mature, mixed woodland, attracting an abundance of wildlife, with deer regularly seen. There are various garden areas including mature shrubs, specimen trees, vegetable patch, orchard and lawn which blends seamlessly into the pastureland beyond.

In the northern corner of the site is a derelict cottage, constructed of stone under a slate roof. It has been unoccupied for over 15 years and is structurally unstable although may have potential to replace with an alternative dwelling, subject to securing any necessary consents.  A 1,300sq.ft timber frame workshop also forms part of the property, and like the house enjoys excellent views.