Escape to the English Countryside in This Bucolic, $1.4M Stone House

Designed in the 1950s, the home’s timber-clad interior has expansive windows that frame views of a picturesque garden.
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A recently listed property in the English countryside offers a quiet life southeast of Manchester, amidst the moorlands of Derbyshire county. Known as the Holt House, the midcentury residence was designed by local architect Kenneth Proctor, who considered the project a years-long exploration of contemporary rural architecture. The structure's stone facade and staggered levels conform to the landscape, which also features nearly two acres of gardens and borders Peak District National Park.

Located in the town of Holymoorside, The Holt House was designed by local architect Kenneth Proctor in the 1950s. He lived in the home with his family for over 25 years, expanding and adapting the home several times.

Located in the town of Holymoorside, The Holt House was designed by local architect Kenneth Proctor in the 1950s. He lived in the home with his family for over 25 years, expanding and adapting the home several times.

Among Proctor's later additions is a wood-paneled spiral staircase that connects older and newer sections of the home. A dome skylight illuminates the space.

Among Proctor's later additions is a wood-paneled spiral staircase that connects older and newer sections of the home. A dome skylight illuminates the space.

Proctor, his wife, and their two children lived at the property for over two decades, completing their last extension to the home in 1976. The structure's largest and newest space is a 'drawing room' complete with a wood-clad ceiling and sliding glass doors overlooking the terrace. Cozier spaces await in the original section of the home, which also features built-ins, midcentury light fixtures, as well as original steel windows and doors.

A look at the large 'drawing room' completed in 1976. Defined by a pitched roof and wood-clad ceiling, the space features sliding glass doors on two sides, with a stone fireplace in the middle.

A look at the large 'drawing room' completed in 1976. Defined by a pitched roof and wood-clad ceiling, the space features sliding glass doors on two sides, with a stone fireplace in the middle.

Another view of the space, which the listing notes was known as "The Great Chamber" by the well-humored architect. 

Another view of the space, which the listing notes was known as "The Great Chamber" by the well-humored architect. 

A smaller set of stairs lead to a hallway that intersects with the spiral staircase at the one end.

A smaller set of stairs lead to a hallway that intersects with the spiral staircase at the one end.

In total, the home offers nearly 3,800 square feet of living space, with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. A sunlit kitchen and dining area open onto a large balcony, which connects with lower-level patios. Walkways run throughout the gardens and lawn, leading to a detached garage/studio and several storage buildings as well. Keep scrolling to see more of the home, currently asking £1,050,000 (approximately $1,400,000).

Wood-clad ceilings continue into the original section of the home. Here, a formal dining area features a full-height picture window for natural light.

Wood-clad ceilings continue into the original section of the home. Here, a formal dining area features a full-height picture window for natural light.

The sunlit kitchen is located just off the dining area. A door at one end provides direct access to a balcony that runs along the back of the home.

The sunlit kitchen is located just off the dining area. A door at one end provides direct access to a balcony that runs along the back of the home.

A set of stone stairs connect a wood-clad hallway with the exterior.

A set of stone stairs connect a wood-clad hallway with the exterior.

One of the home's four bedrooms features a built-in wardrobe and midcentury light fixtures. An original set of Crittal steel-and-glass doors lead outside.

One of the home's four bedrooms features a built-in wardrobe and midcentury light fixtures. An original set of Crittal steel-and-glass doors lead outside.

A look at another of the bedrooms.

A look at another of the bedrooms.

Outside, old and new sections of the home are joined by an arched walkways. The passthrough also connects the front and rear gardens.

Outside, old and new sections of the home are joined by an arched walkways. The passthrough also connects the front and rear gardens.

A small pond provides a water source for maintaining the surrounding of diverse plants—among them a 400-year-old oak tree.

A small pond provides a water source for maintaining the surrounding of diverse plants—among them a 400-year-old oak tree.

Portions of the property's nearly two acres of land are enclosed by stone walls.

Portions of the property's nearly two acres of land are enclosed by stone walls.

The Holt House in Holymoorside, Derbyshire in the United Kingdom is currently listed for £1,050,000 (~$1,400,000) by The Modern House.

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