Deconstructing Deerswood – The Renovation of Surrey’s Showstopper Home
Project name: Deerswood
Location: Woking, Surrey
Project type: Extensive model and rebuild
House type: Detached two-storey five-bedroom house
Size: 375m2
Build time: 4 years
Plot/house cost: £937,000 in 2015
Budget: £1.2 million
Current value: £3 million
Tucked away on a secluded private road just outside of Woking, Surrey lies an architecturally designed, contemporary masterpiece, that’s captivated celebrities and creatives alike and confidently earned its place as one of Surrey’s most iconic modernist properties.
Deerswood has been extensively extended and modernised, boasting high ceilings and expansive glass doors that flood the interior with natural light. The open-plan layout seamlessly connects living spaces, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open onto a sprawling wrap-around garden, of which the 2-acre plot boasts a private woodland and direct backing onto West Hill Golf course.
Just shy of 4,000 square feet, Deerswood is thoughtfully equipped for both luxurious living and professional filming. The residence features five bedrooms and five bathrooms, providing ample space for families and guests. Unique amenities include a wine room, a games room with triple-height bunk beds, a pool table, and an arcade machine. The tall steel and wood hallway staircase, modern fireplace, and hand-carved wooden panel add distinctive character to the home.
For filmmakers and photographers, Deerswood offers practical features such as wide access through two 12-foot-wide automated gates and secure parking for over ten vehicles. The property has hosted numerous large-scale productions, making it a sought-after location for TV, film, and photoshoots.
Deerswood’s allure has not gone unnoticed in the media. The property has been featured in prestigious publications, highlighting its appeal to celebrities and its prominence in the world of prime property. Its unique blend of modernist architecture and natural beauty makes it an ideal backdrop for creative projects and a dream home for those seeking a harmonious blend of style and comfort.
But the real question – how did they do it?
Purchased by owners Mike and Jane in 2015 for £937,000, spending almost all of their budget, which was affordable due to existing development rights for the small cottage. Fast forward four years later, the property is now almost unrecognisable. A true renovation, almost knock down and rebuild.
The Plan
“We were told by the council that our contemporary design was not in keeping with the other houses in the road” says Mike. “They told us that we could only amend the existing building – keeping the four external walls, rather than knocking it down and starting again.” Presented with this challenge, Mike and Jane managed to retain the original four walls which now make up the entrance hall and core of the extended house. The design and planning were carefully arranged around this caveat, and the ‘bones’ of their home, extended accordingly. The finished house now extends to 375m2, over 5 times the size of the original dwelling.
Before the build: outside elevation with extension beams (left) existing property (right).
The Process
During the building works, Mike and Jane lived in the original dwelling during the design phase, right up until it was physically impossible to. Jane describes the original dwelling as a “very tiny damp shack” of which friends and family thought they were crazy to live in. At Christmas time, they resorted to painting a Christmas tree on plasterboard walls as a surprise for their two children. During the impossible living stages, the family cleverly offered their services as live in pet sitters. “We got to live in some amazing homes for free, but this also meant we were continually moving around for many weeks at a time.” Says Jane.
During the build: front elevation (left) and kitchen (right).
Learning Curve
“We managed to project manage the build ourselves after being let down numerous times from unreliable builders, but we learnt so much.” says Mike. The Cuva’s were quick to rely on friends, family and even website and magazines and shows for advice on their build. Shows such as The Homebuilding and Renovating Show, are at the forefront of supporting renovators and self-builders along their journey.
The Improvised Fun Parts
The Cuva’s were keen to incorporate elements of fun, and often made things themselves, such as the storage for the wine room, triple height bunk beds in the games room. Whilst retaining the luxury high end contemporary feel of the home, the Cuva’s added reclaimed salvaged pieces such as an old factory window, which has become their hallway mirror.
“The house is now paying for itself” says Mike, The Cuva’s have cleverly hired out their home as a shoot factory, meaning it has been home to many different film and TV and magazine shoots. This includes the likes of music videos for famous rappers, adverts for Ferrari along the driveway and even Stormzy’s 30th birthday party. “We realise that this is a unique opportunity and we are very lucky, and this approach is not for everyone, but weighing up the costs and hire, versus our project, none of this would be possible if we did not take the risk.”
If Deerswood looks like the perfect Prime home for you, contact Curchods Woking for more information. Or, if you are currently undertaking a renovation project of a Prime property in Surrey we’d love to hear from you.
For Sale – Deerswood, Woking
Curchods Estate Agents are the Official Estate Agency Partner of the Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2025. Scan the QR code below to claim two free tickets to the show.The Homebuilding and Renovating Show is the UK’s leading show for anybody looking to create or improve their own home. Each show brings together 100s of suppliers, plus free expert advice and inspiring seminars, all under one roof.
