10th June 2024
From ‘plenty of potential’ to a truly Prime property
The world of renovations extends from simple DIY projects and single room makeovers, to entire houses and even self builds. As the world of renovations meets the world of luxury homes, these Prime projects provide a fascinating insight into the pinnacle of property renovations.
The transformation of Ditton Ridge in Esher is a fine example. Set in a private estate in the heart of Esher, this once 4-bedroom detached home, which offered plenty of promise and potential, is undergoing an extensive renovation. From conceptualisation through to construction, Copper Tree Homes are in the process of transforming Ditton Ridge into a Prime home which oozes opulence, with almost twice the accommodation, exacting standards, six bedrooms and a state-of-the-art swimming pool. We spoke with the owners, Copper Tree Homes, to find out more about the project and their vision.
November 2023 – Property was purchased through Curchods
November 2023 – Planning submitted
January 2024 – Planning permission approved
January 2024 – Construction began
October 2024 – Construction due to complete
Homeowner – Copper Tree Homes
Project name – Ditton Ridge
Location – Esher, Surrey
House type – Detached, Four Storey, Six Bedroom Home
Size – 5,000 sq ft (2,000 sq ft increase)
Build time – 12 months
Budget – £900,000
Ditton Ridge is a hidden gem on the Pelham’s Walk Estate, in the heart of Esher. Available for the first time in nearly 50 years, with little to no refurbishment in that time, Ditton Ridge came to the market in 2023 and was described as having “huge potential to renovate and modernise throughout, to create a lovely family home” by Curchods Partner, Matthew Knight.
Speaking of their first impressions of Ditton Lodge, the new owners explained “my heart skipped a beat when I first saw the house and I knew I could turn it into a sumptuous family home.” Fast forward a few months and their offer had been accepted and plenty of planning had taken place to realise this property’s potential. With a generous budget secured for the build, the sale completed in November 2023 and the hard work could begin.
“The neighbours have lived next door for 53 years. If that’s not an advert for a desirable location I don’t know what is,” explains the new owners. The house sits atop a hill, with far-reaching views over the estate. It is cocooned by mature trees: including a Wellingtonia, otherwise known as a giant Redwood. This dramatic backdrop sets the tone for the project, which incorporates vast rear glazing to maximise the connection with the outdoors, and celebrates natural materials such as wood, marble and stone. The palette is neutral and harmonious, offering peace and tranquillity – a haven as much as a home.
Explaining the planning and preparation required for the project, Copper Tree Homes said, “An experienced surveyor is vital to the accuracy of any budget, which in this case is £900,000. The most challenging aspect of this build, which translates into the most expensive, is the natural setting as many of the trees on site have Tree Preservation Orders. This determines where and how building can be carried out and means that no spoil can be redistributed on site. At the same time, the setting is undoubtedly the most rewarding. A massive undercroft was discovered beneath the existing house, which forms the backdrop to a new lower ground floor where the spa and cinema will be housed. A generous, wraparound, cantilevered deck will connect the lower ground to the garden and provide exceptional entertaining/relaxation areas which take in the panoramic views.”
“To rebuild or refurbish, that is the question. New builds are normally VAT exempt so financially that can make sense, but in this case the latter was chosen due to ease of planning, reduced environmental impact and the fact that the existing structure was sound.
The build encompasses a complete rebuild/renovation which turns a dated 2,600 sq ft house into a circa 5,000 sq ft modern masterpiece – complete with indoor stainless steel swimming pool, cinema and an enchanting garden building. The original building was granted planning in 1969 and in keeping with the period has timeless, uncluttered lines which lend themselves to extension. It is flooded with natural light, which will be enhanced by further glazing.
The property was acquired in November 2023 after a 10-month probate process. The delayed completion allowed for permitted development rights for a garden building to be achieved before keys changed hands and for building to start straight away while planning was sought for the main house. Planning was then achieved in just two months with the help of a planning consultant. The build of the main house is due to complete in October 2024.
The project is being completed by experienced builders who have worked with us many times before. This relationship allows for timescales to be predicable and the level of finish to be guaranteed. Renovation like this is not for the faint hearted but the rewards are immense. Beautiful houses give pleasure to families for years to come, so it’s important to envisage in detail how the property will be lived in. CGIs help to crystallise the vision when the site is still mud and rubble…”
If Ditton Ridge looks like the perfect Prime home for you and you would like to put your own stamp on this exciting project, contact Curchods Esher to find out more.
If you are currently undertaking a renovation project of a Prime property in Surrey we’d love to hear from you.
Please email us with a brief overview of your renovation project at marketing@curchods.com.
