This carefully preserved three-bedroom house was designed in 1959 by the local architect Brian Lambert for his family. Tucked into the quiet pocket at the edge of Rowley Park, on the south-west fringe of Stafford, the house retains the hallmarks of mid-century modernism, including plywood panelling and five-finger parquet flooring. Adaptable and flexible interior spaces unfold over two storeys and have a seamless sense of flow. The house is surrounded by around 0.72 acres of garden, home to an incredible variety of mature trees, while the banks of the River Sow and bustling Stafford town centre are just a short walk away.

The Architect

John Brian Lambert, or Brian Lambert as commonly known, had two careers. Having secured his Diploma in Architecture from the Birmingham School of Architecture, he worked at Doffman and Leach Architects, where he received a Diploma from the Council of Industrial Design for his outdoor seat competition entry in 1953.

In the early 1960s, Brian re-trained as a town planner. His architectural skill supported his focus on Town Centre Redevelopment and the Repair of Ancient Buildings. Appointed Deputy Planning Officer for Stafford Borough Council, Brian felt privileged to be the liaison between the Council and FWB ‘Freddie’ Charles, architect for the repair of the Ancient High House in Stafford, so helping to save the largest remaining timber framed Tudor townhouse in England.

The Tour

A private road, shared with the adjacent neighbouring houses, weaves through avenues of mature broad-leafed trees and forms a discrete approach. Set in a secluded position and hidden from view, the architectural profile of this home is characterised by distinctive mid-century features: simple, clean lines, sweeping roofs and the use of sand-lime facing bricks to form the facades. The design of the home reflects aspirations of the time with its compact presence and carefully considered and creative manipulation of space and plan.

A driveway with parking for several cars leads to the entrance porch, a handy spot for boots and coats. Full-height glazing draws natural light through this bright entrance, which opens into the primary living spaces and far-reaching views towards the expansive rear garden.

The interiors have an immediate feeling of warmth and texture. Welcoming light flows around the plan, the original parquet flooring unfolds underfoot, exposed structural brickwork and timber elements are beautifully maintained, and the double-height volumes add an unexpected loftiness.

The rectangular layout of the principal dining and living spaces can be re-configured in three ways by repositioning the decorative plywood screen, giving versatile options for places to relax, gather, and dine, and also responding to seasonal changes. The space can be opened completely for easy entertaining and sociable gathering, while on chillier days, a partition will delineate cosier retreats. Dual aspect, walls of glazing run the length of the living and dining spaces, framing leafy backdrops across the gardens and, on the western side, open onto an enticing patio, its trellising draped in vines.

Lying adjacent is the kitchen replete with bench seating and a built-in table offering a lovely casual family dining spot. The U-shaped lines of pine cabinetry add period character and provide plenty of storage space. A separate utility space and hobby room lie on the north-west side and open directly to the covered yard.

Three bedrooms lie at the far end of the plan, all with compelling views of the garden from different angles. Each bedroom has original built-in wardrobes, and there is a centrally located family bathroom, with a striking chequerboard of black and white tiles backdropping an abundance of original fixtures and fittings.

A ladder staircase ascends to the mezzanine gallery where the flexible configuration of the ground floor layout is echoed. Timber struts angle steeply toward the pine-boarded ceilings, delineating the first-floor living space from the double-height dining area below. Long sweeping curtains offer gentle separation between the passageway and a further sociable living space, where an oversized bay window draws natural light deep into the plan and gives far-reaching verdant garden vistas. A large studio/workroom sits within the roof’s western end, and a further family bathroom lies at the eastern edge.

The house is in good condition; however, the interior retains much of its original character and may require some updating internally.

Outdoor Space

A beautiful mature garden wraps around the house. This leafy and colourful backdrop creates excellent privacy and seclusion, offering a peaceful retreat.

To the front, bushy hedging borders the driveway, with a host of mature broad-leafed trees set behind. At the rear, sprawling lawns give ample space to kick a ball or set up a croquet game. A sheltered patio, opening directly from the living room, has a lovely seating area surrounded by hued climbing vines. With views over the verdant grass and to the woodland beyond, it is a beautiful space to enjoy the sunshine and alfresco dining, particularly on a balmy summer’s evening.

An abundance of trees dot the entire garden. Majestic sycamores, oaks, horse chestnuts, limes and ash are matched by fruitful apple and cherry trees, and an impressive tulip tree is centrally positioned. At the most northern edge of the grounds, the grassy lawns give way to a small woodland area, a magical place for adventuring and playing.

There is a garage, a covered carport, garden storage/WC and ample space for several cars in front of the house.

The Area

Stafford is a beautiful market town in the middle of Staffordshire. Defined by the winding curves of the River Sow, which runs around the medieval town. This well-served town has a wide variety of shops and supermarkets, café, restaurants and traditional pubs. Notably, the Spittal Brookholds regular events and quiz nights, the Swan Coaching House is a terrific dining spot to enjoy live music, and the 16th Century Soup Kitchen is a lovely place for homemade tea and cakes. The beautifully landscaped gardens of Victoria Park sit beside the waterway home to Albert’s Café and an excellent playground.

Nearby Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers a range of rambling forest walks, cycling and horse riding. These woods are considered J.R.R Tolkien’s inspiration for Hobbiton, and you can tread the Tolkien Trail. In summer, magical outdoor concerts are held against a canopy of backlit trees.

The historic city of Lichfield is under twenty miles away. With good theatre, independent shops and progressive restaurants such as Larder for relaxed, casual dining, while Stone, just to the north, is renowned for its food and drink festivals and Farmer’s Markets.

Nearby schools include Stafford Grammar School, as well as many Ofsted-rated outstanding primary schools.

There are good transport links to Sheffield, Liverpool and Manchester to the north and Wolverhampton and Birmingham to the south. Direct trains to London Euston take 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Council Tax Band: F

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.