If you fancy immersing yourself with Middle Eastern architecture, this three-bedroom detached property in Surrey fits the brief.
The home was built in the 1920s by Percy Stammwitz who worked at the National History Museum. But it was his craving for Egyptology and Middle Eastern architecture stemming from his war service in the Sinai desert that inspired the build.
The concrete structure is named Arnussi, after an oasis near Gaza. It includes five domes influenced by the Great Temple of Jerusalem, together with two minarets, one of which originally served as a chimney.
This house in Surrey was inspired by Middle East architecture and is named Arnussi, after an oasis near Gaza
The current owners bought the property in 2004 and added this large – and colourful – triple aspect living room
Other features of this unique property include hieroglyphics at the main entrance and throughout the home – including the motto Pro Aris Et Focism meaning For Hearth and Home – moulded over the fireplace in the dining room.
It came from the Mounted Police regime, which Mr Stammwitz served in during the Boer War.
The current owners bought the property in 2004 and added their own features, including a large triple aspect living room which overlooks the landscaped garden and surrounding fields.
To one side, a door opens onto a south-facing balcony, which has space to entertain with a table and chairs.
The unique property includes hieroglyphics at the main entrance as well as throughout the interior of the building
The property was built in the 1920s and has been renovated over the years, including by the current owners who bought it in 2004
The hieroglyphics include the motto Pro Aris Et Focism – meaning For Hearth and Home -which is moulded over the fireplace in the dining room
The impressive property in Sunbury-on-Thames boasts five domes influenced by the Great Temple of Jerusalem
Modern touches in the house include underfloor heating and a utility room, as well as an integrated kitchen
The property is being sold by estate agents Curchods, which has put it on the market with a price tag of £875,000.
In its marketing literature, it explains that the current owners ‘undertook an extensive restoration programme, paying particular attention to the fabric of the building, employing specialist contractors to take it back to its original structure’.
The works included stabilising and waterproofing the external concrete, resurfacing the roof with a seamless membrane covering, and some interior design.
The agent added: ‘Their attention to detail to ensure their home is well insulated and meets modern day demands, is quite outstanding. This modernisation programme has remained faithful to Percy Stammwitz’s vision and it is now ready for the next custodian to cherish what is a very special home.’
The agent went on to advise that while the quirky property now includes modern creature comforts such as underfloor heating, a utility room and an integrated kitchen, ‘please don’t go looking for en-suite bathrooms or chrome fittings’.
The characterful interior has statement tiles and colours throughout including in this family bathroom on the ground floor
Outside, there is a large landscaped garden, including a lawn area with space for a designer hammock and swing seat
There are three bedrooms on the ground floor of the house, which also has a lower ground floor with a utility and a study
The varied colour scheme includes this wall painted in deep blue and earth coloured tiles on the floor
From the living room, a door opens onto a south-facing balcony, which has space to entertain friends and family
Inside of the house, one of the domes has been painted with a gold colour, which contrasts with the white walls
The average price of a property in Sunbury-on-Thames is £492,816, which compares to £322,758 for Britain, according to property website Zoopla.
The town of Sunbury-on-Thames has two main focal points, which include Lower Sunbury – known locally as Lower Sunbury village – which is the older part next to the river.
Separately, there is Sunbury Common, which is to the north and surrounds the railway station and the London end of the M3 motorway.
Lower Sunbury contains most of the town’s parks, pubs, and listed buildings, while Sunbury Common is more urban and includes offices and hotels. The property is only one mile from Lower Sunbury village, and comes with a garage and parking.
Daniel Copley, of Zoopla, said: ‘Arnussi is a spectacular property that is brimming with talking points including hieroglyphics, minarets and other features that are typical of middle eastern architecture.
‘The characterful interior with its statement tiles and bold colours adds to the other-worldly atmosphere, as does the semi-tropical landscaped garden.’
There is a separate patio area outside in the landscape garden, with enough space for a dining table and several chairs
The property is being sold by estate agents Curchods, which has put it on the market with a price tag of £875,000
The property is only one mile from the area known locally as Lower Sunbury village, and comes with a garage and parking