Quartz House

An immaculate, minimalist aesthetic and innovative, architect-led design (hello, impressive glass ceiling) are punctuated by notes of vintage glamour in this impeccable family home. Heavy on the glass but light when it comes to interiors, you can look forward to sweeping windows, swathes of marble, and a swish extension onto a manicured garden. A distinctive take on Piet Mondrian's acclaimed Neo-Plasticism style from innovative Matteo Cainer Architecture, this paragon of glass panels can’t help but impress....

The living room and one of the bedrooms are bathed in natural light that cascades through large bay windows, with the former freshening up period features with soft tones and latte-coloured parquet. Step into the kitchen though and things get overtly contemporary and indisputably cool. Crisp white interiors and a roomy, modernist kitchen open out into a striking dining area, illuminated by an expanse of skylights and industrial-style glass wall overlooking the patio. Every detail adds to the overall sleekness, whether it's the large glass table, streamlined white chairs, or statement lighting. Speaking of statements, closeted behind a bookcase is a delightful library, where an exquisite glass ceiling and south-facing setup make for a superbly light-soaked spot to enjoy a morning coffee, or relax with the family whilst watching the sun set.

The four bedrooms showcase pared-down design lifted by accents of colour, and the bathrooms are awash with white marble and boast two standalone bathtubs — so it would be rude not to indulge in a bit of pampering. For those feeling more active, there's always the exercise room. We suggest rewarding yourself afterwards with a family film on the projector screen with the kids in that cosy snug room, or simply unwinding in front of that slick, hidden TV in the living room, well-earned glass of something in hand.

Nestled on a quiet street in family-friendly Barnes, this property lets you in on one of the city's best-kept secrets — a charming, hidden village bordered by a beautiful nature reserve; all just a short trip from central London thanks to nearby Barnes Bridge Station. There's heaps to explore in the way of leafy strolls along the Thames Path, fine dining (Rick Stein and other gourmet treats line the river bank), and traditional pubs. Music lovers may wish to make a pilgrimage to the Olympic Studios (recording home to The Rolling Stones and David Bowie) and iconic Bulls Head Jazz Bar, while you’ll also find a generous smattering of glorious green spaces including the London Wetlands Centre, Richmond Park and Kew Gardens.

We Love
The location could not be more perfect, affording the kind of village-like tranquility and natural beauty you don't expect to see so close to central London, along with a plethora of interesting cultural history, Michelin-starred restaurants, and lively music bars. Despite its sleek, modernist vibe, the house was built in 1910 and there's a little vintage-style glamour to reflect this. We're particularly keen on that splendidly suave living room, and that classic Edwardian exterior, with its smart, red-brick facade and white porch. And best of all, the home was recently awarded "The Best Front Garden in Barnes"!