Modernist English Lair For Sale – Hedge House

The Iconic Hedge House, a Modernist English Lair, is for sale with Hanson Partners.

Hedge House – A Modernist Lair in Disguise

Not every lair needs to vanish beneath a mountain or sprawl through subterranean caverns. Some hide in plain sight, camouflaged not by shadows but by architectural sleight of hand. Hedge House, in the rolling countryside of Knowle, Solihull, is one such lair: a cuboid, modernist masterpiece designed to echo the agricultural buildings of its surroundings. From a distance, it reads as barn-like, private, almost unassuming. Up close, it reveals itself as a fortress of light, luxury, and innovation — a retreat fit for a superhero who values discretion as much as style.

Hide in Plain Sight

Where most country homes in this region follow traditional cues, Hedge House chooses subtlety over grandeur. The use of strip and slatted windows recalls the rhythm of agricultural barns, disguising the true scale of the property’s 10,000+ sq. ft. interior. From the road, it is intriguing but not boastful — the perfect facade for anyone seeking both visibility and invisibility.

Behind that modest exterior lies a residence of remarkable ambition. Designed by renowned architect David Sheppard, Hedge House is a study in contrasts: private yet open, restrained yet expansive, rural yet undeniably futuristic.

The Atrium Heart

Step inside, and the illusion falls away. A soaring ten-metre-high glass atrium anchors the home, flooding the interior with natural light while enclosing a living, breathing internal garden. This feature alone elevates Hedge House into the realm of the lair: an architectural heart that feels both natural and theatrical, a place where strategy meetings or quiet reflection could unfold under dappled light.

A second atrium, south-facing and even larger, connects the expansive living areas with the landscape beyond. Sliding glass walls open onto terraces, dissolving the line between house and horizon. It is a design that prioritizes flow, visibility, and connection, while still protecting the privacy of those within.

Creature Comforts

Every lair must balance secrecy with indulgence, and Hedge House excels. The property includes:

Principal suite with dressing room, dual bathrooms, and a private balcony complete with hot tub — ideal for sunsets or clandestine debriefs.

Three additional bedroom suites, each with bespoke detailing and striking views.

A luxury spa wing with gym, sauna, and hot tub — relaxation and recovery engineered into the architecture.

A bespoke open-plan kitchen, anchored by bookmatched Italian granite, designed as much for entertaining allies as for late-night solitude.

Throughout, polished concrete floors, clean lines, and strip windows reinforce the barnlike disguise, while advanced systems — solar power, air-source heating, and remote Control 4 management — ensure the home runs with futuristic efficiency.

Grounds as Guardian

Hedge House sits within 6.5 acres of wild landscaping, deliberately left organic rather than manicured. Meadows, reed beds, fruit trees, and a pond create a thriving ecosystem that doubles as a natural perimeter. Instead of the formal gardens of a manor, these grounds whisper with autonomy and self-sufficiency — ideal for someone who might need to disappear into their own environment. Woodland plantings could further enhance privacy, creating an almost invisible retreat within the rolling countryside.

The Lair Factor

What sets Hedge House apart from other modern estates is its philosophy of concealment. It doesn’t scream wealth or ostentation; it hums with intrigue. Its cuboid form, disguised windows, and rural setting make it a prime example of a “hide in plain sight” lair — a headquarters for those who value quiet strength over spectacle.

Whether you view it as an architectural marvel, a rural retreat, or a potential superhero’s stronghold, Hedge House offers a rare fusion of modern luxury and lair-worthy discretion.