Lagom, Lymm, Cheshire

Wrapped in Corten steel, the profile of this remarkable house in Lymm, Cheshire is assuredly contemporary. It unfolds over a three-storey plan with four bedrooms, a set of bright living spaces and multiple points of access to a generous landscaped rear garden. The metropolitan hubs of Manchester and Liverpool are both under a 40-minute drive away; even closer to home are characterful towns and swathes of open countryside ripe for exploring.

The Building

The house was completed to a design by Williams Architecture in 2020 and gives way to creatively landscaped gardens by Emma Aspinall. Its name, Lagom, is a Swedish word that translates to 'in moderation' or 'in balance' - an ethos reflected in the home's harmonious pairing of strong yet visually soft materials, of indoor and outdoor space, and of private and public zones to retreat to and/or come together in.

The Tour

Lagom’s striking red profile emerges beyond a large gravel-laid driveway with space for several cars. Decidedly modern, its stepped form hints at the dynamic and voluminous spaces contained within.

Entry is to a generous hallway that connects the ground-floor living spaces. The material palette adopted throughout - pre-cast concrete walls and concrete floors - begins here and is at once handsomely utilitarian yet soft and unobtrusive. At the furthest end of the hall is the convivial heart of the house: a light-filled, open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting space with bifold doors that dissolve the delineation between inside and out.

The kitchen is at the front and has a bank of sleek charcoal-grey units. A beautiful Corian countertop provides plenty of preparation space and a central island doubles as a breakfast bar. Appliances have been neatly integrated and include an oven, microwave, two warming drawers, wine fridges and a coffee machine. In front of the kitchen is a generous dining area with space for a large 10-seat table. The grey cabinetry continues here, lending space for board games and/or special occasion crockery.

At the far end of the room is a bright area currently used as a quiet, cosy snug. A second larger living space is towards the front of the ground-floor plan and has wonderful built-in conversation pit seating. The shape of the house means that all of the reception rooms all hug an external courtyard, with direct one-level access granted by large sliding doors - a configuration perfect for summertime hosting.

The remainder of the ground floor is given over to a quiet study, a utility room and a WC. The utility room has a Corian countertop, a freezer and has the same charcoal-grey floor-to-ceiling units as the kitchen.

Pre-cast concrete stairs from the entrance hall descend to a basement level, currently used for storage but with a pre-excavated space fit for a swimming pool (more information can be provided on request). The same floating staircase reaches up to the first floor, where four generous double en suite double bedrooms lie. There is also a series of built-in floor-to-ceiling storage units that extends from the spacious central landing, along with a separate laundry room.

The principal suite is especially generous and private, care of its position at the far end of the house. It has a generous amount of storage in built-in wardrobes and has a pristine en suite with a large walk-in shower and twin sinks; here and throughout, sanitaryware is from Lusso Stone. A glass Juliet balcony lies behind a large sliding door; the view stretches beyond the garden through the greenbelt landscape to Manchester beyond.

Outdoor Space

Lagom’s house and gardens have been symbiotically designed by local garden designer Emma Aspinall. The building’s U-shape, along with its copious amounts of floor-to-ceiling glazing, foster an unfaltering connection with the outdoors. Distinct areas have been cleverly divided but remain open to one another; there are several spots for an outside dining table, a barbecue, and/or sun loungers.

Largely laid to lawn, the garden has plenty of space for relaxing in the sun. Plants have been carefully added at opportune moments: nearest the house is a bed filled with dark purple verbena, alliums and wild floor-level grasses that spill onto a hoggin-laid pathway. Screening is provided by bamboo hedging and mature photinia pleached trees. At the rear, a space for red tulips has been carved out. A mature fruiting apple tree at the foot of the garden casts a wide shadow that lends a shady reading spot on a warm day.

The Area

Lymm - meaning ‘place of running water’ - is a characterful town in the heart of Cheshire. The Bridgewater Canal passes through the centre and is a delightful spot to wander alongside - ideally with a coffee from nearby Cuppello’s in hand. It has several pubs as well as several supermarkets.

An even greater range of amenities are available in Altrincham, a short drive away. It has several well-regarded places to dine out, along with a celebrated food market. Other local towns include Knutsford, which is home to the National Trust's Tatton Park.

Chester is around a half-hour’s drive away and has a range of wonderful dining spots, including Arkle and Covino, as well as its characterful Roman walls walk. Storyhouse is a brilliant cultural hub in the city and has an independent cinema and theatre.

Manchester, a 30-minute drive from the house, is also known for its cultural and culinary destinations;Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth are excellent ways to while away an afternoon. Restaurants Higher Ground and The Sparrows have Bib Gourmand ratings while Skof has a Michelin star.

Liverpool can be reached in around 40 minutes and has several wonderful galleries, including The Walker and Tate Liverpool, along with several brilliant places to eat.

The Peak District begins approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the house and provides a near endless offering of walks and cycling trails. The Welsh border is also within easy reach, with the Clwydian Range and Eryri (Snowdonia) parks reached in around 60 and 90 minutes respectively; the Lake District is a similar distance to the north.

Lymm has a handful of schooling options nearby, including Ravenbank Primary School and Lymm High School. There are private options in nearby Altrincham, as well as two especially well-regarded boys’ and girls’ state-run grammar schools.

Wilmslow station is just over a 20-minute drive from the house and runs direct services to London Euston and to Manchester Piccadilly. There are plenty of buses in the local area; one route connects to Sale, from which the Green Line of Manchester’s tram network can be caught.

Council Tax Band: G