Stepping inside Nithurst Farm, visitors embark on a captivating spatial experience. The entrance, deliberately unassuming, leads into a dramatic, double-height kitchen and dining area. This expansive space draws inspiration from Renaissance drawings and Palladio's Villa Barbaro, reinterpreting classical proportions. The exposed concrete walls and ceilings stand in stark contrast to the meticulously crafted brick exterior, creating a dynamic interplay between raw and refined finishes.

The innovative layout incorporates six internal concrete towers, each housing essential ancillary spaces. The main living area tapers along the north-south axis, creating a playful perspective that draws residents towards the light-filled haven of the south-facing sitting room. This deliberate design feature, along with the dark, labyrinthine passage leading to the room, amplifies the sense of arrival and highlights the significance of this central space.

The upper floors offer a haven of tranquility. Stairs tucked within the concrete towers lead to children's bedrooms and guest rooms, while the master suite provides a luxurious retreat with breathtaking panoramic views across the open countryside. The material palette throughout the interior is a seamless blend of contemporary art, tapestries, and bespoke joinery elements, creating a personalised and comfortable living environment.

Nithurst Farm stands as a testament to the successful integration of modern design principles with respect for historical context. The architects have incorporated a complex range of references, ranging from the formality of Vanbrugh to the evocative world of Tarkovsky's film Stalker. This imbues the dwelling with a unique character, making it not just a house but a beautiful and meaningful place of beauty and meaning.

Whaleback is proud to be associated with forward-thinking projects that celebrate heritage while embracing innovation. Nithurst Farm stands is a compelling example of how contemporary architecture can enrich the historic narrative of a place.

“The house can be seen from the Serpent Trail to its south and from Petworth Park to the east. It seems somehow to have always been there, sitting comfortably amongst the older farm buildings. Its form echoes the shapes of the distant hills. The house enhances the cultural heritage significance of the site both through historic association and the quality and cultural significance of the design. It is both ancient and contemporary – its weighty and tactile materials relate to the surrounding farm buildings, while the abstraction of its stepped form is suggestive of minimalist sculpture.”