A stunning contemporary home that gained fame on the television show Grand Designs has been forced to make a dramatic price reduction of £750,000 after failing to find a buyer for over a year and a half.
From TV Star to Stalled Sale
Downley House, a bespoke oak-clad property in Hampshire, was first listed for sale in July 2024 with an ambitious guide price of £5 million. The owner, Chris Taee, who built the home from scratch and lived there for 12 years, decided it was time to move on. The 7,374 square foot house boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a spectacular oval-shaped central dining hall with ceilings soaring to 23 feet.
The property's profile was significantly raised when presenter Kevin McCloud used it to host the Grand Designs House of the Year show. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA House of the Year award. Set within 2.5 acres in a valley in the South Downs National Park, near Petersfield, the house was marketed as a 'truly exceptional family home' by estate agents House Partnership.
A Series of Price Cuts
Despite its architectural credentials and breathtaking location, the property failed to attract a buyer at its initial asking price. In May, the price was trimmed to £4.8 million. However, a sale remained elusive, leading to a further significant cut. The house is now on offer for £4.25 million, representing a total reduction of three-quarters of a million pounds from its original valuation.
Highlights of the home include a majestic 7-metre-tall barrel-vaulted dining hall, a kitchen fitted with Sub Zero and Wolf appliances, and a bespoke temperature-controlled wine room. A clever design feature saw the original external farmhouse wall retained as a divider between the old and new structures.
Market Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The initial listing generated considerable discussion on social media, with one post describing the egg-shaped atrium as "very odd" and the rest of the property as "rather uninspiring," while conceding the location was "great." This post garnered over 140 likes and dozens of comments.
Other users were more effusive in their praise. One admirer commented on the mix of greenery and wood, stating it had "the right mix of airy and cosy." Another said, "I straight up love this," while a third noted its appeal for someone seeking solitude: "this seems perfect to me." However, the debate over value was evident, with one observer remarking, "it's a nice house but I don't think it's worth nearly that price in the middle of nowhere."
The property's agents maintain that the house must be seen in person to fully appreciate its extraordinary detail and idyllic setting. Located close to the village of Ditcham and roughly six miles from Petersfield, Downley House continues to search for a new owner who will value its unique Grand Designs legacy and spectacular South Downs backdrop.
