Exceptional city home is tribute to good design
Zero House, Clifton, York Price: on application www.prime-resi.com
When it was built in 2008, Zero House, in Clifton Green, was a hot topic of conversation in
York thanks to its contemporary architecture.
Designed by Bramhall Blenkharn Leonard architects with input from owners Michael and Erica Hammill, its avant-garde good looks, gull wing roof and its larch and cladding was more LA than YO30 and it took Michael two years to get planning permission for it.
Sally Clough can attest that it was well worth the wait. She and her husband bought it in 2016 and they and their children have loved living there.
“We wanted to be close to Bootham School and in walking distance of central York and we went to view the house because of the location. As soon as I walked in and saw how light it was and with high ceilings that give it such a feeling of space, I knew it was right for us.”
She adds: “It’s also great place to live because there is lovely, friendly community, shops on the doorstep and you can walk to York station in 19 minutes. You’re also close to river walks and places to walk the dog.”
Over the last six years, the Cloughs have invested heavily in the house adding solid wood flooring, a wood-burning fire and a new kitchen with lighting by Tom Dixon.
What had been a mini-kitchen on the lower ground floor is now a laundry room and both bathrooms in the property have been upgraded. The outdoor space has been relandscaped and now boasts a summer house with its own wood-burning stove.
Selling to downsize is a wrench but says Sally: “We have loved our time here. This is such a special home and the way it looks has always made me smile. There’s something cheeky about it, which I really like.”
Estate agent Louise Hirst, of Prime Residential, says: “Zero House offers the rare combination of contemporary lateral living, plentiful secure parking and garaging and delightful gardens, all in one of York’s most soughtafter residential areas.”
The property has 3,300 sq.ft of space with a hall, kitchen, family room, main bedroom with dressing room and ensuite bathroom, four/five further bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms, a family bathroom, utility and cloakroom. Outside is a private driveway with electric gates and parking, a double garage, summer house and gardens.
This is such a special home and the way it looks has always made me smile. There’s something cheeky about it, which I really like.