Hidden amidst the Youlbury Woods near Boars Hill stands Youlbury House. A modernist marvel, it rises from the landscape, a testament to architectural ingenuity. Youlbury House isn’t just a building. It’s a phoenix, reborn from the ashes of its Victorian predecessor. The original Youlbury House, a grand Victorian mansion, was built in 1893 by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. He crafted elaborate gardens filled with rhododendrons and pines, and even artificial lakes complete with bathing huts. This original house was a hub of activity, hosting prominent figures like Gilbert Murray and Lord Baden Powell. It even housed a small museum of Cretan and Stone Age artifacts, a testament to Evans’s archaeological passions. A war memorial, erected in 1918, added a layer of historical significance to the grounds.
The original Youlbury House sadly met its demise during World War II, sustaining damage and ultimately being demolished in 1950. But the story doesn’t end there. The land found a new steward in Arthur Lehman Goodhart, a prominent jurist. His son, William Goodhart QC, commissioned a new Youlbury House. This time, the vision was modernist. Architect Hal Moggridge took up the challenge, creating a stunning structure between 1969 and 1971. He incorporated concrete floors, precast columns, and western red cedar cladding, resulting in a home that seamlessly blends with the surrounding woodland.
Youlbury House embraces the landscape, its angled central hallway and unique staircase designed to maximize natural light. The 9.6-acre grounds retain echoes of the Victorian era, with mature trees and rockeries woven into the natural woodland. Youlbury House stands as a Grade II listed building, a protected piece of history. It’s a testament to the enduring power of architecture, where the modern and the historical intertwine, creating a place of unique beauty and significance. This modernist marvel, nestled in the Youlbury Woods, invites you to explore its story. A story of transformation, resilience, and the enduring connection between human creativity and the natural world.