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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ryan Merrifield

Grand Designs 'Noah's Ark' home that appears to float on air on sale for £1.95m

A Grand Designs 'Noah's Ark' home that appears to float on air has been put up for sale for £1.95m.

The property, on the Blackwater River Estuary near Maldon in Essex, featured on the Channel 4 show in October 2021.

It is described as 'flood proof' because of its gravity-defying, cantilevered first floor, which is 4.5m above ground level.

It was originally built by Londoner Geoff Wood, who sold his home in Spain to take on the mammoth construction project whilst living in a caravan on the site.

According to reports, Mr Wood bought the land with planning consent for £325,000, but will have the last laugh on social media critics, who criticised his choice of decor, with its selling price of nearly £2m.

Some people described the interior as 'hideous' but the show's presenter, Kevin McCloud said he 'loved' the carpet and sofa combination.

It was explained on the episode that it was on a piece of land designated by the Environment Agency as Flood Zone 3, the highest risk.

At night the home appears to float on air (Fine&Country/BNPS)

During the screening, Mr Wood revealed he'd had to sell his home in Spain to help fund the project, which got behind after bad weather hit and Covid had delayed things even further.

Along with its flood-proofing, the house has also been designed to be energy efficient and is equipped with state-of-the-art tech, including an air-source heat pump, solar tiles and thermal glass to minimise running costs.

It also has a lift, a large double garage and 3.5 acres of grounds.

The house has 260-degree views over the surrounding countryside from its wraparound terrace and sits on a seven-acre plot.

The property is on the Blackwater River Estuary near Maldon in Essex (Fine&Country/BNPS)

Visitors arrive to a large hallway and reception area on the ground floor, connected to a utility area and double garage.

A staircase leads up to the first-floor hallway with a vast living, dining and kitchen space, with three bedrooms, each with en-suite, as well as a fourth bedroom and family bathroom with a dramatic modern tub.

At night the house gives the appearance of a modern Noah's Ark, appearing to float above ground.

In reality, the flood-proofing has been created by Steel Superstructure sat on 34 substantial concrete piles drilled 14 metres into the ground.

Ed Casson, director of estate agents Fine & Country Mid Essex, said: "It really is a unique and beautiful property and although Geoff's enjoyed living there, he's completed his grand project and feels it's time to downsize a little bit."

The home's interior was mocked after the show by social media users (Fine&Country/BNPS)

Mr Casson believes the house would suit a variety of buyers.

He added: "I'd say it's ideal for someone who is perhaps London based but originally from Essex, and who wants a weekend place in an outstanding location.

"It might also suit an older couple, who want to take advantage of the walks and lifestyle in this area, which is really tranquil and beautiful."

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