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This wonderful plot represents a rare opportunity to build a modern, contemporary home in the historic city of St Albans. Planning permission has been granted for a 1,722 sq ft, detached, low-level, three-bedroom house designed by RIBA-chartered practice THISS Studio.

Set within a historic walled garden, the low-lying home is designed for privacy and quiet connection to place. A modest brick façade blends with the existing walls, while the rear opens into a sheltered, sunlit enclosure with views to the church beyond. The architecture is crafted from simple, enduring materials—wood and brick—to create a home that feels both timeless and intimately connected to its surroundings.

Tucked behind a stretch of an ancient Roman wall, the land at 1 Watford Road sits within one of St Albans’ most historically significant enclaves. A rare pocket of calm within the city’s rich architectural tapestry, where centuries of history form the natural boundary of the plot.

A mid-century Californian sensibility runs throughout, expressed through generous expanses of glass that dissolve boundaries between inside and out. The home will sit lightly in its setting — a sanctuary that feels timeless, as though it has always belonged to the land.

Access is directly from Watford Road, with discreet gates introducing a rare sense of privacy upon entry. Situated at the southern gateway to St Albans city centre, the home will offer a peaceful retreat while remaining within easy reach of the vibrant high street, its celebrated market, and the green expanse of Verulamium Park.

THISS Studio are an award winning London based practice who prioritise sustainability through choices that last: resilient materials, low-impact construction, and an architectural approach rooted in long-term stewardship of place.