A striking modern four-bedroom house featuring an indoor swimming pool has received approval from local planning officials in Little Eaton, a popular village in Derbyshire, England. The futuristic two-story home, described by councilors as an "architectural masterpiece" and looking like something "fit for TV," will be built on Windy Lane by the de Saegar family.
The approved plans showcase an impressive array of luxury amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped home gym with changing room facilities, an indoor courtyard, four spacious bedrooms, and two separate dressing rooms. The contemporary design represents a dramatic departure from traditional village architecture, prompting comparisons to futuristic television shows and high-end architectural magazines.
The new residence will occupy the same plot where a family bungalow once stood before being destroyed in an arson attack in 2017. The original property had been unoccupied since 2014, and the large hillside site, located within the Green Belt area, has since become extensively overgrown and neglected. Martin de Saegar, representing his family at the planning meeting, explained that he and his wife had inherited the property from his mother following her death and were eager to restore the site to its former glory as a beautiful family home.
During the planning committee meeting, de Saegar shared the property's unique history, revealing that the site had previously housed 25 show dogs that were exhibited at competitions across the country, alongside rare breeds of poultry. However, since the devastating fire destroyed the original structures, nature has completely reclaimed the land, leaving it in an unkempt state that the family hopes to transform.
The proposed design generated enthusiastic responses from Erewash Borough Council members during the approval process. Councilor Harry Aitkinson praised the project, stating, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but this is an exquisite design. I wish you the best of luck." His sentiment was echoed by Councilor Wayne Major, who described the building as "clearly an architectural masterpiece" and "very impressive," though he emphasized the importance of protecting the Green Belt from inappropriate housing development outside village boundaries.
Councilor Kate Fennelly expressed her amazement at the design, commenting, "This is an absolutely fabulous building. I am not sure I have seen anything like this apart from on the TV." The futuristic aesthetic even prompted Councilor Margaret Griffiths to make a playful reference to the 1960s television series "Thunderbirds," quipping "Thunderbirds are go" in reference to the show's high-tech vehicles and futuristic international rescue team.
Support for the innovative design continued with Councilor Harrison Broadhurst, who stated, "I happen to think it looks rather good. It is good to see modern architecture crop up now and again so I am rather enthusiastic about this." The positive reception from council members reflected a general appreciation for bold architectural vision in an area typically characterized by more traditional building styles.
The final vote demonstrated overwhelming support for the project, with eleven councilors voting in favor and only one casting a vote against the proposal. This decisive approval allows the de Saegar family to move forward with their ambitious plans to create a contemporary family home that will serve as a landmark example of modern residential architecture in the historic village of Little Eaton.
