This semi-detached house in Oxshott, Surrey, presents an immediate impression of a thoughtfully designed modern development. It appeals to a wide range of homeowners, offering the advantages of contemporary living in a prime, sought-after location. Surrounded by the lush, green countryside, it strikes a rare balance—immersed in nature yet still within a manageable commuting distance to central London.

The move from a central London apartment in Putney to the greener, quieter outer suburbs of Surrey a year ago was a deliberate choice to enhance daily quality of life. In contrast to the confined space of urban living—with no outdoor escape and the constant hum of a nearby busy road—the new home provides space to breathe, both indoors and out. The shift represents more than just a change of address; it reflects a lifestyle transformation, prioritizing calm, comfort, and connection to nature.

Russell’s Homestory…

What appeals to me most is the peacefulness—thanks in large part to the home’s location on a quiet cul-de-sac, free from any through traffic. Despite being spread over three levels, what struck me from the moment I first stepped inside was the seamless flow of the layout, the thoughtful floor plan, and the high standard of the fittings and finishes throughout.

The main living room, located on the entrance level, serves a dual purpose. It acts as a spacious central hub and is a well-used, welcoming space. Flooded with natural light, it’s especially inviting in the summer months when the large, generously proportioned doors are thrown open, letting in fresh air and connecting the indoors with the outdoors. The view over the garden below and the landscape beyond only adds to the charm and appeal of this room.

The positioning of this room—which combines both lounge and home office functions—on a separate level from the kitchen allows for true relaxation, free from the visual or auditory distractions that might come from daily kitchen activity.

A dedicated desk sits in this space, serving as the base for my home office when I’m working remotely from the London office. It’s a clean, uncluttered area that fosters focus and productivity during working hours.

Come evening, or on a pleasant day, the terrace just outside becomes an inviting retreat. The outdoor lounge furniture offers the perfect spot to sit back and unwind, with the peaceful garden setting providing a calming backdrop.

Q: Does art play a role in your home interior, if so how and why?

I’m definitely not an art collector, but there is one piece I’ve grown attached to—a painting gifted to me by a friend who’s an artist. It fits perfectly in the guest bathroom on the ground floor and adds a nice personal touch to the space. I also have a black-and-white photo of London, which feels quite fitting since I’ve lived there most of my life. I haven’t quite found the perfect spot for it yet though—that kind of thing sometimes takes a bit of time.

Q: What does your garden/terrace/balcony mean to you?

This one’s easy—I’ve never been much of an aspiring gardener, nor have I ever felt like a garden was something I couldn’t live without. But now, with the folding doors downstairs that open fully onto the terrace, it feels really freeing. Plus, the garden is tucked away so that not many neighbours can see in, which means plenty of privacy. It’s a cozy, secluded spot where I can relax with friends and guests and really make the most of good weather.

A few things about the garden made a great impression on me when I first viewed the house:

At the front, there’s a well-kept, private entrance area where the rubbish and recycling bins are conveniently placed near the front door—but cleverly screened off with a nice wooden frame, so they’re out of sight and still look good.

There are also well-sized stairs leading down the side of the house to the garden, making it easy to access for maintenance, planting, and for comfortably removing garden cuttings.

Q: If you could change one thing about your home, with no budget constraints, what would it be and why?

• At the top of my list  would be installing an audio system in three main rooms, all connected—because I spend a lot of time listening to music and that would really enhance the experience.
• Next up would be replacing some of the remaining IKEA furniture with bespoke pieces to personalise and upgrade the interior, adding more character and a better overall feel.
• Finally, I’d like to develop a coherent colour scheme throughout the house, with special focus on the downstairs seating area and the three bedrooms. Adding the right accessories to personalise and brighten these spaces would really pull everything together.

Q: What has been the biggest learning/lesson from developing/establishing your home?

For me, the biggest lesson in moving was really understanding what to focus on when buying a house.

Here are the things that mattered most to me:

• Natural light — after living in a pretty dark apartment for too long, this became a top priority.

• Private entrance — I wanted to avoid the hassles that come with communal entrances, which can often be frustrating.

• Parking — having a driveway and garage was essential. Parking is a big challenge in the UK, especially in London where many terraced houses only have on-street parking and no guaranteed space.

• Accessibility — being close to London, the train station, and airports was important for easy commuting and travel.

Q: What was the bravest thing you did to or changed in your home?

Q: If you were asked to give someone 3 pieces of advice or 3 tips from your own personal experience for developing their home – what would those be?

If I were to offer three pieces of advice to anyone thinking about developing or buying a home, they would be:

• Take your time to research the market — really get to know what’s out there and what’s a fair deal.

• Be clear on your priorities — know what matters most to you when choosing a home, so you don’t get distracted by things that aren’t important.

• Pay attention to the details — like whether the property is freehold or leasehold, and don’t overestimate your DIY skills when planning any work. It’s better to be realistic from the start.

Russell works in the financial sector and has been a dedicated Manchester United fan since he was just seven years old. Needless to say, he’s visited Old Trafford more times than he can count.

Music has always been a big part of his life—especially the band Deacon Blue, who have been a constant soundtrack since his youth. Over the years in London and across the UK, there aren’t many of their concerts he’s missed.

When it comes to staying active, Russell enjoys sports like tennis at the local club and Padel, which keep him fit and energized on the weekends.