This is a modern, single-storied, open-plan house of considerable character.

Once past the imposing steel gate, the open-plan house isn't especially big or extravagant, but the frontage is spectacular.

His open-plan houses are precursors to this century's most dubious and destabilizing contribution to the western home: the cavernous McMansion, with its so-called great rooms.

Having previously lived in a Shoreditch loft and then a very open-plan house in Muswell Hill, they struggled with the confined spaces and limited light of many traditional country houses.

Mr. McCue's mother is sewing translucent fabric to be used in place of glass or paneling for the few interior doors - more like shades, really - in the mostly open-plan house.