Cherry Hill, the former country estate of United States Ambassador John Hay Whitney and Betsey Cushing Roosevelt Whitney.
Cherry Hill was built in the 1930s for businesswoman, Katherine Hannah Newton, by the architect Oliver Hill - an eccentric and self-made man who was mentored by Sir Edwin Lutyens. At first sight, Cherry Hill appears to be a resolutely ‘modern’ house, directly inspired by the architectural theories of the German teaching of Bauhaus, founded by Walter Gropius. Hill, however, was a non-conformist and incorporated his own style into the creation of Cherry Hill, with a focus on integrating the new building within its natural surroundings.
Cherry Hill sits in four plus acres in a secluded and private position. . The house was designed to wrap around two Scots pines trees and envelop the inhabitants with natural light throughout the day. Upon arrival, you are met by a grand sculptural staircase wrapped by a curved double height glass structure. It is not until you are inside the house that you fully appreciate the masterpiece that has been created.
The house is grand in its simplicity, harmonious in its proportions, and ideal for living. Brought up to the latest standards by bespoke developer Bath & Bath, the painstakingly restored building has recently been bracketed by two elegant pavilions to provide all the expected amenities of modern life, such as a discreet indoor swimming pool, a cinema, a wine cellar and a separate utility wing. To give further unity to the whole and in keeping with Oliver Hill’s passion for interior design, rare types of Italian marble, granite and onyx, as well as lavish panels of exotic woods, have been carefully selected to enhance the play of light on all surfaces of its interior and exterior.
Shortly after being appointed Ambassador in 1957, Whitney acquired the Wentworth country estate. He named the property after the exclusive Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, Colorado where he and President Eishenhower enjoyed playing golf, close to Eisenhower's Summer White House. Cherry Hill was Whitney's summer White House for almost 30 years.
Status: Built
Location: Virginia Water
Firm Role: Principals, Developer and Designers
Additional Credits: Avanti Architects
