If you’re into cars, this unique home is one for you. Built by Ron Hickman in 1977, Villa Devereux is an eccentric home featuring streamlined diagonal roofs. The dramatic structure echoes the inventor’s past, one in which he was responsible for the design of Lotus’ revolutionary 1962 Elan. This torpedo-shaped car was breakthrough for its time, due to its body-contoured bumpers and lowerable headlights. It was Ron’s boyhood dream to become a car stylist, and this was a passion that shaped the rest of his life. It certainly influenced his architectural ventures – his one-of-a-kind property houses 26 car spaces and three double garages.
Our very own Derek Warwick (Lotus’ 1990 Formula One driver) was blown away by Ron’s inventive spirit. He recounts that “he always thought of clever ways of doing things. Whatever he saw, whatever he touched, he wanted to reinvent it. That was his mind”. It’s a statement that rings true to his DIY endeavours. One day Ron decided to use an expensive Swedish chair as a makeshift workbench. After accidentally sawing through it he decided to do a favour for the building community and create the Workmate. For those like me (I struggle assembling IKEA furniture) this is a part bench, part vice, part sawhorse that revolutionised life for competent DIYers. Black and Decker picked up his invention and sold over 30 million models. It has been said that a builder without a Workmate is like a chef without an oven. Swedish chairs everywhere now smile up at Ron.
He added that “you don’t design the Elan or the Black & Decker unless you are a very clever man”. The same can be true for Villa Devereux. The listed building was deemed so impressive that it was featured as part of Jersey’s modern architecture stamp collection in 1987. Ron’s cutting-edge architecture was heavily inspired by Californian builds he had marvelled at in his time. He intertwined both international and local ideas by using Jersey materials in his structure’s composition. Villa Devereux features a slate roof and textured granite walls, which Ron fondly described as ‘external wallpaper’. The work of a local sculptor is featured in the garden, which stretches across grounds of approximately two acres. Ron’s villa uses the traditional to create a striking version of modernity. The right person might call it his greatest invention.
The location itself is (as an agent would attest) ‘highly sought after’. After winding down a sweeping driveway, you’re greeted by a property positioned on a headland above St Brelades Bay. The sea views are extraordinary, making the garden the perfect place for a slow morning coffee. If I lived here, every breakfast, lunch and dinner would be al fresco. Unless it was raining, in which case I’d explore the indoors.
The eclectic interior epitomises 70s cool and has been excellently preserved, maintaining the original character of the home. A dramatic chandelier shoots down the centre of a wooden stairwell, which is carpeted by tones of deep teal. Bronze is dotted in different accents throughout the home, most strikingly in the grand dappled fireplace that commands awe in one of the living rooms.
Different tones of blue and brown are balanced in a way that induces comfort, relaxation and familiarity. There are beautiful wooden features that bring warmth to the house, from drawing room cabinets, to artisan coffee tables, to planked ceilings above the music room’s walls. If these accents make you feel too warm, do not fret. You can take a dip in the indoor pool complex, complete with gym, changing facilities, sauna and direct access to the garden. My personal favourite feature is the rope swing above the pool. This was of Ron’s doing, I am sure.
There’s space for everyone in this house. If you don’t have 26 cars, maybe host 26 friends? The place can fit them, and many (many) more. The property has ten bedrooms, guest apartments, reception rooms, offices and multiple living rooms. Don’t forget the dining room and eat in kitchen. Terraces, balconies and large windows will cascade your guests with sunlight. They will probably never leave, thinking up new excuses to stay in the coolest house ever. My advice to potential owners would be to only invite people you actually like and to make good use of the rope swing. That, and to just go and view it. To echo Broadlands Jersey, it ‘must be seen to be believed’.
Villa Devereux, St Brelade
£6,950,000
10 bedrooms (5 in the main house, a 1 bed apartment, studio and 3 bedroom staff apartment).
2 acres of land
Marketed by Broadlands. Enquiries: 01534 880770
