Upon hearing the term ‘superhome’, what do you think of? A Californian style beachfront glass box, such as you might see when strolling through Sandbanks? Or perhaps, a modern-day Regency inspired mansion set in rolling parkland, plucked straight from a wedding day fairy tale?

These types of homes are designed to create an immediate impact upon sight, offering an outward show of prosperity. However, some superhomes - such as the modestly-named 31a Avon Castle Drive near Ringwood - are designed to surprise as well as to delight.

This is a home which gives little away on first inspection. Set at the end of a sweeping resin bonded driveway bordered by white walls, grass lawns and simple elegant planting of mature trees and square buxus, the front elevation has been visualised as a modest single-storey exterior.

This could be easily be mistaken for a one bedroom bungalow – albeit a remarkably stylish one. Given the property’s location within the prestigious estate of Avon Castle, the unassertive nature of the exterior is a surprise. But step inside for a grand reveal, where you discover the deceptive brilliance of the architectural design.

31a Avon Castle Drive has been conceived as an ‘upside down house’ – and its situation, perched on a hillside in a landscaped plot of around an acre, has provided the perfect opportunity for the architect to run wild with the concept.

From the front, the property nestles into its plot, spreading wide to hide any glimpse of what may lie behind; but once inside the open plan space of the ground floor, a vast expanse of glass discloses the first surprise of many.

A stunning, far-reaching view out over the River Avon and across to the New Forest awaits. The temptation to stride across the large open plan kitchen / dining / lounge space to press your nose up against the immaculately presented windows and marvel at what Mother Nature has provided for free is almost impossible to resist.

It takes little imagination to understand how this rural view must provide the owner with a constantly changing aspect through the seasons, and an expansive rear terrace with a glass and chrome balustrade enables you to step outside and truly engage with the view.

The ground floor, a masterpiece of contemporary elegance in neutral hues of grey. sets the scene for the rest of the house. A central staircase encased in glass and chrome drops down to the floors below, creating an uninterrupted flow throughout the open plan space.

To the left is a luxuriously-appointed Poggenpohl kitchen with large island, with a dining area situated towards the rear. To the right is a relaxed family room space, which is capacious enough to house a large comfortable seating area with a television – and a full size pool table.

Given the unpredictability of the British weather, when we do experience a sunny day it’s natural to want to take part in a bit of continental-style al fresco dining. 31a Avon Castle Drive has been conceived and designed to offer exactly this opportunity, with an extensive covered end terrace flowing out from the kitchen side of the ground floor, providing the fresh air and connection to the outdoor environment which makes outside dining so enjoyable - partnered with the security of a roof should the weather take a turn for the worse.

It’s an enormous space which is currently zoned as a semi-outdoor lounge area, with a dining space nearer the open end of the terrace. Plus, with the thoughtful addition of outdoor heaters and the continuation of the Sonos music system which is fitted throughout the ground floor, it’s a valuable part of the house which can be comfortably enjoyed late into the evening and even on crisp, bright winter days.

While the situation is undeniably magnificent, you may still be wondering what makes this house a ‘superhome’. In this instance, it’s due to a combination of truly intelligent architectural design and internal fittings which respond sensitively to the needs of the owner, together with an exceptional level of specification and finish.

The home was co-designed by the owner, a former property developer, in 2016 to provide world class accommodation which would also offer the versatility to cater for those with reduced mobility. Therefore, an automatic passenger lift links the ground floor with the two lower floors, enabling easy access throughout the property. Zoned under floor heating creates effective and versatile heating control throughout, and fittings within the kitchen and bathrooms have all been sourced from the highest quality suppliers.

An irrigation system and external lighting is fitted in both front and rear gardens, and LED lighting to the staircases accents their striking architectural nature. Plus, attached to the double garage which sits adjacent to the house is a self-contained annexe, ideally suited as independent accommodation for a care professional.

Two lower floors lie below to be discovered, each benefitting from terraces to make the best use of those endless views. The lower ground floor houses three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a laundry room, and the lowest, the ‘garden floor’, which comprises an office, utility room, gym, en suite bedroom and a lounge area, provides access to the impeccably manicured grounds which lead down to the River Avon, where full fishing rights are included.

This is a home which is always conscious of its surroundings, with every room mindful of maximising light, space and views; luxury is evident at every turn and in every beautifully finished detail.

Yet, there’s still one surprise in store, for the real impact of the house becomes clear once you step out from the garden floor to look back at the property. It’s only here where you become aware of how splendid the exterior of the property is; an interconnecting tower of structures which seemingly cascade down the hillside, the shape of which is echoed by the gently angled terracing which leads down to the main, level lawn at the riverside.

And perhaps the most delightful revelation is that this imposing rear elevation, where the home really reveals itself, is one that can be enjoyed by you and your guests alone.

Agent: Savills Canford Cliffs

Price: £2.5million

T: 01202 708888

W: savills.co.uk