The Clubhouse

The original Clubhouse fell into disrepair but it has been re-born, not on the same spot but very close to it. The architect of the new Pythouse Clubhouse is Joshua Berry of Hill Mitchell Berry architects, who has used local craftsmen to bring his design to reality. “The form is a simple basilica, the original community building. The classical proportions and elements are a reference to Pythouse, which looks down on the club from its commanding and elevated position. The timber cladding, although bright now will silver with time. I chose the dark slate roof to minimise the building’s visual impact on the surrounding landscape and painted timber to the windows and eaves has been kept to a minimum to limit maintenance.”

Joshua has selected natural materials using reclaimed Welsh slate, Douglas fir cladding, Oak columns, brick and stone plinth and pine boarded interior floors to ensure the building ages gracefully. Inside there is a large airy space that opens up through double doors on to a wide veranda. In the summer this will be filled with chairs and tables so that members can relax and enjoy the tennis or chat to friends. Social memberships are also available. Many of the current members used Pythouse themselves as children so are delighted to be able to bring their own children to play.

The new Clubhouse is a very elegant well insulated building, with Regency sash windows, a fine wood floor and a neat counter-style kitchen to cater for entertainments. There are also smart male & female changing rooms with loos and showers and high speed Wi-Fi has been installed.

The simple practical design is intended to provide a low key architectural backdrop for the Club’s activities for many years to come and provide a perfect venue for yoga, Pilates, bridge, lectures, exhibitions and many other activities.