Marston Park
Somerset, UK
reimagine
“...dreaming of travel, nature, out-of-this-world experiences and faraway places, the sci-fi, 1960s set of a futuristic pod in the middle of the leafy English countryside might be just the thing for you; time to head off to Somerset, where the modernist vision of Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro House, has been revived at artistic retreat Marston Park.” – Wallpaper
The Futuro landed at Marston Park initially for summer 2021 but, having been reviewed glowingly by the likes of Wallpaper, Dwell, The Telegraph, Designboom, Elle Decor, The Spaces, Time Out, Living Etc and many others, the opportunity to stay in this piece of iconic 1960’s architecture sold out quickly.
Due to popular demand, its stay has been extended for the summer of 2022. Bookings are now being taken up until August 31st. Prices start from £600 a night, with a limited-time offer of 2 nights for the price of 1 now available. Bookings can be arranged by calling Ground Control at Marston Park to plot when you might personally take off or via the Marston Park website.
The Futuro is designed for leisure and pleasure, it has a living space, kitchenette, dining area, reclining lounge chairs plus two curtained-off sleeping cabins: a double and a single, with the possibility to accommodate further guests on the reclining seats that pull out into beds.
Set in its own secluded glade with lake views, outdoor seating, a fire pit and private bathroom facilities, including a hot shower. Out of this world foil blankets and freeze-dried ice cream are provided, alongside more earthly details such as giant marshmallows, welcome drinks and snacks. Guests will also be able to arrange a complimentary session in the Marston Park wood fired hot tub to unwind during their stay.
In the Press
“ the Futuro is a joy to be in. A triumph of both form and function, its organic curves and calm white interior uplift the spirit, as good design can. Tree-filtered sunlight washes the continuous curved white surface of the walls and ceiling, so that it is like being inside an egg. The furniture and fittings are all curved and white, too: the only flat planes the Tulip tabletop (the original by fellow Finn Eero Saarinen) and grey Dalsouple rubber floor; the only splash of colour the mid-century mustard upholstery. The spheroid exterior is reiterated in its oval windows and light fittings. Its double skin keeps it warm and quiet within, insulated from the outside world, so that you might indeed be anywhere in time and space, floating in a most peculiar way.
At night we climb into our high beds, which are shaped like slices of cake, pillows at the level of the porthole windows so you can look at the stars. The next morning, when we open the curtains, rabbits scamper across the glade.” The Telegraph
“The inside is just as futuristic as the exterior; a surprisingly roomy space with lots of clean angles and furnishings faithful to the original 1960s style. Fancy experiencing a Scandinavian vision of groovy, futuristic living? We clearly don’t live in the future that the Futuro House predicted, but it’s still nice to pretend, eh?” Time Out
Creative Residencies
The Futuro is now taking expressions of interest for artist residencies and creative activities to take place from this autumn onwards.
It’s previous three landings steered by artist and owner Craig Barnes have been at Matts Gallery in 2014 and Central Saint Martins in 2015, both in London, and in Le Havre, France, where 30,000 people visited it in the summer of 2017. In each setting, the Futuro has acted as a creative playground for artists and creatives to devise unique works, experiences, talks and performances.
To register, email an outline of your ideas along with a CV to residencies@futurohouse.co.uk. Full details of the application process will be made available in the summer of 2022.
