BEAUTY, they say, is in the eye of the beholder.

Most works of art – films, paintings, sculptures or whatever – are 'beheld' by those who've chosen to experience them.

Architecture is different: it is, in every possible sense, in your face whether you like it or not.

So it is that if I drive into town from the north I have to pass Malvern Link's tacky, cod-Victorian station and, at almost the same moment, a new fire station of such mind-numbing blandness that I'd give anything to see its elegant predecessor again.

When I reach Worcester Road, however, things look up. For on my left there has appeared a structure whose scale, form and materials cleverly echo those around it but which has quite clearly been designed, as well as built, in the 21st century.

It is crisp, witty and I imagine will be a joy to live in with views towards the Severn valley.

To my eye, at least, the new house is a little gem.

Like Keith Smith, I too hope it will be brought to the attention of the Civic Society for it deserves a place on the shortlist – and perhaps even the top prize – in its annual competition for Malvern's best new building.

If Keith wants to see a 'monstrosity' he need travel no further than the corner of Church Street and Albert Road North.

On the so-called Treasurer's Site is a building so monumentally ugly that I always expect to see Mussolini address the crowds from one of its faux-stone balconies.

David Robertson

West Malvern