This expansive three-bedroom apartment unfurls across two storeys of a handsome Victorian villa in Bristol’s Redland Conservation Area. Exquisitely renovated and exuberantly decorated by the current owner, the characterful interiors have been sensitively updated. Much consideration has been paid to the historic bones of the house, with the restored floorboards, sash windows and original fire surrounds taking centre stage. The home is ideally located for the heart of the city, as well as the many wonderful eateries, boutiques and village-like amenities of leafy Cotham and Clifton. Trains run from Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington is just over an hour and a half.
Setting the Scene
Following the sale of the principal lands attached to the Redland Court estate in 1865, a number of fine Victorian houses were put up along what soon became known as Redland Road. Throughout the latter half of the 19th century, and up until the years just before the first world war, development of this much coveted raised area of parkland continued.
Today, the pretty neighbourhood is defined by its imposing sandstone townhouses, many architecturally varied churches and its accessibility to the verdant, tree lined pastures of Durham Down.
The Grand Tour
Set some way back from the road, the large 1870s-built villa is sheltered by an original stone wall. Entry to the generous marionette apartment is via a discreet, private doorway on the right-hand side of the building. Within, a hallway with soaring ceiling curves round towards the sprawling bipartite reception and dining room.
Here, a large bay window at the rear provides open views across the back garden. Floor-to-ceiling triptych fenestration is punctuated by functional original shutters. The large timber sash windows, recently upgraded to double glazing, allow an exceptional quality of light to penetrate the space. To warm the room on colder nights, an attractive wood burning stove has been set within the Victorian fireplace. As throughout the rest of ground floor, the architraves, skirting boards and doors are painted in Farrow and Ball’s ‘Studio Green’. Alongside the dark column radiators employed throughout, the deep tone of the woodwork juxtaposes the soft sage hue across the walls to highlight the detail of the home’s fine period carpentry.
A small number of steps lead down to the bright kitchen extension, where three forms of bespoke cabinetry provide ample storage and preparation space. Along one wall, light waist-height units topped with a granite countertop contain an integrated dishwasher, a sink with waste disposal, Siemans double ovens, and a Faber cooker hood and induction hob. Above an Olif sink, a Quooker tap has been fitted, with an attached Cube system for filtered cold and sparkling water. There is a central island and breakfast bar painted a fabulous burnt orange. A large cupola directly above allows natural light to dance across the oak countertop. Tall units at the far end are washed in a rich forest green and supply pantry storage and an integrated fridge/freezer.
Gunmetal bifolding doors open directly onto the garden and its large decking – perfect for outdoor dining in the warmer months. Access to the garage, currently utilised as an at home gym, is also through the kitchen. The ground floor is serviced by a spacious utility room, complete with tap and neat shelving. There is a wood-panelled WC with skylight and a vintage wall-mounted basin.
The three double bedrooms are positioned on the lower ground floor. The principal bedroom sits to the rear of the plan and is flooded with natural light by virtue of its bay windows and has a peaceful outlook to the garden. The second bedroom, utilised currently as a luxurious guest room, is painted with Farrow and Ball’s ‘Vardo’ and is illuminated by wall lamps by Pooky. A generous ensuite shower room is decorated with distressed Moroccan-inspired tiles. The third bedroom is bright and has direct access to the garden via a secure Crittall-style door with elegant fluted glass. This room is serviced by the same well-equipped shower room as the principal bedroom.
The Great Outdoors
The private rear garden is a wonderfully lateral space that invites free-flowing connection with the home’s interior. A large decked area is arranged for easy access to the kitchen and presents the ideal spot for entertaining. The handsome rear façade of the sitting room’s bay makes for an atmospheric backdrop in evening light.
Towards the back of the garden a neat barbecue area has been constructed, with a timber triangular pergola erected over the paved corner and strung with festoon lighting. Ornamental planting is well established and a feature has been made of the textured, original stone wall. Adjacent, there is a driveway with EV charging point and secure electronic gate access.
Out and About
Bristol is much-loved for its eclectic cultural scene, proximity to the wilds of Somerset, Wales and the Cotswolds, as well as ease of access to London. With an ever expanding array of restaurants, bars and boutiques, the city is an inviting nest for people of all ages and interests.
Wonderfully diverse architecture is to be found throughout the city, much of it resplendent in the joyous sunshine-yellow of the favoured Bath stone. Redland Road is surrounded by many of these fabulous buildings, being equidistant between the desirable hubs of Montpelier to the south-east and Cotham Hill and Clifton to the south-west.
Local favourites in Cotham and Clifton include the marvelous tapas bar, Bravas and long-established Sunday staple, The Clifton Sausage . There are a number of excellent pilates and yoga studios within walking distance of the home, as well an Everyman cinema on Whiteladies Road.
Historic Picton Street, in Montpelier, hosts a feast of different cafés and restaurants. Notable spots include Bianchi’s, which serves northern Italian cuisine; Indian eatery Thali Montpelier; and local favourite, The Bristolian. The Cadbury, a 300-year-old timber-framed neighbourhood pub with a fantastic beer garden, is just around the corner, while The Old England – reputed to be the only pub in England with full-sized cricket nets in its garden – is located just off Montpelier Park.
Well-served for cultural activities and annual festivals, the city has a thriving art and music scene. Arnolfini and Spike Island lead a well-regarded annual programme of contemporary exhibitions and performances. The Watershed, a much-loved institution located along the harbourside, hosts talks and events alongside a programme of independent film screenings. Many of Bristol’s industrial buildings have been converted into apartments, theatres, bars and venues. The most renowned is the Tobacco Factory, which houses a restaurant, theatre, brewery and other facilities.
There are excellent schools in the area, both state and independent, including St Johns CoE Primary, Redland Green senior, Bristol’s Waldorf School as well as Clifton College, Clifton High School and Bristol Grammar.
Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 979 years remaining
Service Charge: £600 per annum
Ground Rent: Approx. N/A
Council Tax Band: D
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