Chapel Row, Bristol, Avon

This exquisite Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse lies 200 metres from Bristol’s harbour and the River Avon. Set over five expansive storeys, the internal living space of over 3,775 sq ft has been beautifully restored, retaining elegant fireplaces, original floorboards and architraves, with a soft, gentle light filtering through shuttered sash windows on most levels. An Italianate walled flower and herb garden extends to the rear, with the rare benefit of a private, gated off-street parking area on the upper tier. Within easy reach of Clifton Village, the house is a short distance from the city centre by bus, bike, foot or water taxi.

Setting the Scene

Chapel Row forms a series of fine Georgian houses in Cliftonwood/Hotwells, a sought-after westerly neighbourhood which lies around a mile west of Bristol’s centre. The house is positioned with views onto Dowry Parade and its mature plane trees. Many of the surrounding three-storey buildings have simple yet elegant channelled pilasters and were originally laid out in 1727 by George Tully; they have since been designated Grade II/II*-listed by English Heritage.

The house is thought to have been built in 1727, and the local area is rich with history. Carrick House which lies next door was built on the site of an old chapel, demolished in the early 1960s. In 1799 Dr Thomas Beddoes opened a laboratory in Dowry Square as the Pneumatic Institution where he worked with Sir Humpry Davy. Hotwells was once a spa resort, with links to the wine business with merchants bringing in their loads along the river.

The Grand Tour

The façade, while handsome and beautifully appointed, suggests little of the original character that is promptly revealed. Entrance is via an impressive inner lobby, where there are high ceilings replete with beautifully retained cornicing. The interior has been masterfully executed throughout, combining a colour palette (almost entirely Farrow and Ball) which feels warm and perfectly in keeping with typically impressive Georgian proportions.

With a south-facing front, the largest room at ground level makes for softly lit breakfasts in the early morning light. As the sun moves to the garden from early afternoon, this room gently transitions to the warmth of an open fire and a lovely room to host dinners by candlelight.

The central room on the ground floor naturally connects the front and back, with another working fireplace, storage set subtly within the original cabinetry, and a big sash window looking out to the leafy courtyard. A buttery yellow kitchen lies beyond, renovated with a light touch and complete with a range cooker and plenty of storage. There’s also access to the garden from here.

The central staircase curves elegantly through the spine of the house, with the original pitch pine banisters and its spindles lovingly restored.

From here, an elegant piano nobile unfolds elegantly across the south side of the first floor where soaring ceiling heights create a palpable sense of volume. The egg and dart cornice has been hand-painted, wide floorboards run underfoot, and a large open fireplace forms a natural centrepiece. Three large sash windows span the wall framing views of the plane trees, each complete with shutters, bringing a comforting warmth as the night draws in.

This room flows freely into an adjoining library with walls defined in an enveloping dark green. This level of the house lends perfectly for larger gatherings, music, and seasonal festivities.

From the split landing, a bridging passageway overlooks the garden and connects to a useful extra shower room on the northerly side. The two upper storeys house four beautifully appointed bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a dressing room featuring a full height antique mirror.  The main bathroom is complete with a cast iron bath and an antique basin. From the top of the house, views reach over to the Mendips and the hillside village of Dundry.

The lower-ground level has been converted to offer a flexible space for working and/or utility and laundry, and is ideally temperate for wine storage. There is also independent access to this level from the front of the house.

The Great Outdoors

The lower walled rear garden feels totally private and secluded - a rarity for a central Bristol location - and has been equally well considered. Leafy raised stone terraces provide a pleasant backdrop, creating an intimate outside space for hosting friends on summer evenings, with the fireplace from the old mews cottage in the adjoining wall still intact.

The outer hardwood staircase leads from the lower to top garden. The upper garden benefits from midday-to-evening sunshine and a flower and herb garden have been planted here. There is space to securely park a car, with direct access onto South Green Street via lockable rear gates.

Out and About

Sited in Hotwells, between Clifton village and the Harbour, Chapel Row is a central position that allows for easy access to all of Bristol's brilliance. The area is renowned for its community spirit, with regular local events hosted by residents through the year. The house lies just 200m from the harbourside (a huge draw for the Harbour Festival and Hotwells Festival), and there is a selection of good pubs, a great Indian restaurant, and a fish restaurant within easy reach. The independent shops and restaurants of North Street in Southville/Bedminster are also within walking distance, including Mark's Bread, Greytone, and Sweven for coffee, and the weekly Sunday market at The Tobacco Factory. 

A short water taxi ride or pleasant walk through Underfall Yard and along the river path is Bristol’s city centre and its thriving art and music scene, with Arnolfini and Spike Island leading a well-regarded programme of contemporary exhibitions and performances. The Watershed is a well-loved institution on the harbourside known for its international film screenings.

The independent food scene in Bristol has shot up in recent years, with heaps of restaurants cropping up in the centre and throughout the city’s neighbourhoods. Notable highlights on Chandos Road, Redland, include Wilsons, a Michelin-starred family-run restaurant co-founded in 2016 by partners Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson, while Little Hollows and Dongnae are just a few doors down.

Occupying the ground floor of a beautiful Grade II-listed building on Baldwin Street, Marmo has an Italian-focused menu and a great organic and biodynamic wine list created by former St John / Luca couple Cosmo and Lily Sterck. Two notable family-run neighbourhood restaurants Cor and Sonny Stores, are set on the city’s south side. Farro is the spot for modern viennoiserie, sourdough, soft serve in the summer, and for coffee, New Cut Coffee, Small Street Espresso and Full Court Press. For sourdough pizza, head east to The Red Church and for a glass of wine and a small plate, Cave or Kask.

Temple Meads station can be easily reached by bus or car in around 10 minutes, and there is easy access to M5 and M4, connecting to Wales, Cornwall, Devon and London.

Council Tax Band: F