Fieldgrove House

An exceptional Grade II listed family house
in a stunning lakeside setting. The secluded location is a haven for wildlife, with a balance of landscaped gardens, paddocks and pasture.


Description

Fieldgrove House is a classical unspoiled gem, nestled in a secluded part of South Gloucestershire, between Bath and Bristol. The house is constructed of coursed tenant stone rubble under a hipped modern tile roof with stone coping, quoins and freestone dressings. The magnificent façade was added in the eighteenth century creating a Georgian appearance with a symmetrical three storey front complimented by a central portico with four Tuscan columns. The house has a fascinating provenance and is believed to have been a hunting lodge in Saxon times before undergoing a number of additions and extensions over the intervening period. In the 16th century Sir John Harrington, a godson of Queen Elizabeth I, is recorded to have lived at Fieldgrove House where he entertained the monarch. He and his brother Francis, of Kelston Towers, were the original inventors of the flushing toilet which they designed in the cellars beneath the house. Fieldgrove was also occupied by the Fry family who built their chocolate factory beside the nearby River Avon. The house has been improved by the current owners to create superb modern day family living whilst retaining much of the Georgian detailing which includes ornate cornicing, working fireplaces and window shutters. The house balances both elegant formarooms and flexible family accommodation. Of particular note are the well-appointed reception rooms and the kitchen/breakfast room with its vaulted ceiling and views over the rear courtyard. There is scope to extend the house further, subject to the necessary planning consents, including a potential orangery, swimming pool and further garaging. Whilst substantial in many ways, the house is easily maintained and the modern, efficient services ensure reasonable running costs for a property of this size and calibre. The house is very secure with state of the art protection and independent power and sewage systems installed by the current owners.

The Cottage
The recently refurbished cottage provides a large open plan living area, double bedroom and shower room. The cottage has independent services.

Gardens and Grounds
A long gravel drive sweeps around the lake to the front of the house, creating a fabulous sense of arrival, then continues on to a large area of parking at the side of the house. There is also a second entrance gate which
provides discrete access for the cottage and deliveries. Fieldgrove is a magnificent family home, ideal for entertaining and the gardens complement the house perfectly. The balance of landscaped gardens, ponds, lake, stream, paddocks and pasture has created a wildlife haven, with diverse ecosystems enhancing the sense of rural living, despite being so close to Bath and Bristol. The south facing elevations of the house are surrounded by areas of terrace with a hot tub and plenty of space for alfresco dining. Beyond the terrace is a summer house or spa room. To the south are a wonderful large children’s play area and a large chicken run. The extensive lake, home to swans and a variety of other waterfowl, features bathing jetties, a sandy beach, boat dock and two islands, one with a large BBQ house and decorative lighting. To the east of the lake is the stream with extensive wetland area, a small paddock and a larger field, extending to about 9.5 acres, which is currently let out on a grazing licence. Two large stone barns provide plenty of stores and additional garaging to support the running and maintenance of the house.

Please note photography dated 2012/13.

Location

Communications are excellent with Bristol and Bath offering mainline high speed rail links (Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway stations) to London, the West Country, Midlands and South Wales. Both Bristol and Bath offer extensive leisure, sporting, arts and recreational facilities. Educational opportunities within Bristol include Clifton College, Bristol Grammar School, Badminton School, Clifton High School, QEH and Colston’s School and in Bath, Kingswood School, Prior Park, King Edward and Monkton Combe slightly further afield. Bath, a world heritage city is renowned for its Georgian architecture, the historic Spa, shopping and the arts. Bristol’s commercial centre offers diversity with many retail outlets, bars, restaurants and the ever changing face of its waterfront.

Square Footage: 7,489 sq ft




Acreage: 14.96 Acres

Directions

From Bristol: follow the A4 before turning left on to the A4174 Northbound. Continue to roundabout and turn right signed A431 Willsbridge and proceed to Bitton. On entering Bitton turn right in to unmarked Fieldgrove Lane and follow lane for approximately 0.5 miles to the gated entrance to Fieldgrove House . From Bath: Take the A431 towards Bristol, which leads directly into the village of Bitton. Proceed through village and turn left into unmarked Fieldgrove Lane.


Additional Info

Keynsham 4 miles
Bath 7 miles (Bath Spa to London Paddington from 90 minutes)
Bristol 7 miles
M4 (Junction 18) 10 miles
(All distances and times are approximate

Marketed by: Savills, Clifton