Highfield

A most impressive and incomparable Grade II* Listed, semi-detached property steeped in history. The Victorian mansion was built in 1859 by William Roger Brown who was an important figure in Trowbridge. This family home now consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms, 4 reception rooms and an orangery. There is a long, private driveway accessed via high gates just under 1.5 acres of grounds.

Description
Highfield town house has decorative figures carved in Bath stone that surround the building along with 4 grand pillars leading to the front door. The magnificent entrance hall has stained glass windows either side of the door, beautifully representing day and night, designed to follow the direction of the sun from east to west. The building was updated and extended by Brown several times until his passing in 1903. It was in the 1930s that the house was divided into two properties. Brown became a prosperous man after being a large part of the local economy. You will see his initials throughout the property and notice that he was inspired by many architectural styles across Europe.

Opening the next door, you are welcomed onto a spectacular 7 door, hexagonal Atrium with original mosaic tiling and a centralised, stone staircase leading to the first-floor. The breath-taking cast iron, galleried landing inspired by French design overlooks the ground floor. Above all the doors on this floor are beautifully sculpted Greek gods. Doors lead to the kitchen/family room, sitting room, drawing room, study and finally, a cupboard for coats and shoes, an inner corridor that includes a pantry (linked to the kitchen), a hideaway bar, access to separate living accommodation and an extensive cellar.

At the heart of the home is the sociable kitchen/breakfast room which features the original, red cedar flooring, a sizable island (perfect for entertaining) and granite worksurfaces and a stunning fireplace. This room has another door leading to a pantry that the current owners put in, a hideaway bar and access to an extensive cellar that includes a laundry room, workshop, office, wine cellar and gym.

Next to this inner corridor is the separate living accommodation, also accessible from the study. The separate accommodation can be accessed from another front door and could be used to create dual living or a fantastic studio space. The black tiling is very stylish and matches the focal point in this room, the black, high window. A window looks out onto a private courtyard area and allows lots of light to flood into this space.

The Orangery is a most opulent space and wonderfully connects the inside of the house to its magnificent surrounding grounds. The middle was once a lily pond and in the corner of the room features an Italian lava stone cove with a sea effect which now gives the property its Grade II * listing.
Along with the decorative sitting room, there is also the drawing room, the perfect place to host parties and impress your guests. There are original silk, wallpaper strips which were hand painted in Italy on the surrounding walls, gilded and panted ceiling and a stunning carved marble fireplace.
Walking up the stairs, you will notice more Greek sculptures representing the Elements: earth, fire, wind and water on the half landing. The master bedroom features an ensuite bathroom and there are 3 further bedrooms. A newly finished bathroom with large walk-in shower, can act as a guest ensuite or a family bathroom.

Outside
Highfield sits on just under 1.5 acres of grounds and features a long driveway with gated access, a spacious parking area and a tranquil pond attracting butterflies, dragon flies; a haven for wildlife. The grounds are filled with all kinds of trees to give the property a sense of adventure and privacy. There is a section of land that currently has a large wooden shed that could be used as a separate building plot (subject to planning permission) with a carport, parking for 2 vehicles and a garage/workshop in need of some repair.

Location
Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire and sits near the River Biss in the west of the county. It is near the border with Somerset and lies 8 miles southeast of Bath, 31 miles southwest of Swindon and 20 miles southeast of Bristol. Highfield lies on the border of Trowbridge and the village of Hilperton. Within a short walking distance you can visit the local cinema, pub, village hall and the train station. The Kennet and Avon Canal crosses the rural northern section of the parish and forms the western boundary of Hilperton Marsh, where there is a marina.

Nearby schools include Paxcroft Primary School and The Mead Community Primary School both under half a mile from the house. Secondary state schools include John of Gaunt School and Saint Augustine’s Catholic College within 1.5 miles. St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon is under 5 miles away and there is easy access to a wide range of independent schools in Bath and Bristol.
The M4 can be accessed approximately 15 miles away and Bristol International Airport is under 40 miles away.

Additional Information
• Tenure - Freehold
• Council Tax: Wiltshire Council Band G
• Gas Central Heating (2 boilers)
• Solar Panels (Permission granted)
• Roof refurbished in 2016, electricity rewired & new fresh water installed.
• Main Drainage

SELLER INSIGHT
Every home has a story to tell, but when you are buying a piece of Trowbridge history you never stop uncovering its hidden treasures. When the owners of Highfield saw a photograph of the hallway they knew they had to view this incredible home. On seeing the architectural splendour of this Grade II* listed Victorian mansion they knew this was the property for them and were ready to put in an offer before even seeing inside.
The owners describe Highfield as their own Escape to the Chateau due to the condition of the home – the scale of what they had taken on wasn’t for the fainthearted. “The was drinking water (we had running water but lead quantity too high to drink), heating, it was practically unliveable, but we made a home in one of the rooms upstairs. On the first night I thought we had made a huge mistake as we sat eating a McDonalds in the cold, but as we want up to bed and turned out the light, the trees through the window made us feel like we were in a tree house. It was a magical feeling, and we knew we had found somewhere special.”
The property was built by one of the town’s principal benefactors, clothier Sir William Roger Brown, who commissioned it as a home for him and his wife. The interiors would have been very modern for the era with very new features that showcased his position and wealth. The history wasn’t something the current owners were aware of when purchasing, but even today continue to discover secrets of its past.
“We have uncovered so many wonderful elements, such as in the sitting room where there are panels containing hand-painted silk, like the original wallpaper. The Palm Room (the orangery) was built to house palm trees like a mini Kew Gardens. In the centre was a lily pond with a boiler underneath; sadly this no longer functions but this room still amazes.”
There are homes with character and then there is Highfield with false doors, hidden rooms, and even a safe complete with satin drawers to store your diamonds. The owners have spent a lot of time and money to repair this mansion whilst ensuring they respect the original and period features. What they have achieved is stunning, yet there is still a lot of potential for new owners. “The cellar is a labyrinth of rooms just waiting to be turned into a home cinema and gym, and the roof has planning permission for solar panels.”
Versality is also another benefit of this property. There is a proportion of the property that can be closed off to be a studio apartment and even have its own entrance and parking. Even though you can have independent living, there are also wonderful family areas. In the garden there is a large area where you could, subject to planning permission, build a separate dwelling for a family member.
Regardless of its heritage, this is very much a family home, “It’s very friendly and warm, the walls are so thick it retains the heat in the winter and keeps cool in the summer. Even though you feel like you are in the middle of the countryside, due to the privacy the grounds offer, you never feel isolated.” The owners have loved entertaining here. “When someone visits they are so surprised by the hallway it’s a real conversation piece.”
“You’re in walking distance of shops and the train station. We have a bus stop practically outside. It’s great for bikes, as it’s flat around here and there is a paddock across the road which is popular with dog walkers.”
The grounds cover just under 1.5 acres and are very easy to maintain, with large lawned areas, mature trees and a wildlife pond. “In the summer, we take deckchairs down to the pond as it’s a real sun trap and you can watch the dragonflies. A variety of birds have frequented the garden over the years including kingfishers, owls and sparrowhawks.” It is essentially a blank canvas for the green fingered and when you uncover the relics of the original Victorian garden design as you renovate, it’s an exciting project.
“Whoever buys this house will be very lucky, living here has been such a treat”.



Marketed by: Peter Greatorex Unique Homes, Bath