Barrow Court, Bristol, BS48

An Architectural and Historical Landmark of Exceptional Grandeur.

Step into a piece of English history at Barrow Court, a magnificent Grade II* listed country house that dates back to the 12th century. Originally built as a Benedictine nunnery, this stunning residence has undergone numerous transformations throughout the centuries, all while retaining its timeless elegance and architectural significance.

The home’s rich past includes ownership by John Drew, a Bristol merchant who received the property from King Henry VIII following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In the late 19th century, the estate was meticulously restored and expanded by Henry Martin Gibbs, who transformed it into the Jacobean masterpiece that stands today. Under his ownership, the renowned garden designer Francis Inigo Thomas was commissioned to design the spectacular Parterre and formal gardens, which remain a key feature of this estate.

No.1 - 3 Barrow Court forms the principal part of the historic Barrow Court Estate, which was sensitively divided into separate residences in the 1970s. The home underwent a significant restoration in the 1980s, carefully reviving its many period details. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by an array of exceptional architectural features, including intricate plasterwork, stone mullioned windows, and stately fireplaces. The Jacobean staircase and decorative friezes add to the grandeur, while the remarkable Great Hall is a focal point of the house, with its impressive Corinthian fireplace and the Gibbs family coat of arms.

The formal reception rooms offer a perfect blend of majestic spaces for entertaining alongside intimate rooms for family living. Noteworthy among these is the raised drawing room, adorned with rich panelling and an arabesque ceiling, and the first-floor Solar, a space of exceptional craftsmanship.

The first floor hosts a grand principal bedroom suite, along with additional bedrooms, a music room, and sitting rooms, all featuring exquisite period detailing. On the second floor, the Long Gallery showcases wide oak floorboards and is home to several more bedrooms, family bathrooms, and a kitchen. A self-contained apartment, as well as two cellars—including a wine cellar—complete the property’s impressive offering.

Outside, the Grade II listed gardens, co-designed by Inigo Thomas, extend over 4.25 acres of manicured lawns, terraces, and pavilions. The grounds feature stunning vistas over the surrounding countryside, an elegant obelisk, and a collection of statues by Alfred Drury. Beyond the formal gardens lies a lush Arboretum filled with rare and mature trees, offering a tranquil retreat. The long, tree-lined driveway enhances the sense of privacy and exclusivity, while the scenic countryside surrounding the estate is largely still owned by the descendants of the Gibbs family.

Located just 6.5 miles from Bristol’s city centre, No.1 - 3 Barrow Court enjoys a peaceful rural setting with excellent connections to transport links, including Bristol Temple Meads and the M5. The charming village of Barrow Gurney offers local amenities, while the wider region is home to sought-after schools, farm shops, and beautiful country pubs.

This is a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of English heritage, where history, elegance, and luxury converge in a truly remarkable home.