Whiteheads Lane, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire

Built in the 18th century, this exquisite Grade II-listed three-bedroom house lies in Bradford-on-Avon's conservation area. Extending over 1,765 sq ft across five levels, including a basement and attic, it was recently the subject of a sympathetic restoration. The interiors have struck an organic balance of classic and modern, where pared-back schemes meet rich details and well-preserved period features. At the rear, a small private courtyard offers a quiet outdoor retreat. The Regency splendour of Bath - Britain's only city to have UNESCO World Heritage site status - is eight miles away, while Bristol can be reached in around 30 minutes.

Setting the Scene

On the north side of the Avon River, Whiteheads Lane sits within Bradford-upon-Avon's conservation area, among a cluster of Georgian listed buildings. This short, sloping road rises from Silver Street at the site where the Chapel of St Olave once stood. It takes its name from Manasseh Whitehead, a local 17th-century quaker.

Constructed from fine ashlar, the house was granted listed status in 1974 and retains a wealth of original features, including sash windows, exposed beams, and flagstone flooring.  Recent upgrades have brought the building up to modern standards, with full rewiring, a new boiler, and updated radiators. Original coving has been carefully restored, and new skirtings have been installed. Each floor provide deep built-in cupboards and there is a generous provision of storage throughout.

The Grand Tour

The house sits on a quiet street in the heart of the town centre. Its elegant Bathstone façade is punctuated by three storeys of original sash windows, most double-glazed, framed by an elegant dentilled cornice. The roof has a dual pitch, with the upper section clad in traditional pantiles and the lower in slate, incorporating a dormer with a casement window.

Beyond the off-white front door, entry is to a welcoming hallway, with a glimpse of the kitchen straight ahead, framed by a timber doorway. Flagstones pave underfoot.

To the right of the hallway lies a well-appointed reception area, along with a dining and sitting room. Zesty yellow walls contrast against crisp white cornices and skirtings, while warm-toned oak floorboards run through. A fireplace provides a focal point, flanked by built-in bookshelves. An arched alcove offers additional space for books and favourite objects. A west-facing sash window looks over the quiet street, filling the room with soft afternoon light.

The bespoke kitchen is at the rear, with earthy red ochre shaker units, smooth acrylic worktops and a feature marble splashback. Brass faucets and rose-toned upper cabinets add softness. Integrated appliances include a gas hob and ovens by Smeg and a dishwasher by Bosch. A double Belfast sink sits beneath a window overlooking the leafy courtyard beyond, which can be accessed via a door. The breakfast counter with seating invites casual, fuss-free dining.

A staircase ascends to the first floor, its walls finished in a soft-green hue. The well-proportioned principal bedroom offers a sense of calm retreat, with light turquoise walls and natural oak floorboards. The walk-in wardrobe provides generous storage, while a feature fireplace with cast-iron insert adds period character.

There is also a shared bathroom on this floor, exquisitely finished in a serene palette, with pale rose-tinted walls above milky white half-height shiplap panelling. The space is well-appointed with a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Tiled floors anchor the space, while double-height ceilings and exposed beams create a sense of openness. A south-facing window floods the room with natural light.

The bright second-floor bedroom on the second floor has crisp white walls, carpeted floors and large windows. On the top floor, a spacious double-bedroom is set on the eaves and has exposed beams and skylights with views across the rooftop.

The basement floor is tanked and waterproof. It offers abundant space underneath the original stone steps - ideal for storing and aging wines.

The Great Outdoors

There is a small, quiet courtyard at the back, completely private and enclosed within brick walls. It is accessible from the kitchen and has space for a small table and chairs, perfect for sitting outside with a morning coffee. Potted plants and ferns adorn the space.

Out and About

Bradford-on-Avon is a charming Saxon town with graceful architecture akin to its Georgian neighbour, Bath. The town centre has a thriving local community of independent shops, cafes and eateries in what is one of the UK’s most attractive small towns (it was described in The Guardian’s ‘Let’s Move To…’ column as “the loveliest town in the whole country”). The town centre has an excellent selection of independent cafes and shops, with popular recent additions including Little Rituals and Pipit Bakery.

The Bunch of Grapes, a well renowned pub and restaurant, was named as one of the best places in the country for Sunday lunch in the Observer Food Monthly awards. Opposite is the celebrated Melanie Giles hair and beauty salon. Timbrell’s Yard, on the riverside, is popular amongst local residents. The town is well-equipped for daily amenities, with a good selection of supermarkets and independent grocers. For local produce, Hartley Farm is two miles away and has an excellent offering.

The town is very well positioned for access to the surrounding countryside, with extensive walking and cycling paths along the canal tow path. The Peto Gardens at Iford Manor, The Tithe Barn and the Saxon Church are also local highlights.

The house sits in the catchment area for a good selection of both private and state primary and secondary schools. The village has a primary and a secondary school, Christ Church of England and St Laurence School.

The city of Bath is just eight miles away by car and easily reached by rail. Bristol can also be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car or train. Trains run direct from Bradford on Avon to London Waterloo with journey times of approximately 2 hours 25 minutes or to London Paddington, via Bath, in an hour 50 minutes.

Council Tax Band: D