Sunnyside, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9

These delightful cottages were built by Bristol brewing family Georges & Co for employees in circa 1906 and took their name being located on the 'sunnyside' of the slopes around what was then Stoke Bishop hamlet. They all have different character but provide a tranquil spot to live tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Akin to country life in a quintessential English village, yet with easy access to both central Bristol and road networks, properties within Sunnyside are something quite special.

Number 20 Sunnyside has been cherished by the same owners for around 45 years. Beautifully maintained, upgraded and extended over the years it provides comfortable living spaces, ample bedrooms and yet retains a great deal of the original Arts and Crafts character. Positioned in the middle of a terrace of three, its double fronted, red brick and rendered front elevation sits comfortably under a pitched tiled roof. A storm porch opens into a welcoming hall with quarry tiled floor. To the right is an elegant sitting room with open hearth fire providing a focal point. On the opposite side of the hall is a second reception room. Smaller than the first it has been used as second sitting room, family play room, dining room and additional bedroom over the years. There is an attractive bay window to the front and an unused chimney breast is still in situ. Also positioned on the left is a multi-use utility/cloakroom which also houses the gas fired boiler.

An extension added in runs across the full width of the rear of the house and provides a more modern open plan kitchen dining and family space with three sets of timber French doors doors opening into the rear garden. Country farmhouse in character, with plenty of space for a dining table, the kitchen is simple yet stylish. Grey shaker style units with dove grey tiled splash backs and gas fired AGA set above a terracotta quarry tiled floor. A bespoke staircase curves its way to the upper floor with a flexible sized area beyond again overlooking the rear garden. This could perhaps become a study, children’s play area or just space for a sofa or two to read relax and enjoy the outlook over the rear garden.

Upstairs the house provides four bedrooms, bathroom, and a separate shower room. The rear bedrooms are set in to the slope of the rear roof, which lends these rooms an ambience from a bygone era. Each bedroom has its own unique appeal, be it alcoves surrounding a chimney breast or windows sitting lower in to the height of a wall. Three of the bedrooms allow for double beds and freestanding furniture, whilst the fourth could be a single room or office space.

The front garden is delightful and typical of a cottage garden, with a mature Quince tree, flower and shrub stocked borders, timber greenhouse, shed and central area of lawn. Enjoying a southerly aspect it is a wonderful oasis of calm. The rear garden is of more courtyard style. A couple of steps lead up to a flagstone patio area with mature shrub borders and rear wall festooned with various climbing plants. A gate leads into a small general purpose outside storage area suitable for bins and recycling with further gate through to the off-road parking area. With careful parking it provides space for two cars off road which for Sunnyside Cottages is an absolute bonus. Access to the front door is via Hollybush Lane or the pedestrian lane to the other side. The house benefits from right of access across both neighbouring front gardens paths.

The house has solar panels fitted on the front roof. Privately owned since 2002 any additional power generated is sold back via EON. The system also heats the hot water in the house if desired.

With wonderful green credentials, bags of character and a private secluded location this adaptable house is ideally suited for family occupation (within both Elmlea and Stoke Bishop school intake areas in 2024) or those looking to downsize.