Bannerleigh House, Bristol, Avon

With its 360-degree views across Bristol, this handsome three-bedroom penthouse occupies the entire top floor of a grand, late-Georgian mansion in leafy Leigh Woods. Spanning nearly 2,000 sq ft, the interiors are defined by a free-flowing open plan, delineated by an abundance of original beams and enhanced by a refined colour palette. Recently renovated by the current owners, the internal living space has been finished in a soft, earthy palette, and is well-positioned for Clifton Village, the city centre, and wider transport connections.



The Tour



Set on a tranquil and leafy road, the house sits behind a spacious front yard with parking space. The building’s façade spans three storeys with a refined stone exterior, accented by arched sash windows and elegant decorative details. A colonnaded porch, topped with a classic pediment, frames the main entrance, creating a bold first impression.



Entry is to a communal lobby, with stairs leading up to the apartment on the second floor. Inside, the spacious hallway has built-in cupboards to store away coats and boots. Finished to an exceptional standard, the interiors achieve a harmonious balance between period character and a contemporary sensibility, seamlessly pairing a sophisticated palette of colours and materials with abundant original features.



To the left lies a voluminous, open plan reception area, which forms the heart of this house. Flooded with light pouring in through a series of expansive windows and skylights, it has exposed beams cleverly delineating distinct living zones while enhancing the flow throughout the space.



Recently fitted, the bespoke Wren kitchen has shaker units in dark tones arranged in a L-shape configuration, with elegant quartz work surfaces and a tiled splashback. A free-standing AGA Rangemaster is faced by a large island, complete with an integrated tap and seating space for casual dining. Further integrated appliances include fridge/freezer, wine fridge, dishwasher and washing machine. Underfloor heating extends underfoot and continues to the dining room, ideally suited for both intimate dinners and social gatherings. Large glazing provides undisturbed view of the surrounding landscape.



The plan flows to a dual aspect drawing room; set beneath high vaulted ceilings, it has also skylights above ensuring a good quality of light throughout the day. The sitting area is anchored by a recently fitted wood burner with a black-and-white tiled hearth, while an exquisitely crafted, full-height library completes the space. Removed to the far end is a quiet area that currently functions as a home office/music room and has direct access to the dining room.



Three spacious bedrooms are found across the hallway. Bright and quiet, the principal bedroom is finished in a soothing blue palette of De Nimes by Farrow and Ball on the walls. There is an expansive sash window that looks out over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and a practical walk-in wardrobe.



There are two further double bedrooms, similarly defined by impeccable finishes and high ceilings. The largest one is coloured in Card Room Green by Farrow and Ball and includes a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite with a walk-in shower, and tranquil views of the nearby gardens. The third bedroom is also of generous proportions, and has a practical built-in wardrobe.



The shared bathroom is accessed from the hallway. It is elegantly appointed with light-toned tiled floors. Exposed stonework adds period character to the space and is complemented by a contemporary freestanding bathtub and double vanity.



There is off-street parking at the front of the building and additional parking permits available along the quiet road.



Outdoor Space



From the hallway, stairs ascend to a maintenance terrace, and panoramic vistas across Bristol and its iconic landmarks, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the verdant hills near Dundry. There are wonderful views to take in the spectacle of the Balloon Fiesta a kaleidoscope of colour fills the sky.



The Area



Leigh Woods, a National Trust treasure of two sq km of woodland, nestled at the western edge of Avon Gorge in Bristol. The woods offer miles of trails for running, cycling and dog walks and is reachable in minutes from Bannerleigh House. Despite the feel of a rural setting, the area has brilliant access Bristol’s city centre, major transport links and wider north Somerset/



For everyday amenities, the thriving Clifton Village has a wide range of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, just a short stroll away from a prominent local landmark, Clifton Suspension Bridge. Ashton Court Estate is also on the doorstep, 850 acres of wood and grassland and a year-round programme of activities and events.



Nearby, Primrose Cafe, Burra, Mark's Bakery, and Spicer and Cole are all within easy walking distance. Bosco and The Lido are firm neighbourhood favourites.



Wider Bristol has an impressive culinary scene; including Bravas, Bokman, Cotto and Root. Bristol also has an incredible café culture – Hart’s Bakery and Full Court Press are popular spots for coffee and cake.



Well-served for cultural activities and annual festivals, Bristol has a thriving art and music scene, with Arnolfini and Spike Island leading a well-regarded annual programme of contemporary exhibitions and performances. The Watershed, a much-loved institution located along the harbourside, hosts talks and events alongside a programme of independent film screenings. There is also an Everyman Cinema on Whiteladies Road.



Many of Bristol’s industrial buildings have been converted into theatres, bars and venues. The most renowned is the Tobacco Factory, which houses a restaurant, theatre, brewery and other facilities.



There is a good selection of, state and privately-run, schools in the city, including Bristol Grammar School, Clifton College Preparatory and Upper School, Christ Church of England Primary School, Hotwells Primary School and Clifton High School.



Temple Meads station is a 25-minute cycle or 40-minute bus from the house; here, connections run to Bath in 15 minutes, or to London Paddington in under two hours. Bristol is also incredibly well-placed for easy access to the surrounding countryside and the Devon and Dorset coastlines. The city’s international airport is reachable by car in 22 minutes or bus in approximately an hour.



Service Charge: £100 p/m, which includes maintenance of communal areas in the building.



Council Tax Band: E



For more inspiration, why not look to The Modern House’s guide to Clifton?