Hestia House, Brockley

"Hestia House is a lovely surprise, like entering a secret escape when the big gates open to reveal a real hidden gem. The sunsets are stunning, we sit around the side of the house with a drink, next to the paddock as the sun sets behind the oak trees. In the summer months, we eat alfresco. In winter we dine in the large open plan dining space it's the hub of the house. Our favourite spot has to be the window seat in the kitchen. The perfect spot!"

The home

The house itself was designed by Bristol-based Askew Cavanna Architects and award nominated for sustainability. The home has been built to an exceptionally high specification to achieve a ‘Passivhaus’ level of efficiency and environmental impact. The features which contribute to this include a cocoon of insulation and ‘Norrsken’ triple glazed windows which make the home completely air tight. The 'Zehnder' Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery system uses all free heat generated by showers, cooking and washing appliances to heat and ventilate the home with filtered fresh air. The 7.4kwph solar panels provide the electricity, including for the air source heat pump and super efficient 'Mitsubishi' thermal store that in turn provides hot water. The roof is constructed using bespoke zinc cladding to last a lifetime with the solar sitting within, (a first of its design in the UK). The roof also houses exterior blinds fitted to all the roof lighting that automatically shut out sunlight on hot days to maintain a cool temperature within the building.
The electric car is charged by a 'Zappi' which monitors how much electricity the house generates and consumes and then utilises free energy to charge the car.
The house has an EPC rating of A, with a score of 107.

Aesthetically the home has been beautifully designed to be sympathetically in-keeping with the character of the rural surroundings, but also to look sleek and modern, both inside and out. The walls are beautifully clad in Siberian Larch, whilst windows, doors and skylights are all placed to get the most out from solar gain, but also to bring the most natural light into the brilliantly flowing spaces of the home. The very highest quality of all products used including internal bespoke fittings internally. This includes a maple staircase made by local craft people and the 'Porcelanosa' tiles in the bathrooms.

The layout this house offers provides brilliant spaces for family living. The open plan kitchen/living area measures 12.4 x 6.5 metres and benefits from level access out to the south-facing patio area, with a continuity of porcelain tiled flooring giving a feeling of the extension to the living space, enhanced by the 5.5m wide sliding patio door. There is also underfloor heating within this beautiful, homely space.

To the northerly side of the house, are the other rooms which offer versatile options of living spaces and bedrooms. To the ground floor there are two rooms, one with an en-suite and built-in wardrobe spaces, as well as commanding views over the adjacent paddock and beyond to the surrounding countryside. There is also a snug on the ground floor, in the coolest spot in the house. This room could be used as a bedroom but makes a brilliant living space to contrast with the bright and striking living space to the front.

The ground floor also has a WC and a large utility room which acts as an engine room for this home, with its advanced technology. There is also access to the outdoors, towards the stables to the rear from the utility room.

Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, including a brilliant master bedroom also benefitting from views of the countryside, an en-suite and built-in wardrobes. There is a family bathroom and an office area, initially designed to be closed off as another bedroom, but built to be open, to create a bright, pleasant space from which to work.

The outside

The stunning indoor design and build is matched by the natural beauty, charm and sheer space of outside areas on offer. The plot is accessed via electric gates to the house and has an ANPR camera that opens the gates to pre-programmed vehicles. There is parking available behind the gates for multiple vehicles.

This is a home suitable for equestrian use or as a small holding, which is rare so close to Bristol. The paddock of approximately an acre would be an ideal space to keep animals, as would be recently constructed stables. Equally, this is a manageable piece of land which could work as a family garden. The current owners have a simple agreement with a local farmer for the area to be maintained and this is something they are happy to help a new owner continue.

The home is a freehold property and is still within a 10 year warranty


The area

This beautiful eco home is situated on a generous plot, with over an acre of land in Brockley, North Somerset. The home is within a quiet development of three, just off Brockley Lane, with stunning views across the surrounding countryside. This quaint location is just a short drive to Bristol, but also a short distance from Nailsea and Backwell Train Station, making it an ideal area from which to commute. Direct trains to London also run from Nailsea and Backwell. With Bristol Airport being just a short drive away, this is a amazingly accessible spot, for such a generous plot.

In the immediate area, Brockley Farm Stores is a very well regarded local farm shop and deli, with locally sourced food and drink. Nearby Cleeve is home to a couple of well regarded restaurants, whilst Nailsea, Long Ashton and Backwell are also within reach and also offer shops, pubs and restaurants. Clevedon is just a short drive across the moors, so in just fifteen minutes and you are on the coast, enjoying the restaurants and bars and have access to the M5.

This area of North Somerset has some fantastic walks in the countryside. Goblin Combe is a popular spot, whilst more extensive walks are possible in the Mendips nearby, from picturesque areas like Rowberrow and Axbridge.