Backwell, Nr. Bristol - A rural hamlet but close enough to the village

The Cottage:
There are homes that wear their history lightly, and others that tell it with quiet confidence. Box Cottage belongs firmly to the latter. Believed to date from around 1750, this double-fronted character home sits comfortably within its rural setting, offering a charming way of life that feels both grounded and wonderfully practical for modern living.

Standing at Backwell Common, the cottage enjoys open countryside close at hand yet remains entirely connected to village life.

The approach sets the tone: a generous gravelled drive provides ample parking and leads to a substantial 36’ (10.97m) garage and workshop, a rare and genuinely useful space that will appeal to makers, collectors, or anyone needing room to spread out. Alternatively, this building could convert to form an annexe or large home office.

Step inside and the house at once starts to reveal its age and style. Exposed beams, original stonework and Norfolk pattern thumb-latched plank doors are not decorative afterthoughts here, but part of the fabric of the building. The layout flows naturally, balancing intimate rooms with larger, very sociable spaces.

A welcoming porch leads the way to the principal living room which is exceptionally well proportioned. Here there is a bright double aspect with views out to the garden, a wood burning stove creating a focal point lovely touches like pillar radiators, beams, and part exposed stonework. Doors lead to a staircase hall and to a delightful sitting room-a warm, oak-floored retreat with again exposed stone walls and a deep sill window allowing an outlook to the front.

A dining room adjoins the kitchen and also leads to a superb family room-snug complete with another wood burner. The dimensions are excellent, and the room is flooded with light from a roof lantern. Bifold doors open directly onto a sheltered terrace and the garden making this a room for gathering — whether for everyday family living or larger occasions.

At the heart of the house lies a striking traditional large farmhouse kitchen, perfectly designed for real life with plenty of space for informal dining and entertaining together with an outlook to and access to the patio and garden. There is an Aga cooker, a suite of integrated appliances and views across the garden to the neighbouring fields to complete the picture. 

In addition, a larder -utility room and cloakroom are thoughtfully tucked away.

On the first floor, four well-proportioned bedrooms and two bathrooms provide flexible and comfortable accommodation. 

The principal bedroom enjoys particularly lovely views across the garden and open countryside, reinforcing the sense of calm that runs throughout the house.

Outside:
The gardens are private, enclosed and carefully arranged. A broad sweeping lawn is complemented by a sheltered terrace that adjoins the family room.

A further terrace is found next to the games room, an ideal spot for long evenings complete with a pizza oven.

The spacious games room: a substantial outbuilding is fitted with a bar and space for a pool table, offering an entertaining space that feels entirely separate from the house when required.

Despite its unspoiled rural feel, the location remains very convenient, connected, and perfectly practical. Backwell & Nailsea railway station offers direct services to Bristol and London, while Backwell Lake provides a peaceful place for walks and wildlife spotting.

The Village:
Backwell is arguably the most sought-after village in North Somerset with a wide variety of local amenities including doctors and dental surgeries and good schooling.

Local leisure prospects are similarly attractive and for the commuter, Backwell is very well placed with Bristol just 8 miles (ca. 13 km) away. Junctions 19 and 20 of the M5 are also both within 8 miles (ca. 13 km) and the main line railway station that is less than a 15-minute walk away, facilitates long distance commuting with direct trains to London – Paddington. The SUSTRANS cycle network is close by with access to Bristol and many other destinations. For more distant destinations, Bristol airport is under 6 miles (ca. 10 km) away, but the village is not under any low-level flight paths.

Between Backwell and neighbouring Nailsea there are a host of clubs and societies for all ages and interests with Swimming, Tennis, Badminton, Bowls, Ruby, Cricket, Croquet, and Football to mention just a few of the sporting facilities available.

There are Gyms in Nailsea and Backwell and a David Lloyd club just 5 miles (ca. 8 km) away on the edge of Bristol. Town centre facilities are offered in Nailsea with a large Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets, independent and national retailers, restaurants and bars, all within walking distance.

Viewing:
Only by appointment with the Sole Agents: Hensons