Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS37

A remarkable Grade II listed former coaching inn, dating from 1670, now a beautiful family home, set within established grounds of 3.17 acres.

Description

The Sign of The Dolphin is a highly individual and historic Grade II listed country house, believed to date back to circa 1670 when it served as a former coaching inn. The property has remained in the same family ownership since 1971 and today offers a rare combination of period character, generous accommodation and outstanding grounds. The main house was completely rewired in 2026, while the separate cottage was renovated in 1990 and reroofed in 2014.

A welcoming central entrance hall sets the tone for the house, with exposed floorboards and carefully revealed ceiling beams. Positioned to the rear of the hall is a well-appointed wet room with WC. From here, the accommodation flows naturally through the ground floor, creating a wonderful sense of circulation.

At the far end of the hallway lies a substantial triple aspect drawing room, centred around a striking period stone fireplace with a large Jotul wood burning stove set within. Windows to the rear enjoy lovely views across the gently sloping gardens to open countryside beyond. Leading directly from the drawing room is a study or music room, which in turn opens into the orangery, featuring exposed stone walling and doors opening onto the rear terrace.

A pair of glazed doors from the orangery lead into a generous dining room with wooden flooring, again enjoying attractive views over the garden. A door from the dining room leads back to a cosy snug adjacent to the main entrance hall, providing an excellent everyday living space and linking through to the kitchen. The kitchen enjoys wonderful morning sunshine and retains its original bread oven, tucked neatly into one corner. To the rear is a useful walk-in pantry.

Providing a practical link through to the driveway and grounds is a very good-sized utility room, fitted with a Belfast sink and a cupboard housing the Worcester oil fired central heating boiler (installed 2021).

A winding staircase rises to the first floor, where there is a small landing, a modern family bathroom and two bedrooms, one of which benefits from a walk-in clothes closet. The staircase continues to the second floor, which provides two further double bedrooms, basins and aspects to both the front and rear. All four bedrooms benefit from integrated clothes closets.

The grounds surrounding The Sign of The Dolphin are a particularly special feature, extending to approximately 3.17 acres. The property is approached via a long private driveway running alongside the house, providing a wonderful sense of arrival and ample parking for around five cars.

The front garden is accessed via a pedestrian gate from the driveway and is enclosed by an attractive stone wall, creating a strong sense of privacy and enclosure. Gardening was clearly a passion of the owners, with wide, well stocked borders offering year round colour. A striking monkey puzzle tree stands proudly on the lawn, while the house itself enjoys a particularly attractive wisteria clad frontage, which is both charming and memorable.

Beyond the front garden are rose beds and a productive kitchen garden and a small potting shed. A flagstone terrace leads out to a large aluminium greenhouse and a wide expanse of lawn that sweeps gently down the hillside, interspersed with ornamental trees. There is also a chicken run with outbuildings and the rear boundary is defined by stock proof fencing with gated access through to the paddock, which includes a field shelter.

Set just off the driveway is a two car barn with power and lighting, alongside the separate Dolphin Cottage. Ideal for generating rental income or accommodating a family member, the cottage offers independence while remaining within the grounds of the main house. Further along the driveway is an extensive workshop, which also provides excellent storage space.

Location

Westerleigh is a sought after village offering a rural setting with excellent access to Bristol, Bath and the national motorway and rail networks. Bristol city centre lies approximately 10 miles to the south west, while Bath is around 12.9 miles away. Bristol Parkway Station is about 6.6 miles distant and provides direct services to London Paddington, with journey times from approximately 1 hour 12 minutes.

The area is well regarded for schooling, with a range of state and independent options nearby, including Brimsham Green School and Chipping Sodbury School, together with highly regarded independent schools such as Tockington Manor School, Clifton College and Badminton School. The village and surrounding area offer a number of well regarded pubs, country walks and access to a wide range of sporting, leisure and cultural amenities in both Bristol and Bath.

Square Footage: 2,649 sq ft



Additional Info

Tenure: Freehold
Mains water & electricity
Oil central heating
Double glazing throughout
Private drainage: Septic tank
Council Tax: main house (Band G) cottage (Band A)
EPC Rating: main house (E), cottage (D)