the monastery

The Monastery8 Barrow Court | Barrow Gurney | Bristol | BS48 3RP

The Monastery.indd 1 21/12/2015 10:41

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Seller InsightSituated in a glorious countryside location, just minutes from Bristol City centre, is Barrow Court, an imposing country mansion that is enveloped by acres of magnificent grounds. The

property was rebuilt in 1887 by the Gibbs family, and handed down the generations until it was sold in the 1970s, and permission was granted to split the main house into separate spacious properties. The Monastery is a beautiful home that forms a wing of Barrow Court.

“I’ve lived, more or less, all of my life in Bristol, and although Barrow Court is only fifteen minutes from the city centre I never knew it was here,” says Garth, “but as soon as I saw it and the beautiful grounds I fell in love with it. The house was a little shabby when I bought it, as it hadn’t been touched since the 1970s, but being an interior designer I could immediately see its huge potential. As it’s listed I didn’t make any structural changes, but I’ve injected a great many contemporary elements that sit beautifully with the wealth of period features; it’s a style that works extremely well. I didn’t buy the property to do up and sell, so I definitely haven’t scrimped on anything. It’s beautiful and in my mind totally unique.”

“When the Gibbs family commissioned the house to be built, the grounds had to be every bit as magnificent,” says Garth, “and they remain unchanged to this day. The gardens were designed by F Inigo Thomas in the 19th Century. As residents we employ two gardeners to keep them looking absolutely immaculate, which means we have a taste of living in a country house without the astronomical costs. There are various lovely seating areas, a couple of follies and statues dotted here and there. We also have lawns, a large ornamental garden with an arboretum, and even a communal hard standing tennis court. It’s a real pleasure to be surrounded by such beauty.”


A stunning conversion of a wing in a substantial country house, situated in a rural yet accessible location – complete with exceptional communal gardens, grounds, tennis court and parking.

THE MONASTERY• Entrance hall• Kitchen / breakfast room• Dining room / bedroom four• Cloakroom• Exquisite first floor drawing room• Master bedroom with walk-in shower• Cloakroom• Guest bedroom with roll top bath• Bedroom three

GARDENS AND GROUNDS• Tree-lined driveway• Stunning communal formal gardens, grounds and

arboretum• Hard-standing tennis court• Unallocated parking for two cars and further

visitor spaces

SITUATION Barrow Court is an impressive Grade II* Listed building, sensitively converted into some 18 homes, and once home to the Gibbs family – well known Bristol land owners who also once owned the nearby Tyntesfield Estate, now in the hands of the National Trust.

Originally converted in the 1970’s, The Monastery has undergone a stunning refurbishment by the current owner – an Interior Designer by trade, to provide exquisite accommodation over three floors. From the majestic tree lined driveway, to the stunning and beautifully maintained communal gardens, The Monastery presents a unique rural retreat and lifestyle opportunity – yet one imminently accessible to Bristol

(5 miles), the Airport (4.5 miles) and the national motorway network (6.5 miles).

VENDOR QUOTESFavourite room: “A member of the Gibbs family was a merchant banker and the richest non-noble in the United Kingdom,” says Garth, “and my living room was his office. It’s a stunning room with a big open fire, lots of wood panelling and huge book cases in which I display my leather-bound books. It’s a beautiful part of the house that epitomises the grandeur of Barrow Court.”

Favourite aspect of the grounds: “I have really enjoyed the fact that the house is surrounded by countryside and yet I can be in the heart of Bristol in no more than 15 minutes,” says Garth. “Tonight, for instance, I’ll be dining with friends in a restaurant in the city centre, but tomorrow I can take a gentle stroll across the fields; in my mind it’s a location that offers the perfect lifestyle.”

Memorable event: “The grounds are extremely beautiful, but as residents we all make good use of them,” says Garth. “We can sit out and relax, have BBQs, and there was even a wedding reception on the main lawn a few months ago, which was a really nice occasion that we were all invited to.”

What will you miss the most: “I have a home in Greece, and I have decided that I would like to spend more time there,” says Garth, “but I will be sad to say goodbye to this place. It’s a beautiful home that has given me a wonderful quality of life, and I know I’ll never live in a house quite like it again.”

Step insideThe Monastery


SERVICESOil central heating system. Mains electrics and water. Private sewerage.

POST CODEBS48 3RP

TENUREWe understand that there is the remainder of a 999 year lease commencing from 24th June 1978. Exact details should be obtained from your legal advisor prior to an offer being made.

SERVICE CHARGEWe understand that a service charge of £433 per calendar month is payable for the maintenance of the communal gardens and outside areas. This charge also includes water and sewerage rates as well as building insurance. Confirmation of the charges and any other outgoings should be sought from your legal advisor prior to an offer being made.

LOCAL AUTHORITYNorth Somerset Council. Tel: 01934 888 888

VIEWINGViewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Agents Fine & Country. Tel 0117 973 3081

DIRECTIONSFrom Bristol, leave the city on the A370 towards Backwell. After several miles, take the exit towards Barrow Gurney / Bristol airport, and once on Barrow Street first right onto Barrow Court Lane. The entrance to Barrow Court is approximately half a mile up on the right hand side. On approaching the main house, The Monastery is the principal wing on the left hand side.

Step insideThe Monastery


Agents Notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in imperial with metric equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 700540 Registered Office: Andrews Estate Agents Ltd, The Clockhouse, Bath Hill, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1HL. Printed 21.12.2015

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Fine & CountryTel: +44 (0)117 973 [email protected] Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS48 3RP


the monastery

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