Property Description

One of Portishead’s finest family homes ‘River Bank’ is a handsome stone faced detached house believed to have been built in the early 1800’s, in a distinctive Georgian colonial style. The property was extensively refurbished some 25 years ago to create what is now an elegant, versatile home in one of Portishead’s most desirable locations.

Set back from the road by an attractive lawned front garden there is a sweeping paved driveway that leads to two separate parking areas and provides access to a large tandem garage. Central to the garden are handsome stone steps that lead to the front door of the house, and a beautiful covered veranda that not only provides shelter from the elements, but also adds a lovely aesthetic detail creating a wonderful space from which to enjoy the incredible outlook across the Bristol Channel, towards the Welsh coastline in the distance.

Entering the house, you are greeted by a handy entrance vestibule that continues into an impressive reception hallway with a grand sweeping staircase to the rear and ornate period style details including coving, dado rails and architraves, with a convenient cloak room to the rear. To the left of the entrance hallway lies two superbly appointed reception rooms that are combined via a feature arch to provide a generous space for large family gatherings. To the front, a pretty bay window draws your eyes towards the ever-changing view, whilst two statuesque marble fireplaces provide wonderful focal points to both the rooms.

To the opposite side of the hallway is a further spacious drawing room which features a bay window to the front elevation and another statement fireplace, this time constructed of glorious Welsh Slate along with beautiful ceiling cornice and a centralised ceiling rose.

As with most properties the kitchen and breakfast room are very much heart of the home and with ‘River Bank’ it is no exception, overlooking the rear courtyard and glimpsing the incredible garden beyond, these two seamlessly linked rooms have a lovely, homely atmosphere, the breakfast room features polished wooden floorboards, French doors leading out to the courtyard and a wonderful traditional plate shelf. The kitchen is accessed by a stunning archway with moulded detailing and is a spacious room with a wide array of ‘John Lewis’ solid wood farmhouse style units complimented by a contrasting granite countertop, there is a ‘Rangemaster style cooker’ a beautiful ‘Belfast sink’ with a brass mixer tap and numerous integrated appliances. Traditional chequer board tiling provides a practical splashback whilst terracotta-coloured tiles to the floor add richness and contrast. To the front of the kitchen is an arch window and a door that leads into a sunroom/office with French doors leading out to a front terrace and a matching tiled floor as per the kitchen.

Alighting up the impressive period staircase with its spindled balustrade, newel posts and walnut handrail, you will find a glazed panelled door with a glorious stained-glass window above on the half landing that leads through to a conservatory that also provides level access out to the rear garden. Continuing onto the first floor landing you arrive at a wide galleried landing with corridors off leading to the five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bedroom has a front facing aspect and marvels in its spectacular outlook over the Severn Estuary, displaying no less detail than the reception rooms it has a ceiling rose, picture rail and a handsome period style fireplace. A discrete door to the side wall leads through to the most incredible en-suite bathroom, palatial in size it has a capacious cast iron claw foot bath that sits almost central to the room, with twin his and hers pedestal wash hand basins, toilet, and a walk-in shower. A bathroom fit to grace any stately home there is a marble fireplace adding more luxury, a window to the front capturing the ebb and flow of the Bristol Channel and period detailing.

There are a further four double bedrooms, three of which benefit from serene garden views to the rear, and one which shares the same impressive outlook as the master bedroom over the Bristol Channel. The four bedrooms are complimented by two well-appointed bathrooms, both of which feature a full three-piece white suite.

Outside, the garden at ‘River Bank’ is every bit as impressive as any garden we have seen and beautifully compliments the stunning home. Stretching away from the house it gently slopes up to several plateaued levels of lawn and terraces which are rich with a vast array of flora & fauna, there are numerous specimen trees that afford the garden excellent privacy, an ornamental pond, summer house, brick store, garden shed, green house and the incredible estuary views. It is a quintessentially English country garden in the town, and a frequent participant in Portishead in Bloom. There is also a separate vehicular access point halfway up the garden for ease.

WE HAVE NOTICED... ‘River Bank’ is quite simply an outstanding family home, from its generous proportions, unexpectedly large garden, incredibly restored period details and mesmerizing views, it would be easy to run out of superlatives to describe just how impressive this unique property is. One of my favourite curiosities about the house is the secret passageway that runs from the courtyard of the house up into the rear garden. Rumour has it that it was once a wine cellar that was perhaps utilised during the war as an air raid shelter, whichever it is its totally fascinating!

DIRECTIONS

Approaching the property from the direction of Portishead High Street turn into Cabstand opposite Waitrose garage and proceed up the hill into Nore Road. Continue along the road, and after passing the Dentist on your right hand side the property can be found elevated on the left. If you reach the Windmill pub you have gone too far!

SITUATION 

Portishead is magnificently situated, with sweeping views of the Severn Estuary, the Welsh coastline, both Severn bridges to one side and the beautiful and scenic Gordano Valley to the other. The picturesque Lake Grounds offer plenty of space for children to play, and is ideal for relaxing, admiring the spectacular views or watching the cricket or bowls. This is a great place to picnic, and refreshments are also available from the café. Portishead's stylish new marina development Port Marine houses up to 150 boats and has been developed as the centrepiece of a large urban renewal programme. The area is well worth a visit, to see the luxury homes being developed and the striking public art. The work of several internationally acclaimed sculptors is on view here. Nearby attractions include a zoo farm, a fascinating farm and retail museum, and superb National Trust houses and gardens. Portishead is also highly convenient for the M5 motorway and Bristol.

PROPERTY INFORMATION

Tenure - Freehold

EPC rating E

Council tax band G