Historic English Country House, Once a 12th Century Nunnery
Barrow Court, a Grade II* listed country house near Bristol, offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of English history.
The 9 bedroom house encompasses No. 1-3 of Barrow Court, which has been divided into three residences and can be returned to a single 12,000 square foot mansion— with the appropriate permissions.
Originally built as a Benedictine nunnery in the 12th century, this stunning property has undergone numerous transformations, maintaining its historic charm while integrating modern amenities.
A Briston merchant named John Drew received the property from King Henry VIII following the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
It was restored and transformed into the present-day Jacobean house In the late 19th century by Henry Martin Gibbs, who also hired the renowned garden designer Francis Inigo Thomas to design the spectacular Parterre and formal gardens, which remain a key feature of this estate.
The property’s historical significance is matched only by its architectural beauty, with period features including stone mullioned windows, intricate plasterwork, and grand fireplaces.
The standout feature is the magnificent Great Hall, with its Corinthian fireplace and the Gibbs family coat of arms.
Spread across three floors, the house offers a total of nine bedrooms, multiple reception rooms, and a self-contained apartment.
The first floor includes a grand principal bedroom suite, along with a music room and a small chapel, while the second floor features the Long Gallery, connecting additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Two cellars, including a wine cellar, add further space to the property to a total of 13,000 square feet.
The Grade II listed gardens cover over 4.25 acres and include manicured lawns, terraces, a formal Parterre garden, and an Arboretum with rare trees.
The estate also includes tennis courts and stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. The long driveway ensures privacy, while the property is just 6.5 miles from Bristol city centre, offering easy access to the M5, Bristol Airport, and local amenities.
This property represents a unique blend of history, luxury, and accessibility, providing a rare chance to own a piece of England’s architectural and cultural heritage.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
