1-3 Barrow Court
Barrow Gurney | Bristol | Somerset | BS48 3RP
1-3 BARROW COURT
An Architectural and Historical Landmark of Exceptional Grandeur. Step into a piece of English history at Barrow Court, a magnificent Grade II* listed country house that dates back to the 12th century. Originally built as a Benedictine nunnery, this stunning residence has undergone numerous transformations throughout the centuries, all while retaining its timeless elegance and architectural significance.
The home’s rich past includes ownership by John Drew, a Bristol merchant who received the property from King Henry VIII following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In the late 19th century, the estate was meticulously restored and expanded by Henry Martin Gibbs, who transformed it into the Jacobean masterpiece that stands today. Under his ownership, the renowned garden designer Francis Inigo Thomas was commissioned to design the spectacular Parterre and formal gardens, which remain a key feature of this estate.
No.1 – 3 Barrow Court forms the principal part of the historic Barrow Court Estate, which was sensitively divided into separate residences in the 1970s. The home underwent a significant restoration in the 1980s, carefully reviving its many period details. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by an array of exceptional architectural features, including intricate plasterwork, stone mullioned windows, and stately fireplaces. The Jacobean staircase and decorative friezes add to the grandeur, while the remarkable Great Hall is a focal point of the house, with its impressive Corinthian fireplace and the Gibbs family coat of arms.
The formal reception rooms offer a perfect blend of majestic spaces for entertaining alongside intimate rooms for family living. Noteworthy among these is the raised drawing room, adorned with rich panelling and an arabesque ceiling, and the first-floor Solar, a space of exceptional craftsmanship.
The first floor hosts a grand principal bedroom suite, along with additional bedrooms, a music room, and sitting rooms, all featuring exquisite period detailing. On the second floor, the Long Gallery showcases wide oak floorboards and is home to several more bedrooms, family bathrooms, and a kitchen. A self-contained apartment, as well as two cellars—including a wine cellar—complete the property’s impressive offering. Outside, the Grade II listed gardens, co-designed by Inigo Thomas, extend over 4.25 acres of manicured lawns, terraces, and pavilions. The grounds feature stunning vistas over the surrounding countryside, an elegant obelisk, and a collection of statues by Alfred Drury. Beyond the formal gardens lies a lush Arboretum filled with rare and mature trees, offering a tranquil retreat. The long, tree-lined driveway enhances the sense of privacy and exclusivity, while the scenic countryside surrounding the estate is largely still owned by the descendants of the Gibbs family.
Located just 6.5 miles from Bristol’s city centre, Barrow Court enjoys a peaceful rural setting with excellent connections to transport links, including Bristol Temple Meads and the M5. The charming village of Barrow Gurney offers local amenities, while the wider region is home to sought-after schools, farm shops, and beautiful country pubs.
This is a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of English heritage, where history, elegance, and luxury converge in a truly remarkable home.
SELLER INSIGHT
Barrow Court is a hidden gem, where the tranquil gardens and the captivating beauty of this Jacobean manor house create an enchanting atmosphere.
For former owner Iann Barron, restoring Barrow Court was a passionate endeavor spanning four years. His meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the renovation. In 1990, when replacing the roof, Iann even convinced the Delabole Quarry in Cornwall to reopen just to supply the original tiles. His renovation journey began after acquiring the neighboring property. On the top floor, he removed a divider, transforming the space into a stunning Long Gallery, relaid with original floorboards. Wood features prominently throughout the house, so when the original doors to the Gore Room were missing, they were skillfully recreated in solid oak.
Historical accuracy was central to the restoration. When William Morris wallpaper was discovered behind 1920s paneling, National Trust advisors assisted Iann in acquiring authentic Morris wallpaper to replace it and source additional patterns for the Boudoir. In the Solar Room, workers uncovered a richly colored Jacobean ceiling beneath layers of white paint. In the Book Room, Iann referenced photographs from the 1900s, when the Gibbs family owned the house, to replicate wrought iron grills for the bookshelves, identical to those still found at Sheldon Manor.
Barrow Court, while steeped in history, is designed for modern living, with abundant storage and walk-in dressing rooms. The Solar and Great Hall are perfect for hosting, and two guest suites provide additional comfort. Every season at Barrow Court feels magical, especially at Christmas when a grand tree graces the drive, offering a festive welcome.
Although Barrow Court feels wonderfully secluded, nestled in the countryside, it is just fifteen minutes from the shops and restaurants of Clifton, offering a balance of peaceful retreat and urban convenience.
As an owner of Barrow Court, you are more than a resident – you are a custodian of its rich history, contributing your own chapter to its legacy.”*
* 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.
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate 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. Printed 16.10.2024
FINE & COUNTRY
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COUNTRY
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