Bristol’s cityscape

Like most British cities, Bristol has a mixture of architectural styles. For instance, in the historical city centre, parts of the fortified city date back to the medieval era. Further afield in Park Row, The Red Lodge Museum – a historic Elizabethan house built during the Tudor dynasty – boasts 455 years of history, and Portland Square in St Pauls is reputed to be Bristol’s most complete 18th century Georgian square.

Every street, whether filled with period properties or contemporary homes, has a story. Here, we take a look at the architecture of Bristol…

Tudor homes

The Tudor architectural period saw the development of large estates such as Ashton Court as well as several public houses including the Llandoger Trow on King Street and the Hatchet Inn on Frogmore Street. Hallmarks of properties built during the Tudor period include steeply pitched gable roofs, brick exteriors, hand-hewn half-timbering, masonry and stonework, and leaded glass windows. The Red Lodge is one of the best surviving examples of Tudor architecture in Bristol. Built in 1568, the Red Lodge was originally part of the larger Great House, where Queen Elizabeth I once stayed.

Georgian homes

During the period of Georgian architecture (around 1720–1840), James Bridges, John Wallis, and Thomas Paty with his sons John and William Paty were the main architects and builders working in Bristol. Their early work included the Royal Fort (in Tyndalls Park), Blaise Castle House (near Henbury) and Arno’s Court estate. They also put up hundreds of new buildings in the city, growing suburbs such as Hotwells and Clifton.

Properties built in this period can be identified by their very simple facades. A classic Georgian home is square or rectangular, made of brick with symmetrical windows, shutters and columns. Royal York Crescent (pictured above) and properties on Sion Hill are great examples of the Georgian style.

Regency

The term Regency architecture refers primarily to buildings of the early 19th century, when George IV was acting as Regent for his father. Many buildings in the Regency style have a white painted stucco facade and an entryway to the main front door framed by two columns. Ornate iron balconies, bow windows and decorative details on the exterior were fashionable. The Clifton and Cotham areas provide examples of the developments from the Georgian to the Regency style.

Victorian homes

Ranging from 1837–1901 under the rule of Queen Victoria I, Victorian houses are often identified by their high ceilings and large windows, often one-room wide with a narrow hallway leading off into the different rooms.

What’s more, Italianate and Grecian villas –made with Bath Stone and sitting in their own gardens –were built in areas such as Clifton Down during this time. Public service buildings and schools such as Clifton College were also constructed to support the growing population.

A notable feature of Bristol’s architecture is the Bristol Byzantine style, which is characterised by complicated polychrome brick and decorative arches. Surviving examples include the Granary on Welsh Back, and the Gloucester Road Carriage Works. Several of the warehouses around the harbour have also survived, including what is now the Arnolfini.

Edwardianhomes

The Edwardian period from 1901–1910 was heavily influenced by The Arts and Crafts Movement. Edwardian homes remain desirable today and tend to be taller and deeper, with gardens at the front and back. It’s common for an Edwardian property to be set back from the pavement and boast ornate floor tiles, stained glass and large rooms with high ceilings. Living rooms may also have windows at both ends.

Pre and post-war Bristol

One of the most common architectural styles in the UK is the 1930s semi. They are typically spacious with distinctive curved bay windows. As well as having large rooms, they also have sizeable gardens.

As a centre of aircraft manufacturing, Bristol was a target for bombing during the Bristol Blitz of World War II and the city centre was severely damaged. As the city was rebuilt after the war, thousands of new flats were built in Barton Hill and Redcliffe.

21st Century

Today, new designs and styles are being built all the time. From the popular housing developments, to self-built homes with open-plan living spaces, to properties that have been designed with the environment in mind, the city’s architecture is eclectic –medieval and modern –and continuing to evolve year by year...

• rupertoliver.co.uk; 14 Waterloo Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BT

• The main Holy Cross Church has an approximate GIA of 5,700 sq ft (530 sq m), and interlinks to an adjacent 1960’s purpose built dwelling which offers potential for a detached 4 bedroom property.

• The whole site extends to approximately 0.5 acres.

• The site is to be sold freehold on an unconditional basis, and may suit a range of various uses, subject to the necessary planning consents.

Further information can be obtained via the sole agent:

Burston Cook:

Tom Coyte tom@burstoncook.co.uk

BRISTOL & CLIFTON’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

Portland Square TO LET – POA

4,186 sq ft (388.88 sq m)

No 9 is a stunning heritage office building providing approx. 4,186 sq ft of refurbished office space with a large car park to the rear. Suitable for a range of different uses. Available to lease.

The Stables at Leigh Court TO LET – POA 510 – 1,023 sq ft (47.38 – 95.04 sq m)

A Grade II Listed business centre offering luxury workspaces in a peaceful setting outside the city. The site benefits ample parking, cycle storage, EV charging and sustainable energy solutions.

Coronation Road, BS3 FOR SALE – POA

10,713 sq ft (995.26 sq m)

An impressive, detached building prominently located, providing open plan office space with excellent on-site car parking. The property could be suitable for a range of uses STP.

7 Hill Street OFFICE TO LET – POA

5,621 sq ft (522.20 sq m)

Fantastic example of 1970’s brutalist architecture. The suite provides a modern open plan floor plate of 5,621 sq ft (522 sq m) with 6 car parking spaces & bike storage.

Buckingham Court, BS32 TO LET – £15.50 psf pax

3,089 sq ft (287 sq m)

A self-contained office building offering modern accommodation within an established business park with good road connections. Excellent parking ratio being 1,257 sq ft.

Grosvenor House TO LET – £19 PSF

3,400 sq ft

The available space is located on the second floor and provides an open plan office of 3,400 sq ft. There are also 2 car parking spaces, passenger lift, bike storage and shower. New lease available.

Mariner House, Prince St TO LET – £26 PSF

1,242 sq ft (115.38 sq m)

Loft style office accommodation located in the heart of the city centre close to Queen Square and The Waterfront. There is a passenger lift, shower facilities, and excellent bike storage with end of journey heated lockers.

Harbour Crescent, Portishead TO LET – POA

1,395 - 4,964 sq ft (130 - 461 sq m)

Two new-build commercial units forming part of the Harbour Crescent development to be fitted to a high standard. Use Class E –would suit a range of uses.

Paintworks OFFICES TO LET POA

2 brand new commercial units currently undergoing a refurbishment. C 1,162 and 1,572 sq ft with 2 car parking spaces per unit. Never been occupied!

Unity Street, Bristol TO LET Suites from 362 – 2,750 sq ft

A most attractive period office building refurbished to a good standard with attractive rear courtyard garden.