The Grade II listed 17th-century Manor House, set within secluded landscaped gardens, boasts spectacular views across the city.

Though badly fire-damaged in 1978, it was sensitively restored with a modern interior. We were tasked with renovating and extending the Manor House to create 18 student apartments for Urban Creation. As the earliest surviving classical house in this area of Bristol, it represents a provincial interpretation of the Restoration-Dutch style. It has undergone many changes over the centuries.

Our approach focused on retaining original period features, where possible, alongside many of the 1980s interventions, allowing the building's rich architectural layers to be preserved and celebrated to enrich the character of the building. The striking extension, inspired by an unbuilt design from the 1980s, was adapted to meet modern building standards while responding delicately to its historical context. The result is a collection of light and airy contemporary apartments that complement the original structure. The gardens were also renovated, incorporating bespoke artwork, including laser-cut steel entrance gates, which enhance the overall aesthetic of the site.

Project roundup:

Client: Private Developer

Project Team: Urban Creation

Location: Bristol, UK

Associated Blog: Retrofitting and improving heritage buildings