Not many people can say they have their very own private lake in Bristol - or indeed in many places for that matter.
Just a short journey away from the city is Fieldgrove House in Bitton, South Gloucestershire, an exceptional Grade II listed family house in a stunning lakeside setting. The additional buildings, luscious gardens and green pastures stretch out across nearly 15 acres.
The house secluded against its own rural backdrop has an intriguing provenance dating back to the Saxon times and is believed to have been a hunting lodge before undergoing a number of additions and extensions over the intervening period.
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In the 16th century, Sir John Harrington, a godson of Queen Elizabeth I, is recorded to have lived at Fieldgrove House where he entertained the monarch. He and his brother Francis, of Kelston Towers, were the original inventors of the flushing toilet which they designed in the cellars beneath the house.
The property was also occupied by the Fry family who built their chocolate empire in Bristol and had a factory situated on the nearby River Avon. It wonderfully blends modern-day touches while much of the Georgian detailing remains intact such as the intricate cornice work, functioning fireplaces and window shutters.
Fieldgrove, on the market for £3,950,000 through Savills Clifton, is described as a magnificent family home. The floorplan details the expansive layout of the property equipped with a staggering seven bedrooms - five of which have adjoining ensuite bathrooms - three reception rooms and two studies. There is also ample storage including a larder, a utility room, a boot room, a games room and two cloakrooms.
The estate also offers a separate cottage equipped to host one or two guests and scope to extend the main house further, subject to the necessary planning consents, including a potential orangery, swimming pool and further garaging. The terraced area of the property is south facing making it a great spot for alfresco dining and evening dips in the hot tub.
It is the expertly pruned gardens and landscaped grounds, however, that are the most breathtaking elements of this property. It is not only a safe haven for wildlife but a private refuge to relax or entertain guests.
There are many idyllic spots to lounge beside the lakeside which oozes tranquillity that is only to be stirred by the native swans and other waterfowl. The lake features bathing jetties, a sandy beach, a boat dock and its very own two islands reachable by boat - one is decked out with a large barbeque house.
A stream runs to the east of the lake with an extensive wetland area, a small paddock and a larger field, extending to about 9.5 acres, presently leased on a grazing licence. Two large stone barns provide plenty of stores and additional garaging to support the running and maintenance of the estate.
Just seven miles from Bath - a city laden with Georgian architecture - it's hard to believe a property such as this exists. Fieldgrove House is completely secluded in a private bucolic paradise.
Fieldgrove House, Bitton, is currently listed on Rightmove through Savills Clifton.
