A futuristic Bristol property that featured as ‘house of the year’ in the Woman’s Journal 1962 is up for sale. The detached house in Coombe Dingle has only had three owners since it was built in the early 1960s and it is regarded as a ‘particularly rare’ and ‘unique’ property.
The four-bedroom house on Grove Road occupies 2,200sq ft (including garage) and has front, side and rear gardens. The architect-designed property has two large reception rooms and stunning views from wraparound balconies.
Set in a tranquil location, the property offers ample off-street parking as well as an integral double garage and is set on a generous plot with gardens that wrap around the house. Its close proximity to the Blaise Estate means there are also excellent walks nearby.
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Whoever buys the property will be only the fourth owner since it was built in 1962. The person selling the property bought the house in 1988.
The house was designed and built by London architect George Wimpey and originally furnished by Anne York with James Phillips and Sons of Union Street, Bristol. The original price in 1962 was £9,500 including fittings.
When it was built, the house was regarded as ahead of its time. The feature fireplace in the first-floor reception room was made with local stone and the property had double glazing and the room temperatures of rooms was controlled by a Honeywell round thermostat.
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In the original Woman’s Journal brochure for the split-level property, it describes the cutting-edge design as ‘controversial’ and that the architects chose the site on ‘sloping terrain backed by a crescent of lovely woodland’. The original 1962 article paints a rather utopian picture of who the potential first owners might be.
It reads: “We planned with an imaginary family in mind. The husband, with an important local post, would want a house of distinction and personality, where he’d be proud to entertain business guests.
“His wife would probably have many social commitments. A teenage daughter studying at Bristol University, and a grandmother who desired a certain measure of independence would complete the family.”
The house is being sold by Leese & Nagle with a guide price of £795,000. Estate agent Robert Nagle says the property has caused plenty of interest already.
“It is really exciting to be able to sell with such passion this unique and exciting house built 1962 as an award winning property. My childhood aspirations come to the surface by allowing me to get 'into the theme of things here' when marketing this truly wonderful home.
“I’m projecting James Bond in the 1962 film Dr No, driving his open top Aston Martin into this double garage with it connecting directly into the house from the lower level. En route, he will walk through the house then pour himself a Martini, 'shaken not stirred' in the kitchen and sit on its wraparound balcony soaking in the landscape.”
For more details about the property, call 0117 9622299.
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