An incredible restoration of an ancient manor near Bristol; perfect for big get togethers and creative retreats (6 bedrooms; sleeps up to 14)
Space & setting.
In the 16thC, this smallholding near Bristol would’ve been a hive of activity centred around 2 stone manor houses, with masses of workers and 3 ancient wells on site. Today it looks very different. Its peaceful 2 acres of grounds have been beautifully planted, with tall grasses and flowered gardens encircling old timber outbuildings, and a courtyard is strung with festoon lighting. It feels so private from the outside world, yet you’re half a mile from central Portishead, a marina town with eateries, shops, and an Art-Deco lido. Restoring the site was — and still is — an absolute labur of love by owners Helen and Mick, who bought it from the Spitalfields Trust to coax it back to life. Then virtually derelict, they’ve worked tirelessly to coax something magical from its ancient bones.
Now, the larger manor (sleeping 12-14) is an extraordinary place to stay (the owners live in the smaller one). Huge original wooden doors and arched windows remain, along with a dramatic hexagonal tower. The thick walls have been limewashed and though modern comfort is key (central heating, amazing beds, piping-hot water, a superb kitchen and Smart TV room), you still feel suspended in time. Furnishings are a careful blend of mid-century, antique, vintage and contemporary, furnishings, Thanks to kitsch touches such as ecclesiastical statues draped in fairy lights and cherub rose wallpaper, it doesn’t feel stuffy or imposing, and the atmosphere and authenticity of it all will blow your mind. Totally unique; unforgettable.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive.
“In 2014 we stumbled across this sleeping beauty: an ancient site (1000AD), with a medieval manor (1300sAD), Tudor Manor house (1500sAD) and neglected grounds. No strangers to renovations, and idealistic and romantic enough to spend years lovingly restoring it, the site was released into our safekeeping. Today, the ancient heart of the place, along with its important wells, tower and secret tunnel, have come alive again. The manors are sensitively restored and beautiful once more, and although the outbuildings and grounds are still a work in progress, we’ve preserved this magical snapshot in history. Even though just a modest gathering of buildings, the site celebrates a rare collection of historic moments; who knows what stories happened here? The authenticity, heart and spiritual energy of this site gives us a meaningful reminder of how life used to be.” Owner, Helen
She loves
“Sitting in the little medieval courtyard by Little Manor (our home) watching the birds feed.”
We loved
The very rare timber medieval building overlooking the courtyard, which still exists as its gentrified stone parts survived the many challenges over the last 600+ years. Ask Helen for a peek inside.
You may not love
Some drafty windows and single glazing as the buildings are listed — that said, the central heating is amazing. We stayed in Feb and were never cold. The church clock next door chimes regularly but you weirdly don’t notice it after a couple of hours.
Surrounds.
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Bluebell Woods © Diana Parkhouse via Unsplash -
© Portishead Open Air Pool -
Clevedon Pier © Ruben Gregori via Unsplash -
Portishead Marina © Sam Clarke via Unsplash -
Leigh Woods © Thomas Evans via Unsplash
- Stroll to and around Portishead’s marina (15 mins); Mokoko is great for a coffee.
- Restaurant wise, we’d recommend Impero Lounge for casual food (a 5-min walk) or The Black Horse pub (a few minutes’ drive).
- Head to the Lake Grounds to swim at the open-air lido, hire a rowing boat for the lake, or take kids to the park and skate park (10 mins’ drive).
- Nearby Portbury has stunning bluebell woods in spring (15 mins). Or head to Leigh Woods and Ashton Court for all-year round walks (great for dogs), followed by an excellent Sunday lunch at The George at Abbots Leigh.
- Walk along the coastal path to seaside town Clevedon (1 hour). Its beautiful pier has been immortalised on the silver screen a few times.
- Bristol is 20 mins’ by car. We love Southville and the Gloucester Road for street art and creative independents; the waterfront for a mooch and SS Great Britain, and next-door Whapping Wharf for eateries. Clifton is a chi-chi neighbourhood, home to Bristol Suspension Bridge, and keep your eye out for the Banksy if you’re walking up or down Park Street — this is his home town.
Specifics.
- Two-acre site encircling 2 restored manor houses. The owners live in Little Manor
- Tudor Manor (sleeping up to 14 in 6 bedrooms)
- 6 bedrooms. Master with kingsize/twin bed and in-room tub, toilet and sink; large double bedroom with ensuite bathroom (shower/tub), four-poster bedroom plus child’s bed with shared shower bathroom; large double with shared shower bathroom; top-floor king/twin bedroom with ensuite shower bathroom, ground-floor king/twin bedroom sharing upstairs shower bathroom but there is a loo downstairs
- 2 extra beds / baby cots on request
- Brilliantly equipped kitchen including range cooker, fridge, freezer, microwave and basic supplies
- Adjacent dining room
- Three sitting rooms, one with woodburner, one with smart TV
- Private south-facing garden with outdoor seating and lawn
- Washing machine
- WiFi, Smart TV, board games and books
- Child friendly, with 1 travel cot and highchair to borrow
- Dog friendly (£25 per dog)
- Parking
- Delightful grounds including a cut-flower garden and various lawns to picnic on
- Games room with table tennis and pool table
- Hot tub on request
- Walk to shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants; you are just off Portishead High Street
- The owners are available by phone. They live on site but are very friendly and easygoing
- House rules: no outdoor noise after 11pm
- Booking conditions: a 3-night minimum stay, which rises to 4 over Christmas.
- Remember to pack: slippers, toiletries bar shower gel, dog beds
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
50% deposit on booking, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 12+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 12 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
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