Kelston Road, Bath, BA1

Kelston Knoll House is a fine example of a Grade II listed Italianate country home benefiting from exquisitely styled interiors and parkland gardens, situated on the fringes of Georgian Bath surrounded by beautiful countryside and views of the river Avon. Kelston Knoll House has a rich and important history. It was built circa 1835 for William Tudor, former mayor of Bath and fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, and later became home to Henry Wills of the Wills family which made Bristol the centre of the English tobacco industry.

More recently Kelston Knoll House has benefited from an extensive programme of modernisation works carried out by the current owners. With great care and attention they have created a stylish and relaxed family home with flexible accommodation. The look and styling is designed to reflect the feel of a members' country house, which may provide a future opportunity to generate an income. The current owners have considered various options in this respect and would be happy to discuss these with potential buyers. The accommodation totals 10,234 sq ft and is arranged predominantly over two floors. The rear section of the home lends itself to a self-contained wing complete with independent staircase and an additional kitchen breakfast room. The principal accommodation has been created and redesigned to provide relaxed easy living taking advantage of the stunning views to the front across the grounds and over to Newton St Loe. From the gravel driveway the property is entered via an impressive entrance hall with double doors and a fine flagstone floor. A hidden panelled door opens into a practical cloakroom and boot room. The inner hallway with flagstone floor features an impressive cantilevered stone staircase and provides access to the principal rooms. The spacious drawing room includes a feature fireplace, fine panelling, wooden floors and large sash windows. The dining room provides an ideal setting for entertaining and is beautifully presented, with tall corniced ceilings and an impressive fireplace along with views overlooking the grounds. The spacious kitchen/breakfast room forms the central focus of the home with a large Aga and polished stone work surfaces and a wood burning stove. Light floods in through impressive bay windows and there is direct access to the gardens. Off the kitchen is a wonderful orangery with a pretty tiled floor and impressive under floor heating with original ornate cast iron grates. There are panoramic views of the gardens and grounds. An exceptional billiard room was added to the property by Henry Wills, who would entertain his staff at Christmas by playing for them on the stage. There is a wonderful parquet floor, raised staged area, tall ceilings and sense of grand space. Additional rooms on the ground floor include a study, utility room, secondary kitchen/breakfast room, en-suite bedroom, guest living room, cloakroom and pantry.

On the first floor the bedroom accommodation includes a spacious master bedroom suite, complete with a bay window bedroom area, walk-in dressing room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. Additionally on the first floor are three en-suite bedrooms along with three further bedrooms, two further shower rooms and a separate WC.

On the lower ground floor are various rooms including a cinema room, games room, plant room/laundry, extensive wine vault and cloak room and utility space

Kelston Knoll House is situated in an idyllic private location between Kelston and Bath in gardens and grounds of approximately 11 acres. Nearby Kelston village lies close to the River Avon and is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Village amenities include The Old Crown Inn and the Park Farm Cafe, which is home to the popular Bath Soft Cheese Co. Bath Racecourse lies to the north and the surrounding countryside provides a wide range of sporting and leisure activities. The nearby city of Bath is a World Heritage Site, renowned for its Roman origins and Georgian architecture. Bath provides a wealth of business, entertainment and cultural facilities along with excellent schools in both the state and independent sectors along with 2 universities. Bath Spa station provides a mainline rail link to London Paddington (journey time 90 minutes) and Bristol Temple Meads (approx 15 minutes). Junction 18 of the M4 motorway is within 9.5 miles and Bristol International Airport 18 miles west.

Kelston Knoll House is approached via electric gates and a long driveway which leads to a parking area to the side of property. A secondary driveway leads away and around the opposite side of the house to another parking area beyond which is a large out building to the rear of the house and an independent Stable House. The Stable House affords flexible independent accommodation within close proximity of the main house. With private access, parking and outside space the property is ideal for a dependent relative or staff or could provide a rental income.

The gardens and grounds total approximately 11 acres and have been designed to reflect a parkland setting. Immediately to the front of the house is a level lawn with specimen trees that provides the perfect setting for entertaining, with uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside. Various terraces and seating areas are arranged around the outside of the house, allowing easy access from various rooms and the ability to follow the sun during the day. Of particular note is the large paved terrace to the side of the property complete with pizza oven, and there is a delightful private courtyard garden to the rear of the house. The remainder of the grounds are more undulating and afford the most breathtaking views looking over the property and beyond to the river Avon and surrounding countryside.