Rare chance to own Bristol Gothic mansion with gripping history and glorious views

Once a lookout tower dating back to 1672, Cooks Folly was converted into a Gothic mansion in the 1800s and in 2024 is a standout home that is looking for new owners. This castellated, Grade II listed gem boasts an iconic location, perched on the edge of the Avon Gorge in Bristol – with sensational views of the Sea Walls, Brunel's famous suspension bridge and out to a nature reserve opposite.

According to Bristol Archives, Cooks Folly was built in the Picturesque Gothic Revival style by noted doctor and surgeon Henry Goodeve in 1858. The design was originally a romantic counterpart to Cook's Folly, built by John Cook as a prospect tower in 1696, and visible in many topographical views of the Avon Gorge.

In fact, in the late 18th century the striking tower was included in artworks by English Romantic painter, printmaker and watercolourist William Turner, which are currently housed in Tate Britain. The tower was demolished in the 1890s.

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Extensively renovated by its present owners, Cooks Folly today enjoys a versatile footprint with significant principal rooms, well-appointed bedrooms, leisure facilities - including an indoor pool - and the obligatory hybrid home working.

Being marketed by Savills for offers in excess of £3,100,000, Cooks Folly stands within a generous plot on a quiet cul de sac in Sneyd Park, and, with fabulous five-bedroom accommodation, formal gardens, landscaped woodland with strategic seating points and a tree house, secure car parking and garaging, all combined with its fascinating history and fantastic views, the property is a rare find indeed.

Richard Brooks who is marketing the property on behalf of Savills Clifton said: “Classic architecture and some of the finest views I've experienced. Cooks Folly encompasses all that one would want from the perfect family home.

“Built in 1858 as a counterpart to John Cook’s original prospect tower, the Grade II listed Cooks Folly occupies a prominent position on the edge of the Avon Gorge, affording iconic views over the Gorge, taking in the world-class landmark Clifton Suspension Bridge, and across the Abbots Leigh nature reserve beyond.

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“The house is perfectly set up for family living and entertaining, with a games room, gym, study and indoor pool, as well as impressive gardens and woodland, and to top it off, a roof terrace with 360 degree views that really have to be seen to be believed.”

The reception hall is the central axis to this amazing house, with a cloakroom off and an oak panelled inner hall beyond. There are two principal rooms - a drawing room featuring a fireplace and a large bay overlooking the immediate gardens and woodland beyond, and a dining room with a teak ceiling and a more contemporary fireplace.

The kitchen and breakfast room has been extensively renovated with a comprehensive range of units, Silestone work surfaces and various integrated appliances.

For fun, frolics and fitness, head down to the lower ground floor of the house where you will find a games room, a gym and the indoor pool which has a current machine and a relaxed seating area. This level is also home to a study, utility and another cloakroom.

Over the first and top floors of the house the five bedrooms are served by an octagonal family bathroom, two further bathrooms and a cloakroom. A kitchenette is also on the top floor and gives access to the large roof terrace and its breath-taking 360 degree views.

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Sneyd Park lies to the North West of Bristol's commercial centre and on the cusp of Durdham Downs, with 400 acres of recreational space. This quiet and sought-after ward is within three miles of the fashionable bistros and restaurants in Clifton, Redland and Henleaze, as well as notable schools, both state and independent.

Bristol's business district is within four and a half miles of the property, and arterial roads running nearby also feed the M5 motorway network and serve the South West and Midlands linking to the M4, South Wales and London. To find out more about this Bristol home, contact Savills on 0117 9335803.