Ambra Terrace

A series of gentle interventions have cleverly updated the house's hearty 19th-century bones

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Tall Victorian proportions define this bright three-bedroom house in Cliftonwood, Bristol. Its light-filled rooms have been reappointed with a series of delicate Farrow and Ball paints that draw out its original features, from intricate cornicing to beautifully timeworn floorboards. Orientated on a north-south axis, the house is doused with a day-long light and is bookended by low-maintenance private gardens. Ambra Terrace is well-placed to make the most of Bristol, from its delectable restaurants and cafés to an impressive art and culture scene.

Setting the Scene

Ambra Terrace lies within Cliftonwood, a handsome neighbourhood nestled between Clifton village and Hotwells just south of Bristol’s city centre.The area is known for its strong stock of Victorian residential housing – much of which has been washed in characterful pastel hues.

This house has a stone-built frontage, a material that has become synonymous with the city’s architecture. A wide tripartite bay extends at the fore, drawing plenty of light into the living spaces beyond. A set of steps ascends to its transom-framed, buttercup yellow front door, passing a neat, fuss-free front garden en route.

The Grand Tour

A long corridor runs along the right-hand side of the plan, with the living spaces branching off on the left. Honey-coloured timber floorboards begin here and continue across much of the plan.

The living room sits at the front, its walls picked out in a posy pink shade that provides a subtle contrast with white-painted original cornicing and ceiling rose. At the front, cast-iron radiators have been added beneath a trio of south-facing sash windows. A period fireplace on one side is flanked by built-in bookcases that stretch up towards the ceiling to provide plenty of display space.

Arranged in an L-shape, the open-plan kitchen and dining space is at the rear. Here, shaker-style cabinets are topped with quartz worktops that provide plenty of preparation space. A range-style oven is in the centre, with a Belfast sink on the left and a fridge/freezer on the right. Light is drawn in from a series of slanted skylights, a ribbon window and a glazed trifold door to the garden. A utility room sits between the kitchen and living room, and a WC is tucked beneath the stairs.

A playful pinstripe carpet runs up over the stairs and across the first-floor landing. The principal bedroom is at the front of this storey; its predominantly white-washed scheme basks in the south-facing light drawn in by twin sash windows. A bank of full-height wardrobes provides plenty of storage space.

The second bedroom is generous and has a deep roof light along with a three-over-three sash window overlooking the garden. Next door is the third bedroom, which is currently used as a peaceful study.

A smart family bathroom lies in between the bedrooms, with a navy vinyl floor and crisp white walls. It has an indulgent roll-top bath with a handy shower fitted above.

The Great Outdoors

Designed to be low-maintenance while providing visual interest, the house is bookended by delightful gardens. The front is well-stocked with greenery and planted with easy maintenance in mind.

Extending from the kitchen, the rear garden is arranged over separate levels, with steps ascending to the main patio space. There is plenty of room for a table and chairs here, between a wrought-iron fence and a brick-built bed filled with perennials.

Out and About

Ambra Terrace is conveniently placed between Clifton village and the Harbour, a central position that allows for easy access to all of Bristol’s brilliance.

The city has an impressive culinary scene; favourites include Bravas, Bokman, Cotto and Root. Bristol also has an incredible café culture – Hart’s Bakery and Full Court Press are popular spots for coffee and cake.

Well-served for cultural activities and annual festivals, Bristol has a thriving art and music scene, with Arnolfini and Spike Island leading a well-regarded annual programme of contemporary exhibitions and performances. The Watershed, a much-loved institution located along the harbourside, hosts talks and events alongside a programme of independent film screenings. There is also an Everyman Cinema on Whiteladies Road.

Many of Bristol’s industrial buildings have been converted into theatres, bars and venues. The most renowned is the Tobacco Factory, which houses a restaurant, theatre, brewery and other facilities.

There is a good selection of state and privately run schools in the city, including Bristol Grammar School, Clifton College Preparatory and Upper School, Christ Church Church of England Primary School and Clifton High School.

Temple Meads station is a 13-minute cycle or 22-minute bus from the house; here, connections run to Bath in 15 minutes, or to London Paddington in under two hours. Bristol is also incredibly well-placed for easy access to the surrounding countryside and the Devon and Dorset coastlines. The city’s international airport is reachable by car or bus in around 40 minutes.

For more inspiration, why not look to The Modern House’s guide to Clifton?

Council Tax Band: D

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.