News / stapleton
One of Bristol’s oldest farm buildings for sale
One of Bristol’s oldest standing farm buildings has been put up for sale with the organisation currently using the land next to the M32 hoping that any new owner will share their dream for the site “to be a haven on the edge of the city”.
Bridge Farm in Stapleton dates back to early 18th century with one of the barns thought to be from the 17th century.
Before the M32 motorway was constructed, the farmhouse looked out over a bridge across the River Frome and the small tollhouse that sat beside it.
is needed now More than ever
Bridge Farm was originally the main farm for Heath House estate, south west of Stapleton – photo: Bristol Archives
In 2018, Bridge Farm on Bell Hill was bought by AVAG to develop a new community-led housing project, as they did successfully in the past at the Yard in St Werburgh’s.
The extended ‘Bridge Farmily’ is now working “to integrate housing, food growing, community convening and stewarding wildlife”.
The land and barns at Bridge Farm next to the M32 are being developed towards and for community use – photo: Bridge Farm
But the costs of refurbishing the farm building and any planning process have proved prohibitively expensive.
So the current Bridge Farm owners are now “keen to welcome in others to the project”, with the building to be sold at auction by Maggs & Allen on April 25.
The six-bedroom property, with a selection of outhouses and a walled garden, sits on a wider 4.34 acre site homing a number of community growing, agriculture and education groups.
“Our dream is for the site to be a haven on the edge of the city, helping the Bristol community grow and connect together, learning how to live a more sustainable life together,” say the Bridge Farm team.
“Imagine a cobbled street with original stone barns on either side, containing a cafe and restaurant, selling local produce and offering events and a place to connect.
“Where families and friends across Bristol can work and learn on the land together and share skills and stories.
“This is what Bridge Farm is all about for us – a bridge between city life and the country.”
The Grade II listed farmhouse is in need of complete renovation, with planning consent granted for HMO conversion – photo: Maggs & Allen
The volunteers at Bridge Farm are also looking for funds, materials and support to make emergency repairs on the barns on the site, in order to turn them into rentable units for small, local businesses
And they are also on the hunt for people with skills and time to share, “be that driving community engagement, fundraising, or working on the land”
For more information about Bridge Farm, visit www.bridgefarmbristol.co.uk. To find out more about the auction, visit www.maggsandallen.co.uk/property-details/32912402/bristol-city/bristol/bridge-farm
Main photo: Bridge Farm
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
