Savills | The Vincent, Queen Victoria House, Bristol, Avon, BS6 6US

Further Information

Situated by the expansive greenery of Durdham Down in Bristol's Redland district, The Vincent is a new development inspired by its Victorian heritage. The 65 one, two and three bedroom apartments are spread across the newly refurbished Queen Victoria House and two Regency-style terraces that overlook the historic grounds.

The Victorian era brought with it a surge of interest in plant collection and cultivation caused largely by the increasing number of ships bringing back exotic species from overseas. Gardens became platforms for exhibiting and displaying these newly discovered plants. Representing the epitome of this 19th century trend, Westonbirt Arboretum was founded by Robert Holford and became a hub for the cultivation of rare species in Britain. Holford's aim for the arboretum was “to create variety without confusion, to create informality and picturesqueness.” It is this vision, along with the Victorian spirit of collecting and cultivating exotic plants, which has now inspired the plans for the grounds at The Vincent.

At the heart of the development, an arboretum garden has been formed by the hedgerows, pathways and magnificent trees that populate the site. The grounds have been designed to create a clear sense of progression as you move through the different areas. Victorian-inspired stepped landscaping leads down to the lawn garden, while a selection of colourful hedges and bushes
border the south terrace.

Next to the lawn, a path winds up to the memorial garden, where the Grade II listed obelisk – now almost two centuries old – is displayed alongside a seating area that offers views towards Queen Victoria House, the lawn and the terrace.

Life at The Vincent revolves around the arboretum garden. For a barista-served coffee and a catch-up with neighbours, head to the café in Queen Victoria House. This is the place
to scan the day's papers and plan the day ahead over a breakfast pastry. If you're in the mood for a morning workout, head across the gardens to the terraces, where the gym and stretch studio are located on the lower ground floor. Gym sessions are best followed by a relaxing spell in the spa's hydrotherapy pool, which offers clear views out across the lawn. People regularly come together for a chat and a game of cards over a glass of wine in the lounge. In the warmer months, activity spills out onto the south terrace, where the seating area allows for al fresco dining among the rich surroundings. Should a special occasion call for a celebration, the private dining room in Queen Victoria House is available for bookings. If your guests are spending the night, speak to the concierge at reception, who will be on hand to reserve the guest suite for you.

The service is in place to help you make the most of life here. The concierge is your first port of call for any queries or requests, whether you're looking to book a spa treatment or find out about Bristol's latest exhibitions. They will also arrange regular happenings ranging from wine tasting evenings and book groups to debating societies and gardening clubs.

Situated to the north of the city centre, Redland has a distinct village feel. This is partly due to the various parks and stretches of greenery in the area. Durdham Down draws ramblers, joggers, dog-walkers and cyclists throughout the year, while Redland Green is dressed up with stalls, events and attractions for its annual May Day fair. Running from Durdham Down towards the city centre, Whiteladies Road is lined with independent boutiques, delis and cafés. Every Saturday, the farmers' market sees Bristol's artisans and producers set up shop on the corner of Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road. You'll find everything from fresh meat and fish to locally crafted plates and pottery, all from sellers promoting fair trade and ethically sourced produce. Nearby, Clifton Arcade is a unique Victorian shopping arcade that dates back to 1878. It houses a community of small, independent shops, which line a central walkway that was originally intended as a drive for horse-drawn carriages to pass through. At the end of the arcade, the Primrose Café offers shoppers a stopping point for a well-earned coffee.

PegasusLife is a business on a mission to fundamentally rethink and reinvent the places and ways in which we live as we get older. The company is currently in the process of developing 30 sites across the UK.