Former Bristol jail converted into family home up for sale

An former court house with its own jail has gone up for sale after being converted into a luxurious family home.

The Old Court is a 150-year-old Grade II Listed home which contains eight bedrooms – five of which are ensuite and three of which have spa baths – an entertaining room, games room and a gym with a sauna.

It also sits within beautiful gardens and has an enclosed courtyard area complete with a fish pond.

On the first floor is a stunning 800 sq/ft courtroom, with vaulted ceiling, which is now used as a grand entertaining room.

The Old Court is a 150-year-old Grade II Listed former courthouse and jail located on the outskirts of Bristol which features eight bedrooms, three of which are built into the old cells

Five of the bedrooms are ensuite, with three having spa baths in the bathroom. For decades it served as the court house, police station and jail in the town of Temple Cloud

Five of the bedrooms are ensuite, with three having spa baths in the bathroom. For decades it served as the court house, police station and jail in the town of Temple Cloud

One of five ensuite bathrooms located within the property. Current owner John Hampson has lived in the house for 20 years but is putting it up for sale after his children left home

One of five ensuite bathrooms located within the property. Current owner John Hampson has lived in the house for 20 years but is putting it up for sale after his children left home

One of the most stunning features of the home is this 800sqft vaulted entertaining room which has enough room for 70 guests and used to house the courtroom itself

One of the most stunning features of the home is this 800sqft vaulted entertaining room which has enough room for 70 guests and used to house the courtroom itself

The stunning entrance hall. The new owners could use the property as a luxury bed and breakfast, as it has been in the past, or occupy the entire home as Mr Hampson and his family did

The stunning entrance hall. The new owners could use the property as a luxury bed and breakfast, as it has been in the past, or occupy the entire home as Mr Hampson and his family did

One of the two kitchens which features and Aga and a conventional oven, along with family dining space

One of the two kitchens which features and Aga and a conventional oven, along with family dining space

Three of the bedrooms are located downstairs from the old courtroom in the cells where the prisoners used to be kept before going in front of the judge

Three of the bedrooms are located downstairs from the old courtroom in the cells where the prisoners used to be kept before going in front of the judge

There is a set of stairs in the courtroom which lead down to the original jail cells with vaulted brick ceilings and hatches where staff would pass food through to prisoners. The cells have been converted into bedrooms.

John Hampson, 68, has put the property, which is on the outskirts of Bristol, up for sale for £795,000. 

The semi-retired businessman said: ‘We have been here for nearly 20 years.

‘We moved from a flat in London because we wanted our young children to have an inside and outside space.

‘The most distinctive part is the former courtroom. It is a rather grand room. You can get 60-70 people in there for an event or sit and read a book by the fire.

‘We have loved it here but our children have grown up now so there’s just the two of us so we don’t need something this size.’

The quirky property has a total of eight bedrooms, an entertaining room, games room, two kitchen and outside space

The quirky property has a total of eight bedrooms, an entertaining room, games room, two kitchen and outside space

The sign on the gate pays homage to the home's two former uses, both as a courthouse and an upmarket holiday home

The sign on the gate pays homage to the home’s two former uses, both as a courthouse and an upmarket holiday home

The historic home is also set within beautiful gardens. Current owner John Hampson, 68, said he moved his family to the property from London because he wanted his children to have outside space

The historic home is also set within beautiful gardens. Current owner John Hampson, 68, said he moved his family to the property from London because he wanted his children to have outside space

There is also an enclosed courtyard attached with plenty of space for entertaining guests or relaxing with a book on a hot day

There is also an enclosed courtyard attached with plenty of space for entertaining guests or relaxing with a book on a hot day

The garden also has a fish pond and waterfall. Other features of the home include a gym and sauna, and two kitchens

The garden also has a fish pond and waterfall. Other features of the home include a gym and sauna, and two kitchens

The Old Court has five bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, three with Jacuzzis and the three ‘jail cell bedrooms’.

It also has a huge games room, sitting room, dining room, study, reception room, two kitchens and gym / sauna. 

David Wild, from Savills’ Clifton Office, said: ‘The Old Court is a magnificent and extremely unique listed former courthouse of immense character.

‘Having been constructed in 1857 the property has a rich history, previously a divisional magistrates court and police station, and has over the years been transformed into a residence of style and charm.

‘Quirky and intriguing features include the original magistrates court still fully intact and original jail cells with vaulted brick ceilings.

‘In the past The Old Court has operated as a popular bed and breakfast and there is scope to develop this business further, more latterly however it has been lived in as a well loved family home.

‘The property is a unique offering and we anticipate the buyer will be seeking a convenient location perfectly placed for swift access to both Bath and Bristol, and of course is likely to have an interest in history.’

 

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