20th March 2015
Grade II listed Manor House sold for student residential redevelopment
Acting on behalf of Bristol Charities, property consultants Alder King have sold the the 17th century Grade II Manor House on St Michael’s Hill, Bristol to student residential developer Urban Creation.
The disposal is part of Bristol Charities’ estates strategy to invest in the provision of modern, purpose-built almshouse accommodation in the city.
Urban Creation Ltd acquired the Dutch Restoration-style building for an undisclosed sum that was well above the £800,000 guide price and plans to refurbish the property to create bespoke student accommodation.
The Manor House was built in 1691 as a family residence and was last refurbished in 1980 to provide nine residential apartments for elderly residents. Located within the St Michael’s Hill and Christmas Steps Conservation Area and adjacent to the University of Bristol’s main campus, the 5,600 sq ft house includes a communal terrace, garden and off street parking.
Ben St Quintin, Senior Surveyor at Alder King, said: “Demand from developers and investors for well-located student housing opportunities in Bristol continues unabated. An additional 4,000 under-graduates are due to start at the University of Bristol over the next five years; therefore demand for student accommodation is only going to get stronger.”
Anne Anketell, Chief Executive of Bristol Charities, explained the strategy behind the property’s disposal: “We have a long and proud tradition of providing care and support for older people in Bristol. An important part of this is providing high quality accommodation for our residents and we’re delighted that the sale of Manor House, a beautiful old property that had served us well in the past, will find a new lease of life and support our recent investment in newer purpose-built facilities for our residents in Bristol. The Charity is in the process of acquiring a new almshouse site in south Bristol and is also seeking further sites in the south and east of the City, suitable for providing new extra care facilities.”
Bristol Charities administers a number of charities, the oldest of which was founded in 1395. Today it focuses its efforts on three main areas – providing excellent quality almshouse accommodation with support, offering day care and day time opportunities and giving individual grants to vulnerable people and families. More information is available at www.bristolcharities.org.uk