The Anglo Saxon for ‘a heap of stones is ‘ceastel’, according to one authority and to another a collapsed building, which is where the name of this street is derived. The vendor who has just renovated this mid terrace house that I saw today, built in the 1880’s or thereabouts, wouldn’t be too happy with that explanation, neither would , I guess, my Client. But, my Client needn’t worry, because the builder was doing quite a good job. It has a new roof and rain water goods, some new windows, but all are replacements and no real damage to the main walls. Good insulation, but it needs a bit of levelling, new kitchen and sanitary ware, but the old boiler still remains, a pity really. Still better than sitting round a camp fire enclose by old stones…   more »

Well, I must say there seem to be a lot of egotistical blokes around Bristol, because I was in another Street today, named after the builder! It was probably built in the 1860’s, but the Luftwaffe tried to blow these houses up in the 1940’s, though fortunately they didn’t manage to hit No.29. It had been renovated, but I couldn’t see the roof because it was all hidden by a parapet wall. However, with ladders on a single storey extension sloping roof I was able just to peer over the top. I won’t say it was a pretty site, but the long and the short of it is that in reality the roof really needs to be renewed – in its entirety. This should not put off my Client from buying the house, but they must buy it with their eyes fully open and take this into account. Otherwise it was a delightful home that was largely in good condition…   more »