My spies tell me that the original house known as The Lawns had stabling for horses amongst its assets but for whatever reason it was auctioned in 1805. (They didn't tell me why - state secret no doubt!) I suspect it was then pulled down and probably nearer a hundred or so years later pleasant terraced houses in tree-lined avenues were built on the land. And this is where I found myself later in the day, looking at one such property that had clearly been in the same person’s ownership for many years. It had been modernised in part, so it was a bit of a strange house. The chimney stacks roof and gutters were all in fairly good condition. Front windows have all been replaced but sadly not the rear. Some modest movement has occurred on the front elevation but I suspect this is historic whilst the rear elevation has superficial cracks or splits in the render. The house will need modernising internally but it boasts the opportunity of extending into the roof space, probably with little difficulty. The house is in a quiet location, close to shops, close to a play area, close to a bus service and schools. I hope my Client is happy with his purchase and won't be selling it by auction…   more »

Shaw means, in old English, wood and Frome relates to the River Frome and put together, believe it or not is one of the ancient names for Frenchay, (Froomshaw...Frenchay). So, today I have been in Frenchay looking at a mid-terrace house in which was built for the Local Authority in the 1950s. It has subsequently passed into private ownership and whilst largely it was in good condition I was quite surprised to see so much deterioration of the slater's felt, the membrane laid over the rafters, beneath the tiles. The roof was not leaking because it is covered with concrete interlocking tiles, but even so. There is a corrugated asbestos cement sheet roof over the adjoining outhouse, part of which has been converted into a hallway or rear lobby off which is a cloakroom and a utility cupboard. I think my Clients are more likely to win the lottery without even buying a ticket than to contract asbestosis in this situation, but... Windows have been replaced and the roof is reasonably insulated. Internally the house is large in good condition. There is however no parking, but it is quite ‘frightening’ how many cars are parked there during the day; it's almost worse than central Bristol. Alas today, there are more cars than woods or a river, but it was reasonably peaceful…   more »