First time buyer finds perfect riverside apartment with City & Country
When Edward Markland was considering his first home purchase in Bristol, he knew he wanted something alongside the River Avon and close to the city centre for work. The 29-year-old commercial property manager, who moved to Bristol after graduating from university in Bath, first visited The General – City & Country’s iconic regeneration of the former Bristol General Hospital – over two years ago and knew upon sight that it would be his future home.
He explains: “I’d been renting in Bristol for a couple of years, and knew the city was where I wanted to buy my first home. I had originally put in an offer for another property further up the river, but when I heard about the Edward VII Wing at The General, my head really turned.”
Knowing this would be the last time living alone before having a family in the future, Edward had a specific idea of what he wanted from his apartment. The location and proximity to local amenities, as well as the historical features, set The General apart from many other properties he visited in Bristol. He purchased off-plan last year and is excited to be moving in this month.
“I bought my two-bedroom apartment because the double height ceilings in the living and dining area really made it stand out for me”, he says. “I’m working from home at the moment, and the space is perfect to allow me to continue doing so with ease. I also love that it has an incredibly large balcony that overlooks the river, which I cannot wait to use this summer.
“This is likely to be my final move before I eventually settle down, and I wanted it to be perfect for my lifestyle now, as well as having investment potential for the future. I’m excited to move in and begin this new chapter of my life.”
The final conversion and new build apartments are now for sale at The General, one of Bristol’s most notable historic landmarks. These include those in the Edward VII Wing – an exclusive collection of two and three-bedroom apartments like Edward’s, that form part of the wider Grade II listed hospital that has already been restored and converted. Designed by George Oatley, the renowned Bristolian architect responsible for Bristol’s Wills Building, the wing was built in 1912 as an addition to the original hospital where it served as a nurses’ ward.
A glazed atrium has been added to the rooftop of the wing, creating a collection of showstopping penthouses that provide panoramic views across Bristol. Additionally, a concierge service is provided, as well as secure underground car parking.
All apartments are light and spacious thanks to their open plan layouts and large original windows. Apartments feature premium and contemporary kitchens, all finished with fully integrated Neff appliances, and ample storage space.
The development is ideally located just a short walk from Bristol city centre and Temple Meads Station. At lower street level, The General is also home to a collection of commercial properties which have been included within the masterplan to aid investment, economic growth and vitality within the immediate area, including restaurants Casamia and Paco Tapas, a gym and hair salon.