Pastel perfect
THIS WEEK: Vibrantly coloured homes, including this cracker in Christchurch
WITH its pastel- pink colo uri ng a nd unique Georgian r i v e rside charm, it’s no wonder Bridge Place is one of the most photographed homes in the Dorset market town of Christchurch. Now it is on the market for the first time in 30 years.
That’s how long the current owners, Barry and Joanne Stickland, have lived there, during which time they have become used to passersby taking snaps of the property.
‘ The house has become well known in the area, which makes it very special, and a unique place to live,’ says Barry.
Appropriately, Barry is an awardwinning photographer himself and a number of his works hang in the house. And Barry and Joanne’s son Mark has followed i n his father’s footsteps, specialising in wedding photography.
Inside, Bridge Place’s master bedroom is undoubtedly its most eyecatching feature. Painted in shades of pale green, yellow and blue, the walls depict a garden, with the barrel-vault ceiling being the sky.
‘It took three people three weeks to do,’ says Barry, adding that the chief artist came down from London. ‘ The painting was done in 1999 and it’s a beautiful and relaxing room to stay in.’
Bow windows in the elegant living room and master bedroom offer views across the River Avon to Christchurch priory and castle, and watching the vista change throughout the year is something Joanne will miss greatly.
‘Being so close to the river makes you aware of the seasons, with the ever-changing colours and wildlife, like otters, kingfishers and woodpeckers. No two months are the same. We love to relax by the river and watch the world go by.’
A bespoke conservatory at the property contains colourful plants, including an unusual desert-dweller called a cereus.
‘By day it looks like any other house plant,’ says Joanne. ‘However, by night it magically transforms into a colourful plant with exotic blooms. When the flowers come out there is a gorgeous scent. The flowers are white with a pink tinge and the size of a dinner plate! The flowers stay out all night but by day they completely close.’
Bridge Place has four double bedrooms and a split- level loft conversion room that could be used as a fifth bedroom.
Outside, there is a secluded garden with a landscaped lawn, raised decking area and pagoda. The outdoor space has been specifically designed so there is a place where you can sit and wave to people in their boats as they slowly navigate up or down river, and there is a private mooring too.
Bridge Place also has electronic gates and a double garage.
Barry and Joanne, who have two children, have fond memories of family get-togethers, especially at Christmas, when they would all gather in the grand dining room for lunch. ‘ We’d love to stay in Christchurch, having lived here for 30 years,’ says Joanne. ‘ We know the area well, our children were born here, so why move to another area?
‘It all depends what other properties are available. We need to find somewhere smaller, and with fewer stairs to climb, as we are both in our 80s.’