Architecture & Interior
Bridge Houses’ historic exterior styling is a complete contrast to the deco interiors which are a truer reflection of the building's construction date. It’s a solid construction. With its historic style elevations, initially, you might have an impression that the building's three floors are covered with squeaky floor boards, connected by creaky stairs. Well, it’s simply not the case. The entire building's concrete composition was a design detail that meant it withstood any attempted heist of the large amounts of cash stored here whilst serving as the community co-operative. A collection of thirteen individual artist studios dominates the rear of the ground floor. Creativity is now very much the focus of the building these days, but the use could easily be transferred to more business led operations if required, whether that be on a communal/shared basis or one company looking to consolidate teams of people in one central place. It doesn’t have to stop there either, the sheer scale of the ground floor means it would accommodate plenty of other ideas or opportunities to suit all manner of new innovative ventures. High ceilings & original herringbone floors details add to the ambience of the period. The grand front entrance through ornate double doors opens into a beautifully preserved slice of Art Deco. Terrazzo floors cover every sq. ft which continue into a further series of private office spaces and the community coffee shop. Big Georgian style windows and impressive ceiling heights combine to generate warmth and light which touches every corner. The self-contained owners apartment covers the entire first level, accessed via the sculpted staircase on the ground floor. It’s a hugely practical and impressive home. With a sizable family bathroom at one end, the central hallway divides the accommodation. A double bedroom, living room, large kitchen diner and study all fall on the left-hand side overlooking the street and all enjoy the same considerable ceiling heights as the ground floor. An opulent 44 ft room occupies the entire rear of the first floor. This wonderfully preserved former board room contains an enormous number of deco features and with windows on three sides, the whole space is flooded with light. It’s currently being used as a private studio for the owner but with little effort, could be the most sensational open plan reception room, allowing for some of the utilitarian rooms on this floor to be converted into additional bedrooms. At the top of the building, another self-contained, double bedroom, loft style apartment sits in the eyes of the roof. Including the tank room on this level, there's an impressive 1065 sq. ft. All the rooms have rooftop views of the local area and beyond. The lower ground floor serves primarily as a very cavernous area for storage and housing for the two efficient boilers that service the whole building. That said, with a little imagination, much of this area could be adapted to suit other commercial needs. It’s also where the original lavatories are found. These original art deco restrooms are original and un modernised but would make a unique feature once revamped. A private lift to all floors was installed during the 80’s and a new heating system just a few years ago. Whilst there’s plenty of potential for more casual alfresco space outside, the land which wraps around the building is used as parking for owners, tenants and customers. Trowbridge’s shopping scene is diverse and inviting. The Shires Shopping Centre, a focal point for retail therapy, houses a variety of well-known high street brands and independent boutiques. The bustling town centre streets are lined with an eclectic mix of stores, from fashion retailers to specialty shops offering everything from handcrafted goods to local produce. Don't miss the weekly market, where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and unique crafts. There are some exceptional coffee shops where you can relax and enjoy a warm cup. Arthaus, located on the ground floor of Bridge House itself is outstanding, serving locally roasted, modern third wave specialty coffee. Or Cesar’s, directly opposite Bridge House, offering a welcoming atmosphere with delicious brews and pastries. Leykers Coffee Central is another popular spot, known for its artisanal coffee and vibrant community vibe. Independent cafés like Grounded provide a perfect escape, featuring comfortable seating, excellent coffee, and a selection of homemade cakes and sandwiches. Historic pubs in the area are rich with history. The Kings Arms, a traditional English pub, offers a hearty menu and a range of local ales. The Stallards Inn is a favourite for its friendly ambiance and regular live music events. For a more contemporary pub experience, The Old Bear Inn combines modern décor with classic pub fare, serving everything from gourmet burgers to Sunday roasts. The town’s culinary landscape is equally impressive, with a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes. Prezzo, an Italian eatery, serves up delicious pizzas and pastas in a stylish setting. Namaste Trowbridge offers a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, with a menu rich in flavours and spices. For those seeking a fine dining experience, The Longs Arms delivers sophisticated dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Café Italiano provides a cosy setting for enjoying Mediterranean-inspired dishes, while Cinnamon Lounge is renowned for its exquisite Asian fusion cuisine. Parade House on Fore Street houses an independent micro-cinema and bar. The future for the High Street is also looking bright. An investment in Trowbridge of £16.1M means the Town Hall Arts Centre will reopen in April 2025 as part of this scheme. With neighbouring Trowbridge train station, Bridge House provides easy access to a host of destinations. Regular, direct train services whisk you away to Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester, London, Portsmouth, Salisbury, and Southampton. Additionally, nearby towns like Bradford on Avon, Bruton, Frome, and Westbury are just a short train ride away. Imagine reaching the heart of Bath in just 20 minutes. For those who prefer to drive, there’s easy access to the M4 and M3 motorways, paving the way for convenient journeys to London and the South West/West. Whether it’s rail or road, Bridge Houses’ central position connects you with both urban hubs and tranquil retreats. **Additional Information **