Savills plc

04/15/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2021 08:53

An architectural walk around Montpellier, Cheltenham Spa

Inspired by my colleagues' blogs exploring the streets of London and taking in new developments en route, including London on foot: a property walk through Ealing, I decided there was no better time to take a walking tour of Cheltenham, the vibrant Cotswolds town in which I live and work.

Often dubbed the 'centre of the Cotswolds', Cheltenham is one of England's finest whole Georgian towns surrounded by beautiful countryside. Its architecture is synonymous with its Regency heritage, however that doesn't mean it's lacking in new development, as we shall see.

My walk starts and returns to Imperial Gardens, one of Cheltenham's many well-used municipal gardens. Cross the road towards The Ivy restaurant which is within the Rotunda, a Grade I listed building, originally a pump room dating from the early 19th century.

As you walk past the boutiques and cafés on Montpellier Walk you'll see iconic Regency architecture in the form of The Caryatids. These 'armless ladies' are actually a type of column which support the shops' architectural facades.

The attractive architecture continues as you make your way down the Promenade. Here, the buildings play host to a plethora of hip bars and restaurants, such as 131 and The House. On your right now is Imperial Gardens which boasts beautiful flower displays throughout the year. The main shopping area is beyond the next junction but we are going to turn left here and continue up St George's Road.

At the junction of St George's Road and Bayshill Road, take in the lovely Georgian buildings of Cheltenham Ladies' College and the newly restored One Bayshill - a retirement development by Pegasus. The stucco detailing of the two imposing Grade II listed villas is stunning and a contemporary building links the two.

Continue up the hill and you'll come to Rivershill, a brand new development with a contemporary aesthetic. Rivershill replaces a rather ugly Sixties' tax office and will be home to a collection of one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses with balconies and a residents' gym.

Turn left into Overton Park Road and keep to your left. At the Parabola Road junction you will see the spire of Christchurch ahead. The area has a wealth of attractive period buildings including a row of Grade I listed Italianate villas on Malvern Road.

Not far from Cheltenham Spa Station, at the end of Christchurch Road you will find one of Cheltenham's most significant developments of recent years - 59 Lansdown. Created by CALA, the scheme is entirely new but very much inspired by the classic Regency style and designed to enhance the local vernacular.

Turn left down Parabola Road and most of the Georgian and Victorian villas you see are owned by the Ladies' College. At the end, by the Malmaison hotel, another handsome Georgian villa, continue across to Montpellier Street where you find the best of Cheltenham's individual boutiques, wine bars and restaurants all within Georgian facades.

Turn the corner to the right and you're back where we started at Imperial Gardens, but my advice would be to take a seat outside the Montpellier Wine Bar with a coffee or glass of wine and indulge in a spot of people watching while taking in Cheltenham's relaxed country town vibe.