Courtfield House, Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Site plan
Few homes carry with them a story as rich and layered as Courtfield House. Standing at the heart of Courtfield Gardens, this Grade II* listed residence is one of Trowbridge’s most significant historic buildings, a place where the ambitions of the Industrial Revolution, the artistry of the Arts and Crafts movement, and the life of a thriving school have each left their mark.
The house was built around 1762 by John Cockes, a prominent local clothier whose enterprise was central to Trowbridge’s rise as one of England’s foremost centres of woollen cloth production. Constructed in Flemish bond brickwork, the original building followed a double-pile plan, with refined reception rooms to the front and active workshops to the rear, a design that balanced the demands of a gentleman’s residence with the practicalities of commerce.
Over the following century, Courtfield House grew and evolved. By the 1770s the adjoining workshop had been erected; by 1780 the rear attics had been rebuilt to increase their capacity. In the mid-19th century, canted bay windows were introduced to the principal reception rooms, flooding them with light. Between approximately 1860 and 1887, the house underwent a more dramatic transformation: the workshops were incorporated into the domestic dwelling, the garden elevation was given a characterful Arts and Crafts treatment, and the coach house was added. A loggia connected the former workshop to the main house, and a remarkable room of light timber-framing infilled with herringbone brickwork was constructed above.
The house remained in the ownership of woollen manufacturers until the mid-20th century; its story intertwined with the mills and workshops that once surrounded it. In the 1970s it became Roundstone Preparatory School, providing specialist facilities for dance and serving the local community for over four decades, before closing in 2012.
Now sensitively restored and reimagined as four unique homes, Courtfield House offers a rare opportunity. To live here is to become part of a continuing story, one that stretches back more than 260 years and remains as compelling as ever.
Interested in this development?
Steeped in charm and character, Trowbridge provides an appealing lifestyle for residents of all ages. The picturesque town centre features a traditional market, independent shops, and welcoming cafés, while nearby attractions such as Trowbridge Museum, housed in a restored 19th-century mill, offer insight into the town’s rich industrial past. For everyday shopping, residents are well served by a choice of major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco Extra, Asda, and Lidl, all conveniently located within the town. The Shires Shopping Centre and The Gateway retail park provide a broad range of high street names and well-known brands, complemented by Cradle Bridge Retail Park, home to an M&S food hall. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Courtfield Gardens is ideally located close to attractive green spaces and the tranquil River Biss, perfect for leisurely walks and moments of relaxation.
Trowbridge also offers an impressive selection of dining and leisure options. The St Stephen’s Place leisure quarter is a particular highlight, bringing together the ODEON multi-screen cinema complex, Wagamama, Prezzo Italian Restaurant, and the popular Valeroso Lounge, a stylish all-day bar and restaurant, all within easy reach. For a more intimate dining experience, Avonfield at The Old Town Hall in the heart of the town centre provides excellent brunch and café fare, while LJ Hugs on Stallard Street is a highly rated local favourite. Active residents will appreciate Trowbridge Sports Centre, offering swimming, badminton, squash, and more, as well as Castle Place Leisure Centre, a well-equipped gym conveniently situated in the town centre.
Residents of Courtfield Gardens benefit from excellent transport connections, with Trowbridge Railway Station providing regular services to Bath, Bristol, and London, making commuting and leisure travel effortless. Road links via the A350 and A361 further enhance connectivity across Wiltshire and beyond.
Families moving to Courtfield Gardens will appreciate the range of educational facilities available in Trowbridge. The town boasts several well-regarded primary and secondary schools, providing a nurturing environment for children of all ages. Additionally, the nearby Wiltshire College Trowbridge campus offers further education and vocational courses, ensuring that residents have access to a comprehensive range of educational opportunities.