Join SoGlos as we step inside May's featured property — the Zookeeper's House.
Found at the tip of Cheltenham's desirable Park Estate, Zookeeper's House is one of the Regency town's most iconic residences.
Brought to market by Savills, this quirky Grade II-listed Italianate villa is a rare find and comes complete with modern furnishings and a rich and colourful past.
The lowdown
Designed by renowned local architect Samuel Daukes — probably best known for his work on churches and other religious builds, as well as Lansdown Station — in around 1865, this striking property was originally created as the residence for a keeper at Gloucestershire's Zoological Gardens.
Set over three floors and extending across more than 3,500 sq ft, the five-bedroom, three-bath home is a showcase of timeless elegance and considered restoration.
Exterior highlights
Famous locally for its unique exterior, the property is striking with its soaring sash windows, original detailing and viewing tower — a Cheltenham rarity — which allows for breathtaking views across the town and the Cotswolds.
It also boasts a private garden with manicured lawns that wrap around the home, providing a serene, leafy setting that enhances the property's sophisticated presence.
Interior highlights
Venturing inside, on the bottom floor you'll find the heart of the home — its bright, open-plan kitchen.
Facing out into a cosy family room, the kitchen is fitted with a bespoke range of top-grade units, complete with integrated appliances and a sweeping central island — providing ample space for entertaining.
Adjacent to the kitchen is a cosy and colourful dining room, alongside a utility room and cloakroom, so storage is aplenty.
There's also a good sized living room space, with a huge bay window to allow for floods of natural light.
Upstairs, five generously sized bedrooms are arranged to balance comfort with style, with the main principal suite enjoying an open-plan layout with dual-aspect views.
Two further bedrooms, a stylish family bedroom and a peaceful office area complete the first floor, while the top level offers two more bedrooms, ideal for overnight guests, as well as a low-arched doorway that leads to an original smoking room and the viewing tower.
SoGlos loves
Feel like a movie star in the spectacular bathroom that features as part of the principal suite in the home.
Bathtime may prove irresistible thanks to the freestanding bath, where everyday stresses can be soaked away while gazing through the windows at the glorious gardens that surround the property.
Price: £1,695,000
For more information: The full listing is available to view via the Savills website.
