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Greenbank is becoming increasingly popular with all buyers in Bristol, and Green Oak Crescent is no exception. The strong community feel, local eateries and prime location is what made homeowner Anna Bianchi stay happily put for six years. ‘I wanted to stay in the city, with more of a central location, but I also wanted somewhere that was quiet and had easy access to green space,’ says Anna. ‘I walk around Greenbank Cemetery most frequently, which I would call an urban nature reserve. The wildlife you come across are lovely, and it takes less than a minute to walk there from the property.’ It only takes around 25 minutes to reach the city centre on foot via the cycle path that runs behind the house, too.

The house itself has many eco-friendly characteristics, and while they weren’t the initial draw for Anna, she explains how they are beneficial. ‘The property has photovoltaic solar panels, which allow us to generate our own electricity. There is also a ventilation system in the house which ensures the air is clean, along with underfloor heating generated by water. The house is extremely well insulated.’

Remarkably, the whole crescent has been built using fresh green oak for the beams and doors and is certainly worth a stroll down. ‘The natural wood creates a warm and inviting feel inside the house,’ adds Anna. Alongside this unique street, the rest of Greenbank follows suit with an abundance of independent restaurants and cafés. ‘There’s Este Kitchen, and No. 12 Easton nearby,’ Anna recommends. ‘Sometimes, if I want to stretch my legs, I’ll head up to St George’s High Street, as there are some lovely little cafes around. I’ll also head to The Thali restaurant in Easton if I fancy a less traditional European breakfast – I like to have a chai and a paratha. Matter Wholefoods is a must-visit too. It’s a great shop and amazing to have on your doorstep.’

Bristol foodies may have noted that Anna’s surname sounds familiar – and you’d be right. Her close family members are well-recognised local restaurant owners and chefs, in the likes of Bianchi’s, Pasta Ripiena and Pasta Loco. But with a spacious open-plan kitchen at home, does Anna get to cook often? ‘I am not a keen cook, because my boys do it for me! I’m lucky to have two professional chefs as sons and a son-in-law who is a fabulous cook. I used to more often, but I’m not quite up to their standards.’

As the matriarch of her family, Anna decided that it was time to move back to St Werburgh’s, where she spent almost 28 years growing up, in order to be closer to her children and their families. ‘I’ll miss the community spirit of the crescent – the neighbours are so kind and there is such an amazing micro-community feel to living there.’

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