Peartree Flowers chooses Bond’s Mill, Stonehouse for new venture

Lizzie Gissane has taken a life-changing leap by opening a new floristry business at Bond’s Mill in Stonehouse, owned by Robert Hitchins Ltd.

She has ditched a 20-year career in admin and launched the Peartree Flowers Floral Design Studio.

“I’ve always loved flowers and wanted to do something more creative than a desk job would allow. I began helping a florist friend and realised I had a bit of a knack. She was very encouraging and said – ‘go on, you can do it’, so I did,” said Lizzie.

 “I can’t run the business from my home. Then I found Bond’s Mill and it was perfect.”

Peartree Flowers has taken a five-year lease on The Gallery, a 590 sq ft workspace at the business park which is situated alongside the Stroudwater Canal in a mix of refurbished Victorian mill buildings and modern commercial premises.

Helen Hawke from Robert Hitchins welcomed Peartree Flowers to Bond’s Mill which offers on-site management, parking and a café.

“The Gallery is a unique space within the mill and Lizzie’s use for it is perfect,” she said.

“With 50 tenants, Bond’s Mill accommodates many start-ups as well as established companies.

“A floral design studio adds to the wonderful range of businesses here which includes accountants, solicitors, energy specialists and a WW1 model aeroplane kit supplier.”

Peartree Flowers Floral Design Studio caters for wedding and private functions as well as corporate events and retail clients.

“The Gallery at Bond’s Mill is an excellent space for me. It has so much character,” said Lizzie, who has lived in the Stroud area for 15 years.

“I’ve left the walls in their original state so I can see the history of the building all around me - like the mark on the wall from the old mill wheel.

“The huge windows allow in a lot of natural light, but there is also plenty of space to store flowers out of direct sunlight.”

Bond’s Mill is conventiently located on the A419, close to Junction 13 of the M5 – and to Lizzie’s route to Bristol’s flower market.  “After an early start at the market I treat myself to a fresh coffee from the Café at Bond’s Mill before I unpack the flowers.”

The agent was Andrew Watton Property Consultants.