The Grand Tour

St James’s Square sits within the peaceful, sought-after northern slopes of Bath, equal distance from Royal Victoria Park and the renowned Royal Crescent. The front of the house is gently lit by morning sunlight, while sash windows frame a grand Tulip tree in the garden square opposite.

The front door opens to a fine entrance hall with original flagstone floor, and with pale blue-painted walls that wind up an imposing cantilevered stone staircase. All the original floors, cornicing and plasterwork have been lovingly repaired and restored throughout the home. From here, a clear line of sight depicts the private garden at the rear.

At the front, extending to the back of the house, is a delightful kitchen and dining room, conjoined by an exceptionally elaborate plaster arch. Its decorative moulding continues into an intricately worked cornice above. The kitchen is purposefully simple, complete with solid-wood units topped with marble surfaces and a restored cast-iron radiator beneath a tall garden-facing window. Reclaimed 18th-century fireplaces form ornate focal points, while original wooden floorboards continue through to a well-equipped larder.

A magnificent reception room occupies the front of the first floor, with three six-over-six sash windows that frame views of the square. This room is among the house's most compelling spaces: an abundance of natural light accentuates intricate plasterwork and a richly ornamented chimneypiece with a carved overmantel panel depicting an Aesop’s fable and carved by English sculptor, Sir Henry Cheere. Original patinated dry scraped plaster walls lend the room an arresting sense of authenticity. The first floor is finished with an additional living room currently arranged as a study and decorated in a vibrant blue by Edward Bulmer, and a separate WC.

Above, a principal bedroom extends across the full length of the house, with a designated dressing room and bathroom. Wonderful, classical proportions are amplified by pale pink walls and light drawn in through south-facing windows, while natural sisal carpet runs underfoot. At the rear, a door opens through to the bathroom room, this time with striking deep-red-painted walls and beautifully timeworn floorboards. Here, a 19th-century French copper bateau bath takes centre stage, elevated by a bespoke timber plinth and reclaimed stone step. A door leads through to a separate shower room, with marble shower tray, against pink Zellige tiles, and a Crittall shower screen. There is also a pink-painted dressing room. A convenient laundry room sits on a half landing.

Following the roofline, there are three bedrooms, one of which has an original stone fireplace, and the other is a newer 19th century one, and a shared bathroom. The bathroom is finished with a walk-in shower, bath, and tiles by Bert and May.

With the addition of the newly renovated, pared-back lower-ground floor, the house is wonderfully flexible, providing the option for a separate apartment. There are also two large enclosed vaults under the pavement, accessed internally and externally and are ideal for storage with new windows, doors and electrics. Planning permission was granted to use the annexe as a separate apartment if needed.

The Great Outdoors

From the ground floor, timber framed doors lead to an enchanting walled garden designed by David Oakley. Gravel paths weave through abundant perennial planting, beneath flowering shrubs and established evergreen trees that lend a remarkable sense of seclusion. Looking back towards the house, the rear elevation reads like an architectural palimpsest: orderly Georgian ashlar is interwoven with later restoration works, expressing the layered history that characterises so many of Bath's finest townhouses.

To the front, residents - if you decide to become a member of the St James Square society - have access to the beautifully maintained communal gardens at the centre of St James's Square, providing an expansive sweep of grass punctuated by mature trees, extending the greenery beyond the home’s boundaries.

Out and About

St James's Square occupies a peaceful position on the western side of the city centre, remaining one of Bath's quieter residential enclaves despite its proximity to the city's cultural life.

A short walk leads into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city, where the architectural landmarks of the Royal Crescent, The Circus and Pulteney Bridge are joined by independent galleries, bookshops and antique dealers. The museums of Bath, including the Holburne Museum, the Fashion Museum and No.1 Royal Crescent, are all within easy reach.

Excellent places to eat are found throughout the surrounding streets, from the neighbourhood atmosphere of Beckford Canteen to the celebrated kitchens of Landrace and the Michelin-starred Olive Tree. Green Park Station hosts a popular weekly farmers' market. There is also a brilliant grocers and deli located a stone's throw from the house called Eades of Bath.

Bath is particularly well served by both independent and state education. For transport, Bath Spa station is around a 20-minute walk away, providing direct services to London Paddington in approximately 75 minutes, while Bristol can be reached in around 15 minutes by train.

Council Tax Band: G