St James's Square, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2TS

“A resplendent restoration of an 18th century Georgian townhouse in one of the country’s most celebrated architectural landscapes”

Set on St James’s Square, one of the City of Bath’s most distinguished residential squares dating to the 1790s, this south-facing Grade I-listed home is nothing short of exceptional. A rare unmodernised 18th-century Georgian archetype, it demonstrates a masterclass in restoration by an expert panel of architectural conservators and historians, as well as traditional artisans. Recently featured in World of Interiors, the house spans over 4,600 sq ft, including five storeys and a sub-basement, the house elegantly unfolds over five bedrooms and some truly remarkable reception rooms.

Setting the Scene

This astonishing square was built between 1790 - 1793, to the design of prominent architect John Palmer comprising forty-five terraced townhouses. It remains one of the few Grade I-listed residential Georgian squares in the country and the only complete Georgian communal garden square in Bath (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The central garden is still privately maintained for its residents, and the St James’s Square annual Summer Garden Party is a highly anticipated community event.

Sensitive restoration, overseen by conservation architect Rhys Brookes, reinstated this exquisite home from five separate apartments, in line with the original floorplan. Details have been added with utmost care and faithfulness to the period and make use of traditional materials, melding historic fabric with state-of-the-art power and plumbing systems. The finishes are meticulous inside and out, with jewel-like colours by natural paint specialist Edward Bulmer on the walls, new sash windows (bar three original) all designed with expert guidance from architectural historian and historic building consultant, Charles Brooking, and the Mansard roof re-fitted with natural Welsh slate. The whole building has been insulated with cork bark. The delicate façade was cleaned and repointed by hand with a honey-hued natural Bath stone ashlar finish, while significant changes to the original design note the considered relocation and enlargement of the kitchen. Lovingly sourced features have been reinstated, including some truly exceptional chimneypieces and all fittings are reclaimed antique or ethically sourced. Most of the wonderful furniture and fittings in the house are available via separate negotiation.

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