Summary:
THE CURATED PROPERTY COMPANY PRESENTS : Bath is celebrated for its rich history, architectural beauty and luxurious living, and Pitt House is perhaps one of the finest jewels amongst its treasures. Once home to Britain’s youngest ever Prime Minister, the sumptuous interiors in this double fronted, four storied, six-bedroom residence - for it is much more than a house – resonate with a natural confidence, an easy elegance, a melding of old and new, befitting its esteemed previous owner.
The Space:
As the impressive bronze plaque on this Grade I Listed townhouse states, William Pitt the Younger lived here in 1802, between his two terms of office as Prime Minister. Prominently positioned on the corner of an impressive Georgian terrace and the stately Great Pulteney Street, there are views to the River Avon and the Grade II listed Empire Hotel beyond, as well as across Laura Place with its formal fountain, which itself is just a few steps from Pulteney Bridge. This is indeed prime location, and a truly premiere property.
From the wide pavement of Johnstone Street you approach the front door, flanked by a pair of grand urns with spiralling box topiary. Naturally sunlit from the top floor skylight, the gracious open hallway, with its superb cantilevered stone staircase, invites you further in. To the right is a multi-functional reception room with leather tub chairs and an elegant round table, cushioned window seats and a tall black and gilt Regency mirror over the tile-slipped original fireplace. Part cloakroom, part library, part snug, this room has charming street views and, like much of the ground and first floor, is decorated in warm neutral tones, with restored wooden floorboards, mushroom coloured walls and sisal rugs.
Across the hall, to the front, is the generous dining room, with views onto the street from its tall Georgian windows. It has perfect proportions and is rich with period details, from fireplace to cornicing, crystal chandeliers to gilded mirrors, whilst the walls are decorated in a contemporary birch wood wallpaper from Cole & Son. Here you can play host to ten around the wide antique refectory table, whether dressing it up with extravagant candelabra and fancy table linens or keeping it real for Take Out Tuesday. Adjoining is the grand bespoke kitchen handbuilt by Clayton Davidson, an impressive space providing ample built-in storage and display cabinets, stone worktops with double sinks and a unique walnut island unit with curved banquet seating around a circular breakfast table. The island includes an integrated wine fridge and induction hob, whilst a wall of cabinets houses two Miele ovens and two fridge freezers, which along with a microwave, two dishwashers, a larder and spice drawers provide every opportunity to be creative in the kitchen.
Ascending to the first floor one is impressed with the lofty ceiling heights, but more so with the enormous sense of space and the breath-taking views of the city and the countryside beyond, from either of the two adjoining rooms which create the main living area. To the front is a more formally styled space, with a pair of library chairs in front of the tall sash windows. Opposite is a sofa, and a wooden display cabinet fills the wall between, whilst a large square deep-buttoned leather ottoman takes centre stage in front of the fireplace - perfect for playing board games on of a winter’s evening. Beyond lies a more relaxed, mellow sitting area, with plump cushions, sparkling chandeliers, period sconces, and a sense of serenity. Here a rectangular ottoman is piled with books, encouraging you to lie back in either of the comfy sofas and put your feet up as you pretend to read… but with such a stunning view of the Empire Hotel it’s easy to get distracted.
Across the hall is the first of the comfortable guest bedrooms. Taking a pared-down approach, yet very much à la Francaise, with two upholstered Louis chairs, a wooden framed mirror with a carved floral swag decoration to the frame and a pair of giltwood three-arm candle sconces. Its simplicity belies its comfort, as the king size bed is piled high with pillows and the bespoke cushioned window seats offer a great vantage point to watch the world go by below.
The second floor is where you’ll find the principal bedroom and its en-suite. Luxuriously romantic, the bedroom wallpaper and soft furnishings are in a design called Hummingbirds depicting these delicate birds perched on flowering foliage, updated from an original 18th century handblock print from Cole & Son’s archive. The incredibly comfortable open metal-framed four poster bed is the big statement here however, a place of complete refuge away from the bustling City two floors below. The super king bed is flanked by a pair of antique marble-topped bedside chests of drawers and at its foot is a comfortable seating area in front of the fireplace with its pretty gilded detailing and tiled slips. Here, beneath the obligatory crystal chandelier, an antique French sofa and two curvaceous arm chairs make a conversation space around a mid-century brass framed coffee table. To the left of the fireplace stands an antique mahogany bookcase, whilst to the right, by the window sits a petite dressing table with an antique shield-shape vanity mirror.
The principal bathroom is equally impressive. In the middle of the sealed wooden floor is a freestanding bath, with taps and shower head centrally positioned, so two can very comfortably share. A spacious separate enclosed glass shower is on one wall, and a capacious pair of sinks with large gilt-framed mirrors above opposite, either side of the original fireplace, which now provides the perfect space for a well-stocked drinks trolley. There is also a shapely antique oak linen cupboard which carries all the fluffy towels you’d ever need.
Across the hall is the second king size guest room, freshly redecorated with a hint of pink and, like all the beds, has premium quality 220 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding to ensure a luxurious night’s sleep.
Up another flight of steps to the third floor where two further bedrooms are to be found - simpler in style but equally well furnished and comfortable. To the front of the house is a twin-bedded room. Hand built wardrobes give plenty of cupboard space and their mirrored fronts make the room seem much larger.
Adjacent is another super king bedroom in simple grey tones, with mustard and green accents in the cushions and pillows on the sofa and bed. An antique metal document box (not from William Pitt’s day) makes a great footstool, card or drinks table for late nights. Across the hall is the shared bathroom, again with standalone bath and separate glass enclosed shower, washbasin unit and toilet.
On the very top floor of the house is a laundry room and the sixth and final super king bedroom, with rooftop views across the city. This more contemporary layout has built in mirror-fronted wardrobes giving ample storage space, with a small antique table which acts as a desk in front of a floor-to-ceiling black framed mirror. Behind cleverly conceived sliding doors lies the ensuite bathroom, with a freestanding bath - again, perfect for sharing - a separate enclosed glass shower, washbasin on a wooden cupboard unit and a toilet.
Guest Access:
You have exclusive access to the whole house and there are a couple of sets of keys to let you come and go as you please. You will be greeted on the day by a member of our team.
The Neighborhood:
Being in such a prime position certainly has its advantages, with all the city’s diversions readily at hand. Pulteney Bridge is literally just around the corner, and leads to the heart of the City, whilst in the other direction at the head of Great Pulteney Street lies the Holburne Museum. Whichever way you turn you will be able to enjoy the excellent selection of High Street and independent shops, galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants and the heady night life that has been part of the city’s allure for centuries. Bath also hosts regular festivals, including art, literature, music and theatre as well as being home to Bath Rugby. Popular attractions such as The Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Abbey, the Assembly Rooms, Royal Crescent, The Circus and the Thermae Spa are all within a comfortable 15 minute stroll through the streets and alleys of TV’s Bridgerton. An excellent selection of free and paid guided walks, ghost, history and comedy tours, open-top bus and river boat trips are also available.
Getting Around:
Sadly we do not provide parking – if coming by car we recommend parking at Southgate Car park which also has electric charging points. There is limited on-street parking available nearby and throughout the city, payable per hour on the MiPermit app, and the property is in the Central Zone. Bath Spa train station, the Coach station, along with most of the city, is within 15 minutes walk from the property - a car is not needed if you intend to remain within the city centre. All shops, theatres, museums, restaurants and bars, parks and amenities are within easy walking distance from the house. Uber and local taxis are also available.
Other Things to Note:
When booking with us your stay will be protected by a Deposit Guarantee, Guest Guarantee and public liability provided by our risk management partner, SUPERHOG. To benefit from this protection you will be contacted by SUPERH0G directly to verify yourself.
Interaction with Guests:
We will be on hand throughout your stay to make it as enjoyable as possible for you :)
