Paragon, Bath, Somerset

This exquisite Grade I-listed townhouse occupies a highly sought-after position on the Paragon, a late 18th-century terrace situated within the Bath Conservation Area. Set over six elegant storeys, internal accommodation extends to over 5,550 sq ft with exceptional far-reaching views across the city from the south-facing roof terraces to the rear.

Setting the Scene

Thought to have once been a Roman road, the Paragon forms an elegant parade of 37 Grade I-listed Georgian houses in the Walcot area of Bath city centre, designed by Thomas Warr Attwood. One of Bath’s earliest ‘crescent’ constructions, the Paragon predates works on the Royal Crescent. Numbers 22 to 37 were completed slightly later, by local mason Joseph Axford and notably, Jane Austen is thought to have lived temporarily at No. 1 the Paragon, which was her aunt’s home.

The handsome façade makes a wonderful first impression, characterised by classical Bath stone with a mansard roof sitting atop central pediments. Flat entablatures flank the first-floor windows, with Tuscan pilasters and pediments to the doorways. Internally, the decoration has been beautifully executed throughout, combining a restful colour palette with typically impressive Georgian proportions and subtle modern interventions.

The Grand Tour

The front entrance leads through to an impressive central hallway and on to an exquisite living room which occupies the southerly side of the ground level. Here, soaring ceiling heights create a palpable sense of volume while a period fireplace forms a natural centrepiece. Elegant French doors lead out to a large balcony from which the superb views across the cityscape and backdrop of green hills can be best enjoyed.

A bedroom is also arranged on this storey - a peaceful room which could well befit a home office. Deep-set cupboards provide ample storage and large sash windows bring a soft light, framing views to the Museum of Bath Architecture

Ascending the grand central staircase, the principal bedroom suite unfolds across the entire first-floor level. A generously proportioned dressing room is connected and an en suite bathroom lies adjacent, complete with a walk-in shower and free-standing bathtub positioned to enjoy the spectacular views. Offering great flexibility of use, the second and third storeys are configured as a completely self-contained space with four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen.

Descending the stone staircase from the entrance hall, the lower levels of the house present, quite unexpectedly, two floors of quite exceptional modern living space. Arranged in a sociable, open-plan layout, the bespoke kitchen is defined by stainless steel worktops, with appliances neatly integrated. A dining area is loosely arranged in the centre of the room, and glass doors open the entire space to a large roof terrace - a spectacular position to eat and drink to the hum of the city below. The adjacent room - once the original kitchen with the traditional ovens and flagstone flooring still intact - provides a more intimate setting.

Perhaps one of the most impressive spaces in the house lies at sub-basement: an enormous open room with full-height glazing spanning the length of the wall and timber flooring underfoot. This space offers great flexibility of use as a games or cinema room, or as additional living space. A large and useful utility/laundry room also lies on this level.

Out and About 

The Paragon lies centrally within the city, with all of Bath's well-loved highlights minutes' walk away.

Bath is well served by excellent retailers and restaurants, with a particular focus on independent provisors. Solina Pasta and Wolf Wine are fantastic recent arrivals, and Landrace and its bakery, Colonna and Small’s, Beckford Bottleshop, Corkage, and the weekly farmers' market are of particular note. The city’s cultural distractions are plentiful, with brilliant theatres and galleries; The Holburne Museum and The Edge arts centre both hold world-class exhibitions.

The area is renowned for the quality of its independent and state schooling, including St Stephens’ Primary School, King Edward’s and Prior Park College. Royal High, Royal High Junior School, Kingswood School and Kingswood Preparatory School.

Transport links are excellent, with Bath Spa train station (a level 10-minute walk away) running a direct line to London Paddington in under 80 minutes. The M4 motorway lies to the north of the city and is quickly reachable by car.

Council Tax Band: G