Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central

Key Features:
• Uniquely designed apartment
• Quiet city centre location
• Contemporary kitchen with breakfast table
• Two large original sash windows with working shutters
• Sumptuous studio room with 5' double bed, smart TV, sofa and extendable dining table and chairs
• Fabulous ensuite bathroom
• Underfloor heating
• Just a short walk to the Abbey and Bath's many attractions
• 10 minutes walk to railway station
• Steep stone steps down to the property


Full description

William Johnstone gave his name to this street as he developed what was to become the world-famous architectural heritage of the Pulteney Estate. Built at the end of the 18th century to designs by architect Thomas Baldwin, Johnstone Street is the epitome of classical Palladian architecture. Johnstone was reputedly the wealthiest man in Great Britain and 1767 became Sir William Pulteney, sharing the name and fortune of his wife, Frances Pulteney.

Houses such as this were built for people to come from their country estates to enjoy the attractions and entertainments of Bath. They would bring a small retinue of staff and the properties would be full of life and entertainment. This apartment has been created from the fascinating kitchens of the house on the lower ground floor - the original fireplaces which would have been the hub of the household can still be seen.

Johnstone's Retreat is approached down a steep set of original stone steps to the front courtyard - an ideal spot for breakfast or morning coffee on a summer's day. The main door leads to a loggia where guests may also sit with alfresco drinks or morning coffee.

A few steps lead up inside the apartment and a striking contemporary yet compact kitchen in red steel, complete with small dishwasher, fridge with ice box, 2 ring induction hob and combination convection oven and microwave. Here is also a sweet little antique Pembroke table - perfect for a quick meal or a glass of wine while dinner is being prepared.

The main studio room gives a striking and contemporary twist on the former Georgian kitchens which would have occupied this floor over two centuries ago. The bold terracotta walls give a warm glow to this high-ceilinged room with its sparkling chandelier and wash of light from the two enormous original sash windows.

Another feature given a 21st century twist is the great fireplace which today houses a digital and freeview TV where you can access all the major streaming channels as you cosy up on the sofa with a netflix movie. Adjacent is a built-in wardrobe with space to store a suitcase or two.

There is also an elegant drop-leaf antique table for dinner before you close the shutters at night, draw the curtains and slide into the sumptuous five-foot king bed beneath its tapestry hangings and tester overhead, complete with period fittings including crystal wall lights either side.

The half-panelled bathroom is sheer luxury with the focal point being the double ended roll top bath with shower over containing both a rain shower head and an adjustable hand held shower. You can enjoy a long soak here choosing one of the three lighting states available in this room. Beneath another of the historic fireplaces, now panelled with recycled timbers and marble, you can also find the washing machine. There is ample space here for additional toiletries and a further cupboard beneath the wash basin.

The property is just a 10 minute level walk to the Bath Spa mainline train and coach stations.