New Year – New instructions Part 3

A very high spec development, completed in 2007 and situated on the southern ridge of Bath off Midford Road. Built by the well respected local developers, Future Heritage, the majority of homes on the development are constructed in gently sweeping crescents. A lot of thought went into the building of these houses and you can certainly see plenty of echoes of Bath’s World Heritage status within this development.

This substantial end of terrace house comprises of; kitchen/dining room, sitting room, WC and study/bedroom 5 on the ground floor. Four upstairs bedrooms (one with en-suite) and master bathroom. Externally there is an enclosed rear garden, as well as a garage which could be developed further.

Once you turn into Kempthorne Lane from Midford Road, follow the road around to the right and in the direction of number 55. Once you turn off to the right, the property will be found on the second row, on your left hand side.

Historical Notes: St Martins Hospital was built between 1836 and 1838 as the Bath Union Workhouse. Model plans were designed by the architect to the Poor Law Commissioners, Samuel Kempthorne, for the City of Bath Architect George P Manners. The unusual hexagonal style of the building with Y shaped wings is only found elsewhere in Britain in Abingdon – another Kempthorne design. The hospital chapel, designed by Manners in a Gothic Revival style, was opened in 1846 and a new lunatic ward added in 1857.

We haven’t seen a property with this much potential for some time and can assure you your imagination will run wild once you’re playing around with the best ways to enhance this family home.
With just over 1300 sq ft of accommodation, this semi-detached home offers; kitchen with door into integrated garage, entrance hallway and 29′ sitting/dining room on the ground floor. Three bedrooms and modern shower room on the first floor. Externally there are two garages and two driveways with hard standing areas for off street parking. Front and rear gardens as well as a side garden which, subject to planning permission, could be extended onto. Certainly liveable as it is with double glazing and gas central heating.

Full details, internal photos and floor plans on our website as always.

New Year – New instructions Part 2

We challenge you to find another Edwardian end of terrace house in Bath offering features to the extent this house does for under £200,000, let alone £190,000. Two double bedrooms and modern bathroom on the first floor, two good sized reception rooms and kitchen on the ground floor. Extra benefits outside to include a GARAGE to front and gardens to rear/side. The property has gas central heating, double glazing and has recently had new carpets, decoration and some further work.

From our office in Moorland Road proceed to Shophouse Lane and just before meeting the main high street, Orchard Terrace will be found on your left hand side. The property is the last house on the end of the terrace.

Historical Notes

Originally listed as built in 1904 and named as Orchard Cottages (most of the land now occupied by Landseer Rd, Highland Rd and Orchard Terrace is shown as orchards and market gardens on various maps of the period), the residents of the first 9 houses to be built included weavers, gardeners, dyers and bricklayers. By 1907, Orchard Cottages comprised of 35 homes, with No9 being occupied by a Mrs Louise Bullin (also listed as Ballin, with neighours at No8 of Mr A Bryant and No10 of Mr J.S Grant). A year later, the row was re-named in directories as No1 – 9 Orchard Terrace which begs the question where did the other 26 houses go? Given address changing was quite common in the early 20th century, it is possible the remaining homes became part of Landseer Rd or Waterloo Buildings.
By 1910, No 9 Orchard Terrace was the home of J.W Anstey, a local plumber, who lived in the house at least until 1961 – a remarkable tenure for any property.

I defy you not to love every inch of this spectacularly beautiful Oldfield Park family home! Three floors of accommodation, with a huge master bedroom in the dormer loft conversion, immaculately presented throughout and tucked away at the bottom of this quiet cul de sac right next to the park. Long rear garden with garage at the end, a total of three double bedrooms, full width kitchen/breakfast room to rear, palatial first floor bathroom, oodles of character – the list goes on and on. Full details and internal photos to follow shortly but, if you’re after a house in Oldfield Park, you’re unlikely to find a better one on the market so book a viewing swiftly.

Historical Notes

Lymore Gardens first appears in Bath street directories in 1907, with No’s 2 through 15 listed. The remainder of the west side houses were built and occupied between 1908 and 1910. The first listing of No30 is in 1927, suggesting the east side houses were either named differently or built considerably later than the homes on the other side of the road. In 1927, No30 was occupied by John Tanner, whose occupation is listed as a compositor (someone who set type into frames for mechanical printing devices – a job that required the ability to read in mirror image, which apparently comes easier to the left handed!). By 1929 the resident was Sidney Albert Tovey, who was followed by Alfred Maylott (an electrical fitter) in 1931.

Chic, convenient and characterful. Classic Bath Georgian grandeur in this exquisite first floor corner building conversion, with 65sqm of perfectly presented accommodation, located in the heart of Lansdown just above the Assembly Rooms and the Circus. Considerably larger than many one floor conversions, average ceiling height 12ft1, views to both sides and a profusion of period detail. Immaculate communal areas with a spectacular cantilever staircase, maintained by a residential management company. Generous 16ft5 x 14ft4 sitting room, two double bedrooms, bathroom, separate W.C and a large kitchen with plenty of space to dine. Residents parking permit on road outside.

From the city centre, proceed up Lansdown Road and turn second left into Bennett St. Turn first right into Russel St and right into Rivers St. The property will be found immediately on your right.

Tenure details

Brunswick House is run by a residential management company. The monthly service management charges for Flat 3 are £55pcm. Each flat has a residue 999yr lease from 1973 whilst the management company holds the freehold.

Historical Notes

Brunswick Place is built on the intersection of the Via Julia ( a Roman road running from Bath to Caerleon in Gwent) and the Fosseway. Developed from the late 1760′s alongside Rivers St by John Wood the Younger (who purchased the land from the Rivers Estate, owned by Sir Peter Rivers Gay), Brunswick Place was built in 1786 and is the last of the adjacent terraces to be constructed (Rivers St built between 1775 and 1786 whilst Montpelier was built in 1770 – 1776). These houses were, for some time, the northernmost boundary of the built up area of the city.
The church opposite (Christ Church Julian Rd, built 1798 by John Palmer) is “the first instance in England of a free church erected primarily for working class families and servants unable to afford pew rents”. The Museum of Bath at Work behind Christ Church is “a rare example of a Royal Tennis Court” and was built in 1777 by Richard Scrase.

Full details, photos and floor plans on our website as always.

New Year – New instructions

A sylvan setting yet right in the heart of the city. Hidden within Hedgemead Park (accessed only via steps from the Paragon or Ainslies Belvedere), this quite gorgeous Grade 2 listed semi detached townhouse offers seclusion and stunning views whilst being only the length of Walcot St away from city amenities. A quirky upside down layout inside, with reception space on the first floor to take advantage of the views, but beautifully presented and recently upgraded. Huge 30ft sitting room with three windows facing south, kitchen/diner with balcony, utility, W.C, three bedrooms (2 doubles and a generous single) and a superb large bathroom. Outside, the property has a 35ft x 15ft south facing terrace and a secluded side courtyard. Quite beautiful – offered with no onward chain and well worth an inspection. Sole Agents. First viewings Sat 14th Jan

Gloster Villas is accessed via steps from the junction of London St & the Paragon. The steps are located to the left of Hayes.

English Heritage listing details – Gloster Villas. Situated in gardens above London Street. Circa l840-50, 2 pairs of 2 storey ashlar villas. Plinth, plat band and low hipped slate roofs, flat eaves. 3 windows each to Nos 3 and 4, no glazing bars to sashes. 2 panel doors with rectangular fanlights. Nos 1 and 2 have one window each with front divided by pilaster strip. Porches to sides with plat band carried over as cornice, blocking courses.

Historical Notes – Forming part of the Hooper Estate (purchased in 1699 by William Hooper), the area now occupied by Hedgemead Park once housed several terraces of Georgian origin. Hoopers Court, Somerset Buildings (not to be confused with Somersetshire Buildings on Milsom St), Mullings Buildings and Somerset Terrace once stood here. Out of the 271 houses on the site, most were damaged or destroyed in landslips occurring between 1860 and 1881. Hedgemead Park (the area was once known as “edgemead”, although some maps show it as Hyde Park) dates from 1889 after the land was acquired by the Corporation in 1883.
Gloster Villas was the last housing to be built on the Hooper Estate and the only terrace to survive to present day. Possibly named after Queen Anne’s son, the Duke of Gloucester or more prosaically after the Gloucester Hotel (which once stood at 21 & 22 Somerset Bldgs). Only three owners are recorded between 1912 and 1975 (Ames Foster, Edward Sellick and Cyril Field).

In terms of space and size, this is sure to be up there with some of the most generous Georgian apartments under £200,000. Situated on the second floor and just behind the cosmopolitan high street of Larkhall, we are sure this is going to appeal to first time purchasers, couples or investors. Once past the imposing facade these buildings offer, the apartment itself houses an good double bedroom overlooking St Saviours Church, an 18ft x 12ft sitting room, bathroom and a modern kitchen/dining room. Well presented and located – an ideal city base.

You can access Beaufort East from the London Road by turning next left after St Saviours Rd and then immediately right. The entrance to the property is found opposite the green.

Historical Notes – In 1812 Larkhall (larks corner) had very few inhabitants and the few buildings and land were sold in 6 lots by public auction on a 1000yr lease (the Hooper Estate had previously leased the land in 1792 to a consortium of trades who fell into financial difficulty and defaulted). The development and growth of Larkhall village took off between 1840 and 1860, centred on the Larkhall Inn (established in 1784 and previously the Manor House – its location on the old Gloucester Rd made it an important staging post for the mail coaches). In 1832, a mineral water spring was discovered in the village and Mr Blackwin built the Larkhall Spa in 1834 – it was in use up to 1930 when the spring finally dried up.

A very grand conversion of a former hotel, situated in the heart of Bath and just off George Street. Marble flooring and detailed ornate plasterwork will welcome you as you set foot into the building. There is a very grand cantilever staircase leading to all floors. However, there is also a lift for those who wish a rather more leisurely route.

Being a classic first floor apartment, you have all the traditional benefits of nice high ceilings and generous room dimensions. There is a very good sized living room with a kitchen area adjacent. The bedroom and bathroom are both situated of the landing as is a good storage cupboard. The apartment is presented in excellent condition with plenty of character and some large windows to the front giving you plenty of light. A must view if you’re after a city centre apartment.

Fountain House was built in 1740 as the residence of a prosperous local merchant. Bath was at its zenith then; the centre of Georgian society, administered by Beau Nash and fuelled by the industry of Ralph Allen.
Latterly, the building has been restored by the expedient of leaving the shell and putting a modern frame of reinforced concrete – thereby having the best of both worlds.

Full details and floor plans can be found on our website as always.

New properties in Weston Park and Oldfield Park

Hidden away next to the Botanical Gardens, at the top of a private drive, this 926sqft second floor Georgian conversion is a superb holiday let (generating £495 per week income) and occupys the entirety of the top floor of this imposing detached house. Surrounded by meticulously tended communal gardens and benefiting from two driveway parking spaces, the apartment is a superb city base (with the city centre under a mile away along Weston Road or through Royal Victoria Park). Internally, the property comprises of a generous sitting room, kitchen with space to dine and a balcony off, two double bedrooms and a large bathroom. Grand communal halls, glorious views to side and front, negotiable fittings/furniture – what more could you ask for in an investment or city pad? A wonderful alternative to Lansdown apartments, with major advantages in size, price and semi rural setting. Joint Sole Agents.

Tenure – Share of Freehold
Management Charges – £1088pa

Historical Notes

Meriden House was built on land leased from the Hospital of St John in 1793 and was originally under the auspice of Walcot Parish. The St Johns Hospitallers had leased the land from the early 1700′s to the Atwood family and, when the time came for renewal in 1790, the land was parcelled into five one acre plots. Henry Atwood built Ormond Place (now Ormond Lodge) in 1793, then began Cranhill House and Ormond Villa (renamed Meriden House in 1898).
The Atwood family were Weston locals. Thomas Atwood was a plumber by trade but  was also a City Councillor and Mayor of Bath. Given his political connections, he was routinely appointed City Architect for many Bath Corporation projects (including the Paragon, Oxford Row, the Guildhall and Grove St Gaol). He was killed during the collapse of a derelict building in 1775 and his apprentice (Thomas Baldwin) carried on his work. Thomas’s son, Henry Atwood (a Bath surgeon) took the leases of the Weston Road properties in question.
Ormond Villa had a name change to Meriden House under the ownership of Colonel Tredway Clarke, who took over the property in 1898. Born in Bangalore and a commander of the Madras based 21st Native Infantry, Colonel Clarke occupied Meriden until his death in 1924.

Royal Crescent views from the rear of this beautifully presented two double bedroom Victorian gem. Long rear garden, sparkling upstairs bathroom, superb side conservatory/office, two separate receptions and a flawless fitted kitchen.
Current accommodation, spread over two floors, comprises of; entrance hall, bay windowed sitting room, dining room, conservatory/office, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms and a rear facing bathroom. There is ample precedent in the road for loft conversions. The rear garden faces east and is approximately 58ft long. Double glazing throughout, gas central heating, fitted appliances in the kitchen and retained period features. Sole Agents.

Historical notes

Ringwood Road was built from 1897 onwards. No7 Ringwood Rd first appears in the Bath Street Directory in 1900. From the notes on surrounding neighbours, it seems construction was not quite finished at the time – in fact, the first occupier does not appear until 1907 (John Osborne, a local bricklayer). By the time of the First World War, the property was the residence of a Mr E. Webb, a local grocer. His tenure lasted until 1935, when the house was sold to an engineer by the name of Edwin T Knight. Mr Knight was the longest occupant of the house, staying until a sale to Mr Roger Williams in 1971.

Dorset Street and Southdown Road

Dorset Street £215,000 – Nestled conveniently in the heart of ‘Scotch Corner’, this beautiful home is a well presented two up two down Victorian mid terrace. The property, which is within not only a level walk of the centre but also just around the corner for Moorland Road shops  & Oldfield Park train station, comprises of: Entrance hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor. First floor houses two generous double bedrooms. To the rear there is a west facing enclosed patio garden whilst the property also benefits from gas central heating and double glazing. Cul de sac location with a park 40yds to the north.

Historical notes

First appearing in the Bath Directories in 1892-3 as the residence of John Lassman (a musician with bootmaker and hairdresser neighbours at 51 and 53 respectively), the house lay vacant between 1894 and 1897 before occupation by a printer called Henry Self, a presser by the name of Henry Phillips (1904) and Edwin Ball ( a sawyer) in 1913. Mr Ball moved to No13 Dorset St in 1915.

Southdown Road £169,950 – Perched on the hill above Oldfield Park, right on the bus routes and with glimpses of Lansdown from the front elevation. An enticing package for first time buyers or investors with accommodation comprising of – sitting room, kitchen/diner, utility, d/s WC, two generous double bedrooms and a large immaculate bathroom. Other homes in the road have subdivided first floor rooms to create three bedrooms. West facing enclosed rear garden, some double glazing, gas CH and the huge bonus of a driveway to the front. 50yds to local shops. A solid, well kept and comfortable home.

Historical notes

Constructed from the early 1920’s and well into the next decade, the Glebelands estate on Southdown was built on land transferred to the council from the local parish in exchange for a parcel of land on Mount Rd intended for St Barnabas Church Hall. No74 Southdown Rd was originally numbered as No46 then changed in 1958 to reflect further building in the area. Briefly occupied in 1929 by Leonard Pardon, the property was then taken over by Stanley C Ashman (a GPO engineer), who lived in the house up to and beyond 1974.

As always, full details, photos and interactive floorplans can be found on our website.