Location

Commissioned by Sir William Pulteney, designed by Thomas Baldwin and completed in 1792, Great Pulteney Street is considered one of the most iconic and grandest streets in Bath with some of the finest examples of Georgian terraced townhouses. Bath is famed for its architecture and Roman history, as well as a cultural hub in the region and boasts several renowned venues including the Bath Abbey, the Theatre Royal and the Assembly Rooms amongst other famous historic sites and museums. It also offers a wealth of cultural, business and recreational facilities together with excellent schooling and two universities. These include Prior Park, Monkton Combe, King Edwards School, The Royal High School for Girls and Kingswood.

Communication links are excellent with a mainline railway from Bath Spa Station to London Paddington and there is easy access to the M4 motorway (10 miles) at Junction 18 for the Midlands, Southwest, Wales, London and Southeast. Bristol Airport lies 17 miles to the west, offering domestic and international flights.

Description

Great Pulteney Street was commissioned by Sir William Pulteney in the late 18th century, as part of his grand vision for the development of Bathwick, a suburb of Bath. The street was designed by architect Thomas Baldwin and completed in 1792, featuring a grand and impressive terrace of Georgian townhouses. Famous visitors include Jane Austin, who featured the street in many of her novels, Napolean III, and Lady Hamilton, a close friend of the Duchess of Devonshire, and mistress to Admiral Lord Nelson.

Chesterfield House, located at number 11 Great Pulteney Street, is one of the most notable buildings on the street. It is an immaculate and classic example of a Grade I listed Georgian terraced townhouse, arranged over six floors. The house has undergone extensive refurbishment and enjoys generous proportions typical of its era, with superb ceiling heights, elegant sash windows, original shutters, elaborate plasterwork, cornices and impressive formal entertaining rooms.

The main entrance hall leads into a formal dining room and a library /study, with a cloakroom at the rear. The first floor features two impressive reception rooms including a bright and airy drawing room and a withdrawing room connected by traditional wedding doors. A sheltered and sunny roof terrace is found on the half landing.

The beautifully appointed principal bedroom with a luxurious en-suite bathroom and dressing room is situated on the second floor; there are three further double bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower room, the other two with a shared family shower room, all on the third floor. The attention to detail continues on the lower ground floor, where there is a wonderful open-plan kitchen and breakfast room, which provides original flagstone flooring, bespoke kitchen cabinetry, high-specification appliances and a log burner.

The kitchen and laundry room both have external doors leading into the garden. There is a courtyard at the front of the property, and the vaults have been created into wine cellars. The basement level offers excellent leisure facilities including a cinema room, gym, sauna and shower room. The secondary garden kitchen is also located in the basement, with direct access to the garden.

The house was originally built as a grand private residence but has, during its life, been used as a hotel, boarding house, and maisonettes. Now fully restored to its former glory, including garaging for two cars and Mews House, Chesterfield House is now one of the finest examples of a Grade I Bath townhouse. Great Pulteney Street is considered one of the most iconic and grandest streets in Bath, with many of its buildings, including Chesterfield House, designated as Grade I listed buildings.

A short walk takes you to Pulteney Bridge, one of the most important bridges in England. It was designed by architect Robert Adam and completed in 1774. The bridge is named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. It is one of only four bridges in the World to have shops across its full span on both sides. The bridge's unique design and picturesque setting have made it a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Bath's rich architectural history.


Gardens and Grounds

The private and quiet landscaped garden at the rear of the house is a delight. It is accessed directly from the garden kitchen onto a terrace and from the main kitchen and laundry room via a handsome stone staircase. There is a generous terrace area ideal for dining and entertaining, an open mains gas fireplace, neat box and yew hedging, as well as colourful borders, shrubs, a variety of trees and a charming pond water feature.

The Mews House

The Mews House at 11 Great Pulteney Street sits peacefully at the opposite end to the main house at the rear boundary of the landscaped terraced garden. The house is in keeping within its surroundings and mirrors the main townhouse. The Mews House can be accessed from the garden or from Henrietta Mews.

The Mews house has been transformed into a stunning living space, with a large living room and kitchen, plus two en-suite double bedrooms. The ancillary accommodation makes an ideal guest suite or potential additional rental income. (Details of which can be requested). There is garaging for two cars below the accommodation.

The apartment has parquet wood flooring throughout and is entered through a spacious entrance hall with double doors opening onto the open-plan kitchen/living/ dining room. At one end of this main room, you have the living room and on the other a modern kitchen with a back wall of wall-to-base cupboards and integrated appliances. The dining area in between is big enough to seat 4-6 people. This space is a fantastic living and entertaining space with views over the landscaped garden. On either side of the entrance hall are the double bedrooms, both with en-suite shower rooms and built-in wardrobes. Both bedrooms overlook Henrietta Park, an historic seven-acre park. The park was opened in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and was named after Henrietta Pulteney, the wife of the original owner of the land. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, champion trees, and a spacious lawn.

The garage underneath has a separate entrance from the apartment and Is fitted with electric doors.

Directions

Walking from Queens Square, turn into Wood Street, carry over into Quiet Street and turn right onto New Bond Street. Turn right onto Northgate Street and left onto Bridge Street, then continue over Pulteney Bridge. Continue onto Argyle Street, past Laura Place Fountain and head east along Great Pulteney Street. Number 11 is approximately half way
down on the left hand side.