This fashionable building of about 1720 in the very centre of the town. Once there were others like it, but they have gone, taking with them the reputation of good architects practising in Bath before the more famous Woods. They must have found a good patron in George Wade (made Field Marshal in 1744), who was the city’s MP and whose London house was designed by Lord Burlington.

When we took it on in 1975, we first of all restored the windows and the shop front, and decluttered and restored the interiors. Later, we cleaned the front too, with sprinkled water and lime poultices to dissolve encrusted grime.

The second-floor rooms have good panelling and all the windows look along the west front of the Abbey. From here, on a level with the angels, you can see the great carving of Jacob’s ladder. There is also an exceptional view from the bathroom on the third floor, and from the bath.

All around there are more good things to see within walking distance than almost anywhere in Britain. Leave your car behind, come by train, live over the shop, just be in Bath.

View our history sheet for this Landmark

Sleeps: 4