Sydney Road, Bath, BA2

One of Bath’s most iconic Georgian Buildings in a unique and stunning location above the Kennett and Avon canal

Description

Cleveland House was originally known as Canal House and was built as one of Europe’s first purpose built office blocks and is Grade II* Listed. Constructed to the designs of John Pinch the elder(1769-1827), it was the canal’s management headquarters until 1864. The property has been described by British Listed Buildings as one of the most architecturally refined buildings connected with canals, remarkable for its visual structure and functional relationship with the canal beneath.

Cleveland House has recently undergone a total refurbishment, resulting in the creation of a truly exceptional Bath residence. The highest quality of restoration has ensured the retention and replacement of a wealth of period features, whilst skilfully incorporating the latest technology and most luxurious contemporary features. Twin doorcases either side of the property lead to impressive stair halls. Both have cantilevered stone staircases, one climbing the full height of the building, whilst the more formal staircase leads up to the original boardroom on the first floor. This stunning room is now the drawing room. At 30ft long, with a 20ft high domed ceiling, decorated with beautiful landscape panels by the artist Michael Dillon, this room is a rare gem. A stunning centrepiece fireplace with carved stone and marble surround stands opposite the three large sash windows with their shutters, which face down the canal and across to Sydney Gardens.

The handsome kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with hand-crafted solid oak cabinets with granite work surfaces. This room’s two large sash windows offer a distinctly different, rural and surprisingly green view to the south, along the canal and its towpath. An impressive formal dining room leads off the kitchen, enjoying the same fine view and also featuring an attractive fireplace. This room leads into a study/library, with another fine stone fireplace. A door leads to the second staircase. On the ground floor are two magnificent bedroom suites, featuring opulent marble bathrooms incorporating standalone baths and walkthrough showers, alongside double-basin vanity units. At the far side of the house is a newly built, substantial family room. It would be quite possible (subject to the necessary permissions) to install an additional kitchen and bathroom here to create a self-contained annexe, if desired.

This spacious room leads through a rear lobby to a short flight of stairs up to a glorious first floor roof terrace. This large space is south-west facing, with incredible views across the city. The second floor offers two further double bedrooms, both with their own stylish, high quality bathrooms. The lower ground floor provides a further bedroom suite, and a media/film room. In addition, there are numerous ancillary rooms providing excellent storage, including a barrel-vaulted store room and wine cellars with the original bins. There is also internal access to the quadruple garaging.

Outside

There is a lawn to the front of the property and a small enclosed area at the rear of the property. Above the new extension is a spacious roof terrace with views towards the city. It has a south-westerly aspect and in line with everything else about this property - is unique.

Location

Cleveland House is built over the Kennet and Avon Canal in a delightful and picturesque setting. Opposite the property is an entrance to Sydney Gardens, Britain’s last remaining eighteenth century pleasure gardens. This is a delightful green space in the heart of the city, leading to the renowned Holburne Museum where Sydney Road meets Great Pulteney Street, one of the finest and widest Georgian streets in Europe, offering a short level walk directly into the centre of Bath.

The neighbouring 5-star Bath Spa Hotel offers numerous leisure facilities, and Bath Recreation Ground, home to the premiership rugby team, is close by. The range and quality of nearby schools, both primary and secondary, is excellent: options include St Mary’s Primary School, Bathwick, the Paragon, King Edward’s, Prior Park, Monkton Combe, Kingswood and The Royal High. Bath is a World Heritage city famed for its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture. With a variety of historical sites and many museums, it is also a year-round festivals city, ranging from the world-class annual Mozartfest to The Great Bath Feast. The Theatre Royal brings pre-London runs to the city, and it is famed for its high quality independent shops and award winning restaurants.

Communication links from the city are excellent, with a frequent direct rail link from Bath Spa Station to London Paddington (journey time from 85 mins) and Bristol Temple Meads (journey time from 15 mins). Bristol International Airport is approximately 19 miles to the south east and Junction 18 of the M4 about 10 miles to the north.

Square Footage: 6,456 sq ft