Bathwick Hill, Bath, Somerset, BA2

An exceptional early 19th century villa by John Pinch, exquisitely restored and immaculately presented, commanding one of Bath’s most prestigious addresses and incredible views.

Description

Spa Villa is an outstanding detached residence designed by the acclaimed Bath architect John Pinch and completed circa 1820 for Peter Futroye, a Flemish born painter of miniatures and native of Spa, from which the property takes its name. Set high on the graceful sweep of Bathwick Hill, the house embodies Bath’s refined Neoclassical tradition while retaining a distinctive and picturesque character.

Constructed in limestone ashlar beneath a slate roof, Spa Villa was originally conceived as an octagonal villa with a south facing garden projection. A sympathetic extension was added around 1840, and in 1877 the architects Gill & Browne further refined the garden elevation, replacing the original canted octagonal bays while carefully preserving Pinch’s classical centrepiece. The current owners have since undertaken a meticulous programme of restoration, elevating the villa to an exemplary standard throughout.

Today, Spa Villa stands as a beautifully preserved and sensitively enhanced example of Bath’s early 19th century villa culture - elegant, individual, and intimately connected to the landscape that surrounds it.

Internally

Approached from the roadside through an arched stone gateway, the façade to Bathwick Hill is elegantly restrained. A pathway leads to the front door flanked by mature hedging on either side.

Inside, Spa Villa is presented with exceptional care and craftsmanship, with every room thoughtfully refined by the current owners. The central entrance hall provides an immediate sense of arrival, showcasing the house’s original octagonal shape, leading the eye straight through to the drawing room at the rear of the house, which provides far reaching views across the gardens and the city beyond. This room is beautifully appointed with oak floors, a beautiful period fireplace and French doors opening on to the garden.

To the right of the hall, the family room offers a warm and inviting space, complete with bespoke handmade cabinetry and a full height feature window that opens westward directly onto the garden. On the opposite side of the hall, a beautifully appointed library/study provides a peaceful retreat, ideal for work or quiet reading.

The kitchen knits the ground floor accommodation together beautifully, occupying the eastern extension and is designed in an elegant shaker style, featuring an electric Aga, quartz worktops and a central lantern that floods the room with natural light. The room has a triple aspect, with notable views of the garden. There are two doors opening onto the garden to the rear and the side giving a charming outlook towards the Coach House and creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Upstairs, the first floor is arranged around three superb bedrooms. The principal suite spans the entire rear of the house, capitalising on the exceptional views and offering a luxurious en suite bathroom and a spacious dressing room. The remaining two bedrooms are both excellent doubles; one benefits from an en suite cloakroom. A large family bathroom sits off the landing, complemented by an additional separate shower room.

On the lower ground floor, the cellar has been comprehensively refurbished. Limestone flooring with underfloor heating creates a beautifully practical space that includes a stylish utility room and a characterful cellar retaining its original wine bins — a perfect blend of contemporary comfort and historical charm.

Garden and Grounds

The gardens at Spa Villa are truly exceptional and it is from the garden that the beauty of Spa Villa is best noted, with Doric columns framing the rear façade with classic Georgian symmetry. Occupying a rare and generous double plot, the garden enhances the house’s presence on Bathwick Hill and creates an outstanding sense of space. The landscaped grounds feature elegant topiary, mature and flourishing flower beds, and a large flat lawn, once a tennis court. The views are among the finest in Bath, stretching west over the National Trust meadows. A gate from the garden provides direct access to these beautiful open spaces. In addition, there is gated off street parking for numerous vehicles.

The Coach House

Set within the garden, the Coach House has been converted by the current owners with the same level of care and precision evident throughout the main villa. The first floor provides a beautifully finished bedroom with an en suite shower room, while the ground floor offers a bright living/garden room opening on to the garden, a separate WC and a further flexible room ideal as a gym or additional bedroom. The Coach House provides perfect ancillary accommodation for guests and/or an excellent workspace.

Location

Bathwick Hill is widely regarded as one of Bath’s most desirable residential addresses. Spa Villa occupies a superb position on the southwestern side of the hill, enjoying an excellent outlook across Bathwick Fields, National Trust farmland that protects the open rural setting. The views extend towards Prior Park and Widcombe, with the City of Bristol visible in the distance.

The location is exceptionally convenient for several well-regarded schools, including King Edward’s, Prior Park and Monkton Combe, as well as Bath University and The American Museum. The city centre lies within half a mile and offers an extensive range of shops and amenities, from restaurants and cafés to the Theatre Royal, Bath Sports Centre and the Thermae Spa. Just below the house, open countryside provides access to numerous beautiful walks, an appealing contrast to its proximity to the heart of the city.

Transport connections are excellent, with a mainline rail service to London Paddington (approximately 75 minutes) and Bristol Temple Meads (around 15 minutes). Junction 18 of the M4 is about 10 miles to the north.

Square Footage: 4,171 sq ft