Bishop's House

Bathford

DESCRIPTION

Bishop’s House is a superb five bedroom house linked to a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion house. Bishop’s House which incorporates the Georgian dairy, was constructed in the 20th century, and is currently the subject of a significant refurbishment programme. The property offers excellent accommodation arranged over two floors and benefits from superb proportions. Of particular note are the impressive reception hall and drawing room. The drawing room has a dual aspect with fireplace and there is also a triple aspect kitchen/breakfast room as well as a dining room, study and cloakroom. The dairy forms the pantry and utility room and is a interesting building in itself. There is still the original cold stone shelf with fine Bath stone supports. On the first floor is a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a guest bedroom with en-suite, 3 further bedrooms and 2 further bathrooms.

Outside the property has parking and extensive lawned gardens measuring approximately 0.53 acres (0.215 ha)

HISTORY

Bishop’s House (formerly Whitehaven) was originally called Titan Barrow Loggia. The house was constructed in 1748 and designed by John Wood the Elder who was responsible for the design of some of Bath’s finest Georgian buildings including Queen Square, Gay Street, The Circus and the world famous Royal Crescent. It was built for Mr. Southwell Piggitt and has the benefit of a magnificent Palladian style principal elevation with fine Bath stone columns with splendid Corinthian capitals and pineapple ornament on the top of the parapet wall and a central pediment. This fine village house was extended in about 1800 to provide extra bedrooms. The house was enlarged again and altered in 1937/8 by Dr. Wayne Wilson, formerly the Bishop of Bath and Wells. He added the kitchen wing on the south side, several good bathrooms and the staff cottages in the grounds. Bishop’s House now has a most imposing entrance hall and a beautiful and dignified cantilevered stone staircase. Many of the ceilings have fine mouldings and the original Georgian fireplace has survived. There are believed to be copies of designs by Robert Adam and polychrome tiles were made in Bristol and are Redcliffe Backs Delft c.1740-50.

SITUATION

Bishop’s House is located in the heart of the sought after and picturesque village of Bathford opposite St. Swithin’s Church, Church Street. All your day to day amenities are on hand within the village to include a local shop, post office, pub and church. Bathford lies on the fringe of the city of Bath, 3 miles to the East of the centre. Bath is a world heritage city and is well renowned for its wide variety of shops, restaurants, sporting events, as well as its cultural and historical merit. It has highly regarded schools in both the public and private sectors to include King Edward’s School, Kingswood School, The Royal High School for girls, Monkton Combe School, and Stonar.

DIRECTIONS

From Bath travel east on the A4. Follow signs for Chippenham and at the second round about take the third exit following the A361. Travel under a railway bridge and take the first left into the village of Bathford. Pass The Crown Public House and take the second left turning. Bishop’s House is on the left.