Grand acoustics: Bath apartment in Grade II-listed former ballroom for sale, with mock Roman temple and loft space prime for conversion
Homebuyers have long been drawn to Bath. Both rich in culture and close to the Cotswolds, the Roman city has been a firm favourite with those seeking a quieter cosmopolitan life since Jane Austen's time.
The Georgian author set two novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, against the backdrop of the popular spa town with many key scenes taking place at dances in the town's ballrooms.
Now one lucky buyer can live out their own Austen fantasy with this cleverly converted one-bedroom apartment in a former ballroom, which has been put up for sale for £799,950.
Sitting within the former estate of Ladymead House, a Grade-II listed building in Walcot Street, The Ballroom offers a city-centre location with plenty of character.
Currently home to a photographer who uses it as a living space and studio, the expansive flat of over 3,000 sq ft recently underwent extensive renovation.
The clever design makes the most of the open-plan space and 15ft-high ceilings.
A mock Roman temple has been built in the middle of the room housing two bedrooms, living space, a bathroom and separate toilet over two levels. The top level has a glass balustrade perimeter overlooking the main ballroom area.
The kitchen is accessed via double-doors at one end of the room and a study space has been cleverly carved out of a corner, remaining out of sight behind a partition wall.
The property now includes modern comforts such as underfloor heating, but has kept many of its unique features including the high barrel-vaulted ceilings and ornate cornicing.
Two domed skylight windows, shuttered sash windows and deep portal windows flood the space with daylight.
There's also a loft space that stretches almost the whole length of the ballroom that is prime for conversion.
Ladymead House dates back to the 17th century and was used as a grand ballroom. It later slipped in status and became a workhouse for ‘fallen’ ladies before being bought by a housing association.
According to The Modern House who are selling the property, the ideal buyer would be someone who could use the space as a studio or a musician who would appreciate its acoustics, since the ballroom is the ideal place to try out vocals.
The flat is in Bath’s 'Artisan Quarter', which offers an eclectic array of independent shops, galleries and cafés.
Owners also have access to private communal gardens of approximately one and a half acres.
The Ballroom is for sale for £799,950. Through The Modern House.