Entire apartment

Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central

Photo gallery for Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central

Exterior
Outdoor dining
Point of interest
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, internet, bed sheets
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, internet, bed sheets

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    Washer
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central

Key Features:
• Uniquely designed apartment
• Quiet city centre location
• Contemporary kitchen with breakfast table
• Two large original sash windows with working shutters
• Sumptuous studio room with 5' double bed, smart TV, sofa and extendable dining table and chairs
• Fabulous ensuite bathroom
• Underfloor heating
• Just a short walk to the Abbey and Bath's many attractions
• 10 minutes walk to railway station
• Steep stone steps down to the property


Full description

William Johnstone gave his name to this street as he developed what was to become the world-famous architectural heritage of the Pulteney Estate. Built at the end of the 18th century to designs by architect Thomas Baldwin, Johnstone Street is the epitome of classical Palladian architecture. Johnstone was reputedly the wealthiest man in Great Britain and 1767 became Sir William Pulteney, sharing the name and fortune of his wife, Frances Pulteney.

Houses such as this were built for people to come from their country estates to enjoy the attractions and entertainments of Bath. They would bring a small retinue of staff and the properties would be full of life and entertainment. This apartment has been created from the fascinating kitchens of the house on the lower ground floor - the original fireplaces which would have been the hub of the household can still be seen.

Johnstone's Retreat is approached down a steep set of original stone steps to the front courtyard - an ideal spot for breakfast or morning coffee on a summer's day. The main door leads to a loggia where guests may also sit with alfresco drinks or morning coffee.

A few steps lead up inside the apartment and a striking contemporary yet compact kitchen in red steel, complete with small dishwasher, fridge with ice box, 2 ring induction hob and combination convection oven and microwave. Here is also a sweet little antique Pembroke table - perfect for a quick meal or a glass of wine while dinner is being prepared.

The main studio room gives a striking and contemporary twist on the former Georgian kitchens which would have occupied this floor over two centuries ago. The bold terracotta walls give a warm glow to this high-ceilinged room with its sparkling chandelier and wash of light from the two enormous original sash windows.

Another feature given a 21st century twist is the great fireplace which today houses a digital and freeview TV where you can access all the major streaming channels as you cosy up on the sofa with a netflix movie. Adjacent is a built-in wardrobe with space to store a suitcase or two.

There is also an elegant drop-leaf antique table for dinner before you close the shutters at night, draw the curtains and slide into the sumptuous five-foot king bed beneath its tapestry hangings and tester overhead, complete with period fittings including crystal wall lights either side.

The half-panelled bathroom is sheer luxury with the focal point being the double ended roll top bath with shower over containing both a rain shower head and an adjustable hand held shower. You can enjoy a long soak here choosing one of the three lighting states available in this room. Beneath another of the historic fireplaces, now panelled with recycled timbers and marble, you can also find the washing machine. There is ample space here for additional toiletries and a further cupboard beneath the wash basin.

The property is just a 10 minute level walk to the Bath Spa mainline train and coach stations.

Property manager

Bath Holiday Rentals

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Internet access

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

577396

About the neighborhood

Map
Bath, Bath and North East Somerset

What's nearby

  • Bath Christmas Market - 6 min walk
  • Roman Baths - 7 min walk
  • Theatre Royal Bath - 7 min walk
  • Bath Abbey - 7 min walk
  • Thermae Bath Spa - 8 min walk

Getting around

  • Bath Spa Station - 10 min walk
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪All Bar One - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Boater, Bath - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hilton Lounge Bar - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Society Café - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central located?

Located in Bathwick, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Great Pulteney Street, Roman Baths, and Thermae Bath Spa. Pulteney Bridge and Recreation Ground are just steps away. Bath Spa Station is 10 minutes by foot and Bath (QQX-Bath Spa Train Station) is 10 minutes.

Johnstone Retreat - stunning private retreat for two within a classic Georgian townhouse in central Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Bath
This small flat is as everything we needed. Right in the middle of the great places in Bath. We stayed almost a week and became regulars at the Pulteney Bridge coffee shop and a couple other restaurants nearby. Great stay
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

Liked: Cleanliness
In the heart of Bath
We thoroughly enjoyed this stay The property was a good size location excellent showing a sight of Bath we had not seen before Happy to return again
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Marvelous stay right over the Pulteney Bridge, Bath!
This property was fantastic! Very spacious and charming. I loved the stonework of the basement apartment, the large bathtub, and the fully stocked kitchen. The bed was very comfortable, and I enjoyed all the Bath reading material! We even got a late checkout so that we could make our Bath Abbey Tower tour (A MUST DO!). I did not want to leave. Mind the steep steps down into the apartment, and the little terrace and inner corridor are a great spot to place the umbrellas. This was within walking distance of absolutely everything, and I enjoyed being over the bridge from the hubbub. It was fun overlooking the rugby field, too! Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Bill S.

Liked: Cleanliness
70th birthday travel.
Bath was more than we expected. Great food and lots to see and do. So sorry about the mixup when we arrived. The directions from the train station say the police station is on the right upon leaving but it is actually on the left. This confused us. It would have been nice to have bath soap and shampoo supplied. As well as face cloth and hand towels. All we had were bath towels. Also, most places we rent have USB ports. Overall nice experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming and cozy
The basement studio apartment met our expectations; it was very comfortable and cozy. The linens were wonderful and the studio was clean and tidy. It was in a perfect location for exploring central Bath, only a short walk (15 mins) to the train station and walkable to most of the major sites. Perfect for two people for a short stay. We found the steep steps down from the street bordering on unsafe when wet, especially when taking luggage up and down. The shower is in a standalone tub with shower curtain ring that almost provides 360° coverage. It was an uncomfortable struggle to prevent water from splashing on the floor when using the shower heads. A dedicated shower unit would be a better alternative for this studio.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Short Break in Centre of Bath
Fantastic location 3m walk to Cathedral. Quiet dead-end street. Cosily decorated basement apartment. Ideal base for town or further, parking 5m walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay, Just a few minor Comments
Hi - we loved the place and especially the location! There were just a few things that were a little frustrating: the TV remote did not work very well and so we bought some new batteries...it helped, but not much. We especially wanted to watch some YouTube documentaries about some of the places we were visiting - this is where we ran into trouble. Again, not a huge deal. The shower is a great design in theory, but practical, no. It was very hard for me to get into and very hard not to get water on the floor. We couldn't figure out how to turn the thermostat higher when we first arrived. We followed the instructions in the manual, but couldn't figure it out. Also, there was trash and laundry sitting in the courtyard the entire time we were there, getting rained on. Don't know when it gets picked up, but it wasn't very inviting. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Carolyn M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Short nreak
Good location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Alison J., West Kirby, Wirral

Weekend Stay
Situated in a great location for accessing all of Bath on foot, we were never more than a 15 minute walk from major sights. The flat was warm and the bed was comfortable. I do think that it needs a thorough clean though and a greater attention to detail on additions e.g. there was no Wi-Fi for half of our stay and the sugar pot was empty (I managed one spoonful from it).
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Johnstone
Wonderful apartment in a fantastic location
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

christina a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
I loved this unique property. The little courtyard was a nice place to have morning coffee. We were close to the main attractions. All our amenity needs were also met. Recommendations for Cavendish foods was excellent. Both my daughter and I enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison B., Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable and attractive suite for two
My daughter and I very much enjoyed our stay at the Johnstone retreat. It is in an elegant residential area very close to major sights, many of which are within a ten-minute walk. The suite is attractive, well equipped, and comfortable. It was clean and in very good condition. The hosts were courteous and helpful. We hope to return to Bath and would stay here again. Thank you for a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable and welcoming room/flat, with just enough of a little kitchen to let us eat a couple meals in. Nice bed, spacious bath, be careful on the stairs down to the flat especially if it rains! Super convenient location to walk to most all the Bath sights, while being tucked away on a quieter side street.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alicia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spacious Studio
The level of comfort and style (an interesting blend of antique and contemporary) tucked into a basement apartment were impressive. The bath is fantastic, the tiny kitchen well-stocked. Convenient location. Do find carpark options ahead of time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Helen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Our stay at Johnstones retreat was lovely. Great location to the city of bath and we could walk to all the sites bars & restaurants. Would definitely recommend for a short break. Bed comfortable & lovely bathroom
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

David P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location....
The apartment is perfect for two people, small but has everything you need. All the sights of Bath are all within a short walk. This place is definitely recommended by us.....