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Johnstone's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath

Photo gallery for Johnstone's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath

Exterior detail
Outdoor dining
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, internet, bed sheets
Parking
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire apartment

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    Washer
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • 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's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath

Key features:
• Uniquely designed apartment on two levels
• Fantastic city centre location
• Contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar
• Cosy sitting room with internet TV and dining area
• Sumptuous master bedroom with 6' super-king double bed, sitting area river views
• Flexible second bedroom with zip&link beds for 2 singles or a superking and river views
• Fabulous large bathroom
• Central heating throughout
• Outdoor seating area and large beautiful walled garden with rear exit to the Pulteney Weir and maze
• Just a short walk to the Abbey and Bath's many attractions
• 10 minutes walk to railway station



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 in 1767 he 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 in what would have been the working hub of the Georgian household.

Johnstone's Secret Garden is on the lower ground floor and garden levels of this elegant house. Entered via the main entrance to the building, it has its own entrance off the ground floor communal hallway and down a flight of steps to the main hallway with a design inspired by travel. The walls here are hung with maps, sledges, walking sticks and ice picks suggestive of world travels.

Off this central hallway are two bedrooms and a sumptuous bathroom. With three lighting levels to choose from the roll top bath is perfect for a sumptuous soak after a busy day walking and shopping before a night out in this amazing city.

The stunning master bedroom contains a huge 6' Superking double bed. The room also has ample space for two ‘Dorset stripe' tub chairs and table in front of a ‘living flame' gas fire - perfect for morning coffee or a ‘finale' before bed. In the morning the original shutters can be opened to reveal views of the river Avon and Pulteney Weir and distant glimpses of Beechen Cliff.

The second bedroom shares this delightful aspect and contains two comfortable single beds - but, by arrangement, these ‘Zip&Link' beds can be repositioned and connected together to make another 6' Superking double bed.

A further flight of steps leads down to the garden level with its thick stone walls all painted a gleaming white. There is a sleek modern kitchen and a breakfast bar for two - perfect for an intimate chat over a glass of wine while dinner is being prepared - and a generous larder with small freezer.

Adjacent is the cosy sitting room with antique old Welsh furniture and a striking display of blue and white china. Here there is a comfortable armchair, sofa for 2 and an easy chair. Relax in front of the WiFi TV. There is also a dining area with dropleaf table and four matching ‘William IV' dining chairs. A door opens to the laundry whilst another opens to the cleaning and boiler cupboard.

Two arched glazed doors lead from this level onto the stunning walled garden with lawn, clipped boxed hedges and planted areas as well as a large outdoor table with six chairs. This area of the green catches the afternoon and evening sunshine so is perfect for those alfresco occasions. A secret lockable gate leads to the famous ‘Beazer Maze' and the riverside in the centre of the city.

Given the secret nature of this fabulous apartment it's hard to believe that you are in the centre of a bustling city and only a short walk away from Bath's world famous historic sites, shops, bars and restaurants.

The property is just a 10 minute level walk to the Bath Spa mainline train as well as bus 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

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Garden

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)

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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

584543

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 Ale House - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Boater, Bath - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Society Café - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Johnstone's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Johnstone's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Johnstone's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Johnstone's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath 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's Secret Garden - idyllic apt with private garden set by the weir in the centre of Bath Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tory H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful little apartment
Beautiful little apartment in a brilliant location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul M., Atlanta, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable home in great location
We truly loved our stay at Johnstone's Secret Garden! The home was spacious and comfortable, and the location was perfect. It was a short walk to restaurants, shopping, and attractions. The property managers were easy to reach, friendly, and answered all our questions. I highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M., Saddlebrooke, AZ

Liked: Cleanliness
A Wonderful Place to See Bath From
This property is just off the beaten path, providing peace and quiet, but only a few minute's walk to the heart of Bath. The secret garden is truly that...a beautiful, small yard with a gate that allows you to access the Avon and surrounding parks. Note that you must be comfortable with stairs if you wish to stay here. That said, if you for Bath with a guide, you will find this multi-level layout to be the norm in this city. The small kitchen worked well, the bed was comfortable, and the bathroom was totally functional. This is a rustic, beautiful property!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic
Cozy, charming, and clean, unbelievably well located to all of Bath’s attractions, and yet quiet . Feels like you’re in another world when you are inside. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly a special secret hideaway - hidden in plain sight
Johnstone's Secret Garden is aptly named, but the name only begins to tell the enchanting story of this magical oasis. Ideally situated overlooking its private garden and the weir below Pulteney Bridge and within easy walking access to all of Bath, the two story elegant historic lodgings are wonderfully and resourcefully appointed. A delightful place to stay for three days, or much more.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, excellent property and grounds
Thoroughly enjoyed the property and garden access. Perfect location and close to nice restaurants. Would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carole H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellant Property
4 Friends stayed at this property and it was exactly as advertised and location to everything was excellent. Just a tiny note, 4 friends but only 3 places to sit in the lounge needs another armchair.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just about perfect
We couldn’t imagine a better location in Bath, with the feeling that we’d been given a special charmed key to the city. Beautifully appointed, eccentric and charming, with a private garden to luxuriate in, or just savor visually. And the management gives you almost more information than you can absorb. We’ll recommend this place to everyone we know for sure.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Special treat
Johnstone Secret Garden was one of the most charming and unique places we've ever stayed at. It really lives up to its name and description as "idyllic" and a "private secret garden." We enjoyed having our meals out in the lovely garden. Our stay at Johnstone Secret Garden was a special treat and a rare find.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Adorable accommodations in a perfect location
We so enjoyed our stay in the secret garden! It was perfect for our family of four (older teens) and the location could not be beat. Steps to the Pultaney Bridge; the Parade Grounds, river boat tours, and access to the running path along the River Avon were just outside the back yard through the secret garden door; easy walk into Central Bath; short walk to Holborne Museum (my daughter is a huge Bridgerton fan and got a kick out of that); easy access to the Skyline walk. Great communication with Bath Holiday Rentals; Bartosz met us at the property so we could drop our luggage until the unit was ready. He was friendly and helpful and gave us a great dinner recommendation (Ponte Vecchio right next door out the back - amazing Italian food!). We had a wonderful time and were sad to leave.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Reunion at Bath Secret Garden -12 Johnstone Street
We had a family reunion of relatives from England, Wales, Canada and US. We brought food in and entertained in the family room off the garden. We had planned to use the large garden table but there were many wasps so we had to entertain inside. The garden was nice but there could have been some nice flowers planted. A bit overgrown with weeds. Other than that, a nice stay. For older guests they should know about all the stairs.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ivonne G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Superb accommodation!
Thank you Secret Garden appt at Bath for the wonderful time in Bath. The apartment was implacable and centrally located that allowed us to walk to downtown and enjoyed restaurants and shopping. The weather was beautiful and we were able to enjoy a few meals in the Garden. The secret garden has a second door that leads to the river and it's ideal for a walk in the afternoon. We definitely staying here again! Highly recommended! Staff was very nice and all worked out as planned.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Laura P.

Fabulous location and property.
The location and facilities at the property were fantastic, but the bathroom in particular wasnt very clean mainly the bath and shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen M., PORT CHARLOTTE

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location
This home is in a perfect location to experience Bath. Walking to everything is very easy. The house is cute and clean; it's a great way to relax after walking all day. The little garden and "secret" gate make it extra special.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

William O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful apartment, perfect location.
Perfect for visiting Bath.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice stay
We loved the feel of the apartment and the location was excellent. It was an easy walk to all the places we wanted to visit in Bath-the Roman Baths, the Abbey, many restaurants, shopping, and the train station. Parking is tight in the area and the materials provided some suggestions. We were able to book a private parking location with Just Park that was a few minutes walk. I am very glad we arranged parking in advance. As others have mentioned, there are stairs involved in accessing the apartment, which is itself on two levels. This was a great find and we would stay again if ever in the area in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secret Garden
Excellent location, incredible property. A lot of stairs to negotiate but that is normal for a property of this age. We had trouble identifying which unit was ours once we entered the property (there are 4 units). The dishes in the dishwasher were dirty on arrival but that is a minor issue, the previous guest must not have started the appliance. Overall an amazing experience, we loved the ease of walking to everything and the welcome guide had great restaurant recommendations. We even got to watch a little of a rubgy match since the location of this unit is next to the rugby field. Could not have had a better time. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely time in Bath
Johnstone's secret garden is a gem. It is convenient to everything and the unit has tremendous charm. I only wish the weather had been a bit less wet so we could have enjoyed more of the beautiful garden.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amelia B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls’ Bath Get-Away!
The apartment was spacious, beautifully appointed and wonderfully relaxing. The bedrooms were large, full of light and had lovely views. The kitchen was well equipped and the living room comfortable. Would go back tomorrow and stay forever!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Narinder D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely break at the property
Great location
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Allison M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location in bath
Great location annd communication. The home exactly like the photos.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Evelyn H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
It would have been great to have been given some history of the property. Lovely old property in good part of town. We were a bit surprised by the number of stairs which we had not expected. Beds very comfortable. Would have been nice to have one more easy chair in the lounge.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

John R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Visit to Bath
We liked the property very much, (living up to the description)and the location was excellent, we did think taking out the bath/shower and replacing with walk in shower would be a good improvement. We look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brock T.

Liked: Cleanliness
So beautiful, calming, charming and best location!
So good we will stay again when we return. Everything is so close by and the back gate leads to the promenade by the river! Absolutely gorgeous!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best location!
Our cozy flat was filled with antiques and charming touches. Lots of stairs to get from the street level to the apartment level. Well appointed. Could walk to everything in just a few minutes. I would return.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022