On the Market Across the Pond: A Luxe Residence That Once Housed a Prime Minister

Once home to former British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, the Pitt House is now for sale in the charming spa town of Bath, Somerset County, with a commanding pricetag of about $4.9 million at current conversion rates. Adorned with five levels of fully revamped rooms paired with touches of yesteryear, this remarkable period townhouse is a perfect example of late Georgian architecture, hence its designation as a rare and significant Grade I property on the National Heritage List for England.

Nestled amid a commanding spot on Johnstone Street in the heart of Bath—off Laura Place and at the end of Great Pulteney Street, with breathtaking views of Pulteney Bridge, the iconic weir on the River Avon and other local landmarks—this double-fronted, limestone-clad gem was designed by official Bath city architect Thomas Baldwin as part of the Pulteney estate and built in 1792.

Out front, a bronze plaque notes that during 1802, the building housed the youngest prime minister England has ever known. One of the prominent politicians of his time, Pitt came to rank at only 24 years old. The conservative traditionalist was prime minister for four years (from 1783-1787). He then went on to serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer (the United Kingdom’s chief financial minister) for the majority of his life before becoming prime minister for a second time in 1804, a position he held until his death in 1806, at age 46.

While the Pitt House holds many vestiges of the past, including a grand cantilevered staircase, soaring ceilings, tall sash windows and nine period fireplaces, the residence that also housed the offices of the Bath Conservative Association Property for many years has been extensively refurbished to create a luxe family residence. Among the more modern-day accoutrement found throughout the neutrally toned décor: Hand-built oak-lined wardrobes in all of the bedrooms, custom window seats made by Aston Martin upholsterers, electric window blinds, Sonos speakers, a room dedicated solely to wrapping gifts, and a total of 18 French and Italian crystal chandeliers.

An added perk of ownership? The keys to the townhouse also come with an exclusive annual membership to the five-star Gainsborough Bath Spa, offering access to natural thermal water bathing in three pools, as well as saunas, a steam room, an ice alcove, aquatic body therapy, aromatherapy treatments and a fully-equipped gym.

Inside the house, a hallway leads to a light-filled ground floor holding a sizable Clayton Davidson-built kitchen sporting stone countertops, a walnut island with curved banquette seating, high-end Miele appliances, a wine cooler and adjacent dining room. Also occupying this level is a study bedecked with a marble fireplace, sconces, built-in coat cupboards, and sash windows overlooking Laura Place and Great Pulteney Street.

Standing out on the first floor is an impressive drawing room with a marble fireplace and 75-inch TV, which opens via wedding doors to a drawing room offering a scenic look at the weir, Empire Hotel and Parade Gardens. The second floor, meanwhile, features a duo of large bedrooms and a bathroom equipped with a stylish central shower.

A master retreat holds court on the entire second level, complete with a chic bathroom boasting a freestanding tub, walk-in shower and dual vanities. A glamorous walk-in dressing room includes fitted wardrobes, back-lit shelves, a dressing table and an island display unit.

The third and fourth floors host three more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a utility room with washer and dryer. Last, but definitely not least: a staircase leading to a flat roof with panoramic views of Bath, which first achieved popularity as a spa destination in the early 1700s.

Sam Daniels and Hamish Humfrey of Knight Frank hold the listing.