One of the notable families in the hit Shondaland TV series “Bridgerton,” which is set during the Regency period (1811-1820) in England, is the Featheringtons. While the show takes place in London, the outside of the Featherington household was actually shot at the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath. This landmark forms a sweeping crescent of 30 Grade I-listed townhouses, and is one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the world.
Built between 1767 and 1774, all in golden Bath stone, the 500-foot-long crescent sports 114 Ionic columns along the second floor, with an entablature in a Palladian style. Of the 30 original townhouses, 10 are still full-size townhouses and 18 have been split into flats. The other two townhouses in the block serve as the No. 1 Royal Crescent museum and the five-star Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. The crescent faces a large green park lawn, complete with a ha-ha (sunken fence).
It’s rare for there to be an availability in the storied block but a one-bedroom flat on the second floor of one of the split-up townhouses has just come on the market asking about US$1.3 million. The apartment is listed with Alistair Heather at Savills.
The 1,349-square-foot flat is entered from one of the building’s common halls, which are meticulously maintained and beautifully presented. The flat’s small entrance hall leads through to a stunning drawing room that, at 29 feet long and x 23 feet wide, has fantastic proportions. The ornate plaster cornices and ceiling roses, believed to be original from around 1770, are still in perfect condition, and three tall sash windows look out over the Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park beyond that.
The bedroom is at the rear, and it too is a dramatic space with its original, double-height ceiling height intact. The room now incorporates a mezzanine sleeping area with built in cabinetry, which is accessed by a curved staircase from the circular dressing area. The flat is completed by a separate, modern kitchen, and a bathroom just outside the dressing area.
Looking for a getaway from London? Bath is only about 1.5 hours by train. And it’s perfect for those who enjoy historical cosplay. So, put on a bright Regency gown, just like one of the redheaded Featherington girls, and start peacocking up and down the Royal Crescent. But first, go all in and start a gossip blog with a secret author.
