Embarking on a three-year restoration project in partnership with Galliard Homes, in our latest blog we uncover the rich history behind our award-winning development and the journey Hope House has taken to become the exceptional collection of homes that it is today.
Dating back to aristocratic 18th-century England, the Grade II listed mansion that stands at Hope House today was originally built as a stately home for Charles Hamilton, England’s first commercial vintner. Son of the 6th Earl of Abercorn, Charles was renowned for producing Surrey’s first sparkling wine in 1753 at his 200 acre Painshill Park vineyard estate.
In 1773 Charles sold his Painshill Park vineyard for £25,000, a fortune at that time, and used this windfall to purchase six acres of hilltop land on Lansdown Road in Bath. Commissioned by architect John Palmer between 1781-82, it is on these grounds that the magnificent Georgian mansion was built. Designed with fine elegance, John gave the mansion its distinctive luxury features including tall sash windows, high ceilings, ornate cornice architecture and balustraded parapet.
Bringing his wine-making knowledge to Bath, Charles completed his home with a large private vineyard which he enjoyed throughout his retirement. Over the years, many illustrious guests were invited to Hope House to enjoy the fine wine that was produced directly from the estate’s vineyard.
Following the Hamilton family, Hope House was owned by a series of aristocratic families before becoming Bath High School in 1926. Alumni of the school include cook and TV presenter Mary Berry, Baroness Elspeth Howe and Dawn Austwick. In 1998, Bath High School merged with the Royal School, becoming the Royal High School and relocating to the James Wilson/Cranwell House buildings on Lansdown Road, releasing Hope House and its parkland for restoration.
With construction commencing in early 2016, Acorn worked alongside contractors JJ Rhatigan to transform the prestigious site back to its former glory. Guided by architectural heritage specialists Nash Partnership, award-winning interior design house Lambart & Browne and experienced landscape architects Matthew Wigan Associates, today Hope House provides an exceptional collection of fifty-eight 1, 2, 3 & 4 refurbished and new build homes in the prime residential suburb of Lansdown, Bath. In keeping with the Georgian beauty of the Grade II listed mansion, honey coloured Bath Stone, sash windows, quality paving and handcrafted metalwork have been incorporated into the new build elements of the scheme.
Today, Hope House stands as a beautiful development of luxury apartments and houses set within walking distance of the centre of Bath. Forming the grand centrepiece of the development, Charles Hamilton’s original listed mansion has been skilfully restored and refurbished to provide a collection of seven luxurious 2 and 4 bedroom apartments. Like Charles and his guests, residents of Hope House can enjoy six acres of parkland which includes a tennis court, walkways, seating and mature trees. Situated on an elevated position to the north of the city, the development commands stunning views over the Victorian cityscape of Bath in a truly unrivalled residential address.
If you would like to find out more about the homes available at Hope House, why not call the team on 01225 614 307 or visit the Marketing Suite open daily from 10am – 5pm.
