Paragon, Bath

The Paragon, located in the Walcot area of Bath, is a renowned street notable for its Georgian architecture. This historic street is characterized by a series of elegant Georgian houses, each designated as listed buildings, exemplifying the architectural style of the period.

Designed by Thomas Warr Attwood, the street is distinguished by its uniform houses, which contribute significantly to the area's architectural heritage. Numbers 1 to 21 on The Paragon are three-story houses, each featuring mansard roofs. A notable aspect of these buildings is their symmetrical design, with matching doors and windows. The central pediments and flat entablatures flanking the first-floor windows add to their classical Georgian charm. Additionally, the doorways are adorned with Tuscan pilasters and pediments, enhancing the street's aesthetic appeal.

The theme established by the houses from numbers 1 to 21 is seamlessly continued in numbers 22 to 37. These additional houses were completed in 1775 by Joseph Axford, a local mason. The continuity in architectural style across these numbers showcases the planned urban development characteristic of Georgian Bath.

The Paragon's historical significance is further enriched by its possible roots as a Roman road. It is believed to have originated from Aquae Sulis, leading north and connecting with the Fosse Way. Although mapping evidence suggests a medieval origin, the area of Walcot, where The Paragon is located, has a history of Roman residential development dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries.

Notably, Jane Austen visited No. 1 The Paragon on two occasions, which happened to be her aunt's residence. Her first visit was for a casual stay, while her second stay served as temporary accommodation while she searched for her own place to live. Now, you have the opportunity to rent The Paragon as your dwelling and follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen, exploring the places she frequented and even recreating the dances of her beloved characters.