England’s Historic Bloomfield House Undergoes a Jane Austen-Worthy Restoration Ahead of the Author’s 250th Birthday
The masterful refresh included restoring original cornicing, moldings, and stonework, as well as implementing a handcrafted Georgian-style staircase
Ahead of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday this December, UK-based residential construction company Berkeley Place has completed a historic home renovation that the famed novelist would approve of. Known as Bloomfield House, this Georgian property is located in Bath, a city in Somerset, England. The Grade II-listed mansion is believed to have been originally designed in the 1790s by English architect Thomas Baldwin; coincidentally, Jane Austen was living in Bath at the time. Baldwin was known for designing various Georgian buildings in the area, and in 1775, he became the official Bath City Architect. Other sites he designed include Laura Place, Guildhall, Argyle Street, and Great Pulteney Street.
Austen herself lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806. Additionally, she set several of her novels here, including Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Every September, the annual Jane Austen Festival takes place in Bath; this year’s festival will be held from September 12th to September 21st. It will include Austen-inspired theatrical performances, balls, talks, walks, and workshops, as well as a Regency-inspired costume promenade.
Long before Berkeley Place’s recent restoration of Bloomfield House, the dwelling belonged to the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bath, who lived here more than a century ago. The recent project involved converting the guest house into a family home with multiple bedrooms, each featuring its own private bath. This was made possible by “incorporating the basement with the main house” and “matching and extending the original staircase,” according to Berkeley Place’s website.
The 18-month-long restoration of Bloomfield House involved copious amounts of work, such as restoring original cornicing, moldings, and stonework, as well as implementing a handcrafted Georgian-style staircase, unblocking and restoring five faux-painted windows, enlisting a custom Tom Howley-designed kitchen, and doing extensive landscaping throughout the grounds.
“This project was a love letter to craftsmanship and heritage,” said Nick Cryer, Founder and Managing Director of Berkeley Place. “With Bloomfield House, we didn’t just restore a home. We revived a piece of Georgian history at the very heart of Bath.”
Situated on the southern slopes of Bath, Bloomfield House boasts design features that characterized the world of Jane Austen’s novels, including elegant proportions, sash windows, and symmetrical facades. Other Regency-era elements that can still be found in homes today range from wrought-iron balconies and bow windows to parapets and stucco facades. Best of all, the historic property is now available to rent, meaning Austen enthusiasts can live out their novel-worthy dreams.
