A Grade I listed Georgian property on Bath’s iconic Queen Square, once occupied by Jane Austen but since used as an office, is on the lettings market for the first time in nearly two centuries.
Law firm Stone King has occupied 12 & 13 Queen Square continuously since 1832.
But following its merger with Bath private client firm Mowbray Woodwards in 2019 and a move to ‘smarter’ working, the firm is to consolidate in its two other properties in Bath – 3 Queen Square and Upper Borough Court.
As a result, national property consultancy Carter Jonas has been appointed to market 12 & 13 Queen Square, which is made up of end-of-terrace and mid-terrace buildings on the square’s southern side totalling 7,242 sq ft over five storeys, including a lower ground floor.
The firm said while the property – which has on-site parking – has been used as one office for many years, there was potential to divide it back into two. The property is being marketed leasehold.
Carter Jonas South West commercial partner Philip Marshall said it was extremely rare for a Georgian property of this size and configuration to become available.
“The building’s prominence in one of Bath’s most sought-after locations, and its detailed history only adds to its appeal and makes it an exciting proposition for any potential tenant,” he said.
“It is a fantastic space that is set for refurbishment. It offers an inspiring combination of period and new-build elements and provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s heritage whilst being central to its future success.”
Queen Square was designed and built by famed 18th-century architect John Wood the Elder as the first stage of Bath’s rebirth as one of Europe’s leading spa resorts and its status today as a Georgian architectural gem.
It has been home to many notable people and institutions over the years. Novelist Jane Austen is known to have lodged at Number 13 for a couple of months in the summer of 1799 at about the time she was writing Northanger Abbey.
Today the square is regarded as arguably Bath’s prime business location and home to a number of its professional services firms.
Last month Queen Square House, on the opposite side to numbers 12 & 13, became fully occupied following the letting of its last office space to Bath-based financial services software and consultancy services provider Altus.
Stone King also has offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds and London. The firm, which employs more than 250 people, was founded in Bath in 1785.
