An English manor with ties to not one but two queens—and a courtier best remembered for inventing the flushing toilet—lords over the countryside just outside Bath.
Known as Batheaston House, the riverside property carries a history that stretches back more than 500 years. In its earliest chapter, the estate was owned by John Harington, the godson of Queen Elizabeth I. Harington was a poet and court insider, though he’s now more widely known for designing one of the first flushing toilets.
The house that stands today came later. In 1712, it was rebuilt in the Queen Anne style by a local official, who retained only the earlier structure’s ground floor, now a Tudor-era basement. Over time, Batheaston House passed through a mix of owners and tenants, including a music teacher whose pupil was linked to Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, who is said to have visited and taken lessons here.
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A light-filled sitting room.
Sean Petersen
In the 20th century, the house remained largely intact, avoiding the heavy alterations that reshaped many country homes of its era. A careful restoration completed in 2015 focused on preserving original materials and period details while updating the house for today. The work also introduced modern heating, improved circulation between rooms, and subtle kitchen and bath upgrades.

The kitchen centers on a historic stone hearth.
Sean Petersen
That history still reads clearly inside. The six-bedroom home is layered with ornate fireplaces, carved paneling, and tall sash windows, along with a series of reception rooms that open to the gardens and the River Avon. A garden room hides a bar behind sliding bookcases, while the Tudor-era basement has been reworked to include a kitchen, media room, and wine cellar. Upper floors are arranged with a combination of family bedrooms and guest quarters, many with open views across the surrounding countryside.
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A garden seating area.
Sean Petersen
The grounds span just over an acre, offering formal courtyards, sculpted hedges, and an open lawn that gradually slopes down to the river, giving the whole setting a softer, more pastoral feel. A former coach house now provides garaging and a one-bedroom annex above.
“Batheaston House is an exquisite home of historic and architectural significance, restored with incredible precision and sensitivity,” says Alistair Heather, head of Savills Bath. The property is listed for 4.25 million pounds, or about $5.8 million.
Click here to see more photos of this historic property.
Authors
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Abby Montanez
Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…



