The five-star villa is an intimate blend of refined sophistication and quiet comfort.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Romans expanded what the native Celts had already discovered: natural hot springs for worship. Through grandiose spas and social complex, the Romans constructed Aquae Sulis, a sacred dedication to the Celtic goddess Sulis who they revered as Goddess Minerva.

After the Romans, there came the monks, then the Vikings. Through sordid history and healing waters, there’s undoubtedly something quite magical about Bath. The mist in the air is enchantingly spiritual; it floats over flying buttresses shouldering a soaring cathedral, it boils the romance of Pulteney Bridge.

Amid a Georgian cityscape lies a Victorian gem, The Roseate Villa is Bath’s heartwarming finesse. Polished yet homey. Luxuriously boutique. It holds memories of multiple families’ histories within a city overflowing with reservoirs of the past.

Built in 1868 as two separate Victorian villas with entrances on opposing sides, The Roseate Villa Bath was home to various families over the centuries. The Victorian house eventually belonged to a family that merged the two villas into one enormous space, creating the modern-day mirror effect as guests can admire symmetrical parallels from the middle of two reflective staircases.

Christiana Kiose, The Roseate Villa Bath’s Hotel Manager, explained in fond details:

“Around the 1970s, the villas were combined into one building, called: Villa Magdala. It was quite famous with events, and a whole family expanded here. The kids that grew up here in this house still come and visit us sometimes. They’re quite proud of how much the property has grown, but we still maintain a sense of home because of this building’s history.”

Boasting traditional Victorian architectural components, The Roseate Villa Bath welcomes guests with decorative charm embedded in steep roofs, ornate adornments, asymmetrical motifs, and a bay window which extends to a charming garden where weddings and festivities joyfully take place. The so-called Victorian grandeur is further elaborated through reflective staircases heightened by vintage furnishings.

Upon entering the hotel, the most unforgettable trait of The Roseate Villa Bath’s signature design element is the use of book-themed wallpaper, stylishly wrapped around the lobby area as well as vaulted ceilings. Not only is it emblematic of the quiet allure of a classic English reading room, but it also exudes the warmth of a cozy nook shielding travelers from Somerset’s often cloudy or drizzly nights.

Kiose elaborates on the hotel’s comforting aesthetics,

“We do lots of changes to keep up with the times, but we still want to maintain a sense of home. That’s why our reception is just a little desk, almost effortlessly in a home’s hallway. Our keys are old-school keys, not cards, because we want our guests to feel like they’re entering their homes with their own keys.” 

Similar to a traveler’s home, each room and suite at The Roseate Villa is completely unique. From floral wallpapers, color schemes, to textiles upon country-style upholsteries; not one guest room is the same.

There are 21 tasteful options that infuse antique glamour with upgraded contemporary amenities. The rooms are categorized in: Classic Garden View, Superior Garden View, Deluxe Park View, and Luxury Park View which displays the serene view of Henrietta Park – a haven of tranquility from the vibrant commotion in downtown Bath.

Ideal for families and couples that prefer more space, the luxurious suites span from 120 – 200 square meters. Radiantly luminous with natural light, each sizable suite is accompanied by earthy tones that deliver leisure in refined relaxation and repose. Additional bed is also available upon request.

The perfect day in Bath begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, where The Roseate Villa prepares an a la carte menu From The Kitchen, including the classic English Breakfast; and a Continental Choice menu featuring an array of fresh smoothies of colorful fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts that are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Freshly baked breads and delicious pastries can’t be missed. Not to mention, vegan and gluten-free options are also part of the menu.

Kiose revealed over cups of aromatic morning coffee,

“Our chefs focus on local produce. Everything is sourced locally. Our steaks, lambs and all sorts of meat are from a local butcher. We’re the only hotel it outsources to. Our cheese and milk are from a local farm, and delivered every morning, so they arrive incredibly fresh.” 

Hailed as one of the best restaurants in Bath, Henrietta Bar & Restaurant focuses on farm-to-table lunches and dinners, highlighting the best of Western flavors while preserving classic English favorites, like: Ale Butter Cod & Chips (crushed peas, homemade tartare sauce and burnt lemons,) Beef & Button Mushroom Pie (mashed potatoes and garden vegetables,) and the traditional Eton Mess dessert (berry compote and raspberry sorbet.)

Set in an elevated space emphasized by tall windows and peaceful views, Henrietta Bar has garnered a celebrated reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in the city, serving concoctions meticulously crafted by skilled mixologists.

There are several drinks integrating homemade ingredients, like: Passion Punch (homemade passionfruit syrup, Kraken Spiced Rum and pineapple,) Henrietta Spice (star anise, homemade pear syrup and gin, with the smooth finish of egg white,) and Bathwick Blend (creamy mix of our The Roseate Villa’s figs from the garden, honey, and egg white, Bourbon and stem ginger for a spicy kick.)

An ode to the city is well represented in Lady Whistledown’s tipple for two (Gillards Lady Whistledown blend fruit tea, with gin and Crème de Violette) inspires on the ‘Ton.

To top it off, the bar promotes locally distilled bottles, such as: Cotswolds No.1 Wildflower Gin, Bath Orange Sloe Gin – a unique spiced orange twist – just to name a few. Since Kiose worked in Edinburgh during several years, guests can also taste impressive bottles of Scotch whiskey from the shelf.

A trip to England isn’t complete without a proper afternoon tea. At The Roseate Villa, every tasty item is delectably made from scratch, modernizing the English institution of indulging in a plethora of sweet and savory treats.

The bottom tier encompasses plain and fruit scones, served with clotted cream and luscious homemade strawberry jam. The second tier is adorned with a range of sandwiches: Goats Cheese with Red Onion Marmalade, Smoked Salmon with Beetroot and Horseradish Chutney, Roast Chicken with Red Pepper and Pesto, Pulled Pork and Hoisin Sauce, Grilled Aubergine with Hummus and Spinach. While the top tier caters to guests with sweet tooth, craving for cupcakes and macarons.

The tea selection blends the classics (Earl Grey, English Breakfast,) with local flavors, like: Roseate Blend (a 100-year-old recipe of the most superior Darjeeling and Assam teas,) Bath City Blend (developed in 1888 to suit the particularly hard water of the city of Bath,) Jane Austen Blend (a long standing blend recreates three fine Chinese teas into a delicate tea that was enjoyed throughout the 18th Century,) and Lady Whistledown (finest black tea, rose petals, rosehip and blackberry leaves with wonderfully floral note, reminiscent of an English rose garden.)

In a city where water and air are sprinkled in Georgian mystique, The Roseate Villa is an elegant sanctuary where Victorian grace and contemporary luxury seamlessly co-exist within walls of historical tales. Soft colors, calming ambiance, faint music, toasty fireplace. It doesn’t feel like a hotel, but a home. One that hosted many families throughout hundreds of years, and for the next trip to Bath, it can also be yours. Truly.