Highmere

Highmere is a house, originally part of an irregular terrace built on a hillside north of London Road. The original structure dates to the mid-18th century, with significant remodelling undertaken by John Palmer around 1794 to the south front. An additional block was added to the north-west corner in the early 19th century. The house is constructed of limestone ashlar; the north-east block has a pantile roof, while the south-west block has a slate roof, both with moulded stacks.

The north-west facade facing the street has three storeys and a single window range. It features a single three/three pane sash window on the second floor, above two six/six pane sashes. The south facade is similarly arranged over three storeys, but with three six/six pane sashes on each floor, set within a full-height segmental bow. It includes a sill band to the first floor, a plat band with a guilloche pattern at the third floor level, a deep cornice with a fluted band beneath, and a parapet. The interior has not been inspected, but surviving shutters are noted. The earliest house was remodelled in a fashionable style inspired by Adam’s designs around 1794. A lower hipped lean-to roof was added to the rear, facing the street, in the early 19th century, set against the taller 1794 block. Highmere was built as part of a row of villas on the edge of town, designed to take advantage of the southern views over Bath.