But it's not perfect. It's beauty brings millions of visitors each year, with the associated traffic — both in terms of cars on the roads and people on the pavements — which that entails.
So rather than living in the city itself, having a lovely country house a few miles away is the ideal compromise — and all at far less than you'd pay for a townhouse in one of Bath's famous crescents.
Marksbury — £1.4 million
Church Farm's history stretches back almost 350 years, and it wears its character on its sleeve while still being a comfortable, cosy family home with five bedrooms, a sun room and a courtyard among its charms.
The house and its several outbuildings are set in 7.5 acres of land on the edge of a village seven miles from the city of Bath. Marksbury is a fine place to live with a primary school, Co-op and a vibrant local community.
For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures and details about this property.
Clandown — £1.25 million
This grade II-listed former vicarage is a huge house spread over three floors that's irresistibly pretty from the moment you spy the original stone porch and doorway with greenery growing above and around it.
There are eight bedrooms and over 5,700sq ft of space in the three-storey building, enough to give everyone in the family enough space — but if you still need an escape, the renowned Babington House members club is just four miles away.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.
Nettlebridge — £895,000
Gales Court is a deceptively-young house built in the Georgian style, set in a secluded spot a few miles off the road between Wells and Frome.
It's all laid out on a single storey, with three bedrooms, a sitting room and conservatory from which to look out of truly splendid gardens that include a lake and woodland.
For sale with Roderick Thomas. See more pictures and details about this property.
Neston — £2.75 million
The barn converted into a games room, the superb poolhouse, the all-weather manege and the tennis court will grab the attention at this gorgeous country home near Corsham, east of Bath and south of Chippenham.
Yet beyond the leisure facilities, the rest of Pond Close Farm is equally special, a 17th century house in classic Cotswolds style.
The whole place has had a huge amount of time, love and money spent on refurbishment, making this six-bedroom family home a truly special place.
For sale with Crisp Cowley. See more pictures and details about this property.
Woolverton — £1.95 million
If you're after a lifestyle business, or just want plenty of space, then this sprawling country house half-way between Bath and Froome could be just the ticket, with 12 bedrooms and over 10,000 sq ft of space.
It's currently used as a hotel, but this Gothic revival property dating to the 1860s has permission in place for conversion as a family home full of character, with wooden floors and panelling, stone mullion windows and beautiful fireplaces.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Credit: Luke Sheppard
A townhouse for sale that's the very archetype of the Georgian home in Bath
A beautifully-preserved Georgian home in one of Bath's most unspoilt residential squares has come to the market. Penny Churchill reports.
Credit: Andy Fletcher Photography
Bath unwrapped: Where to stay, what to do and what to eat in one of Britain's most iconic and historic cities
Emily Anderson explores the best of Bath, from the iconic Roman baths to it's eccentric comedy walking tours.
Bathtub in the bedroom: Should you try it at home?
Arabella Youens examines the growing trend for baths in bedrooms.
-
The Glovebox: Phantom in a pool, Porsches in the snow and a new world record for PolestarRolls Royce celebrates one of Rock and Roll's greatest myths, and Polestar drives for almost 23 hours on a single charge.
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallistPenny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallist
Penny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heartFor sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews housesFrom birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
-
The distinctive and historic home that might just be 'one of Dorset’s most picturesque'Grade II*-listed Manor House, set in just under eight acres, dates from the 16th century.
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courtsFords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
-
The 15 best-value commuter towns for people working in London, according to new research from one of Britain's top estate agentsSavills have released their list of the best-value commuter towns in Britain. But do the sums add up? Toby Keel takes a look.
-
What everyone is talking about this week: Where are the new Cotswolds?The appearance of American Vice President J. D. Vance in the Cotswolds is a sure sign that they're saturated, but where else can you escape to that has the same charm?
-
19 outstanding country homes, from £450,000 to £20 million, as seen in Country LifeA spectacular country house in Yorkshire and an enormously impressive Channel Islands retreat are among the stand-out homes on the market this week.
