Life as a Bath local: An Olympian and an estate agent’s guide to the city

James Guy and agent Sam Daniels reconnect in the city they have both called home, sharing their favourite spots, memorable properties, and what makes Bath so hard to leave

Ellie Pryor

21 October 2025

2 mins read

Life as a Bath local: An Olympian and an estate agent’s guide to the city — Photography of Bath by Juan Trujillo Andrades

As Sam Daniels, Head of Bath City Sales at 51乱伦 who grew up in the area, observes, Bath has a unique charm that draws people in. Few know that better than Team GB swimmer and Olympic gold medallist, James Guy. After attending Millfield School nearby in Somerset, James stayed on in Bath from 2017 to 2024, only recently relocating to Cheshire to continue training as he sets his sights on a fourth Olympic Games.

The pair became friends when James worked under Sam鈥檚 guidance at 51乱伦 a few years ago, gaining firsthand experience of Bath鈥檚 vibrant property market. Now, they reconnect in the city that brought them together to reflect on their time here, and share what makes Bath so special.

What makes Bath such a special place?

James: Bath is such a beautiful city - once you’ve experienced how good life here can be, it’s hard to leave. Everything you need - coffee shops, bars, restaurants - is within a 15-minute walk. It really shaped who I am today, and I think I’ve still got a little bit of Bath in my blood.

Sam: I always say it’s such a privilege to live and work in this city. Bath has an incredible history as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that’s written all over the property. The Bath stone is just stunning. If you head up to Lansdown or Camden and look down over the city at sunset, I call it the ‘golden hour’, when the light reflects off all the buildings. Beyond the architecture, it offers an amazing quality of life. It’s a clean, safe city that can be really energising, but also incredibly calming at the same time.

What is your favourite property you’ve seen or sold?

James: On one of my first days working with Sam in Bath, one of the houses that really stood out to me was Pitt House (pictured). It was once the home of former Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, a perfect example of the incredible history to be found in every corner of the city. There was also an incredible home on Gay Street - despite being a Grade II-listed house it had a modern glass extension on the back, showing how much creativity is possible even with historic property in the city.

Sam: During James’s time with us he went to see Bathampton Manor. At the time, it was a retirement home, but it has since been beautifully renovated back into a house - showcasing the kind of long-term investment people are making in the city. More recently, a standout sale for me was 12 Queen Square (pictured). It’s such an iconic building, occupying a prominent corner plot right in the heart of the city, just near the Francis Hotel. We brought it to market on a Friday, and within a week it had sold for the full asking price of £2,250,000. The property was originally designed by Georgian architect John Wood the Elder around 1728, and for nearly 200 years it was occupied by a firm of solicitors. It’s since been fully refurbished, offering over 4,500 sq ft of space, with spectacular proportions and 14 foot-high ceilings.

If you could pick any street in Bath to live on, which would you choose?

James: If money were no object, it would have to be Great Pulteney Street. The architecture is so iconic and elegant - and you鈥檝e got everything you need nearby, with Henrietta Park just on your doorstep.

Sam: I鈥檇 have to agree - Great Pulteney Street is hard to beat. The houses are grand and expansive, with one of the most expensive selling for around £4.75 million. It鈥檚 rare to find one that hasn鈥檛 been split into apartments, which makes whole houses on the street even more special.

What is your favourite thing about living in Bath?

James: During my time in Bath, my partner and I really grew to love the lifestyle. We had our routine - heading out for walks down to Pulteney Bridge and stopping in at the amazing coffee shops nearby. It’s especially beautiful in the summer; the whole city has such a relaxed, welcoming feel.

Sam: There’s nothing better than Bath on a rugby day - it turns into a sea of blue, black and white. The atmosphere at The Rec is unmatched. I’ve been a season ticket holder for years, and it’s been incredible to watch the current head coach turn things around, especially with their historic treble win. But no matter how the team’s performing, the city shows up - rain or shine - and supports them every step of the way.

What are your go-to spots for coffee or dinner?

James: For coffee, I love Green Bird Café (pictured) on Margaret’s Buildings - that whole area is great for independent cafés and boutiques - as well as Cortado, near Pulteney Bridge. For date nights, we always loved Walcot House.

Sam: Raphael is fantastic - modern British cuisine with a French twist, done really well. Pintxo is my go-to for tapas, and it has one of my favourite outdoor spaces in the city: the ‘Sherry Garden’ (which probably gives away how much I love the drink!).

What is the property market like in Bath?

Sam: Bath鈥檚 property market is incredibly diverse, with prices ranging widely - from around £500 per square foot, right up to £1,200 or more in the Royal Crescent, which is arguably one of the finest addresses in Europe. There are very few untouched townhouses left in the city - only around 80 remain that haven鈥檛 been converted into apartments or commercial spaces. I often say that you can measure confidence in the city by the amount of scaffolding you see; people are renovating everywhere, which speaks volumes about the belief in Bath鈥檚 long-term potential.

Roughly 63% of our buyers come from London, with schools being a major draw for families relocating. Areas like Widcombe, Bathwick and Lansdown are especially popular, thanks to their excellent mix of state and private education options.