As her Georgian home in Bath comes onto the market, television producer Ann Lalić invites us in for a look at why the house has proved a great place to live – check out the sales listing here.

Ann: “I lived in a Victorian house in Richmond, London, before this and it was totally different. In fact, the scale of this house threw me at first, and we lived here for a year or so taking stock of the place before we did a thing.

“I was working on the television show Grand Designs at the time and was used to seeing houses in the making, so was shocked at how hesitant I felt dealing with the scale of the main rooms – disgraceful, really!

“I grew up in a small terraced house in a mining village in South Yorkshire and have always loved terraced homes. Here, the grand scale of the rooms was the first thing that drew me in, although the atmosphere manages to be quite modest. Maybe it’s the mix of Georgian and modern, which is a known winner: clean lines and rigour with a period flourish here and there.

“It’s an unusual house, but, like many Georgian buildings, it’s not on plan! The ground floor rooms were stables, and the sitting room above is the same size, but different in character. When we arrived the removal men saw it and said, ‘That’s the party room!’

“The present-day front of the house was the back when the original Georgians lived in it, so the road is a bit like a quiet country lane, despite being so close to the centre of Bath. The rear of the house opens onto a walled garden yard – very green – with a covered veranda for eating and enjoying the view.

“It was a happy house, although work did need doing. We did nothing to the structure because it’s Grade II-listed, and it didn’t need fixing. We did good housekeeping by insulating the windows and doors, laid a new timber floor to replace the tatty Victorian one, and refitted the bathrooms and kitchen.

“We wanted family and friends to like being here so comfort, ease and beauty were important. It all sounds pompous but it’s what everyone wants, I think, whatever the style and scale you live in.

“We used materials like stone and wood that would last, take wear and tear, and be appropriate to the building. I like simple, no fuss, good materials and fairly understated colours. I think if your work is very visual, a calming home to return to really helps.

“I do like foraging for interesting unloved furniture and glass, and thinking very carefully about the specific place it fits in. I’m not one for clutter so things have to work hard for a place.

“The things I have here are special to me and a lot of it has a story. One of my sons, William Gordon, makes furniture. Lucky for me, he not only made all the tables, but the low suspended shelves that really make the space work.

“My sister, Maria Lalić, and brother in law, Colin Crumplin are artists, so a lot here is their work, plus some pieces by Anthony McCall.

“My four kids and their kids come to stay, so every space is in use. The younger ones like climbing the steel column in the kitchen that was unearthed when we took away a Roman-style column. The older ones gravitate to the sitting room and terrace. Thankfully they all cook so enjoy the social space of the kitchen and outdoor connection.

“The back yard is paved, walled, and south-facing, so feels very Italianate, especially with the veranda. I filled it with plants: trees, grapevines, jasmine, iris, peonies and pots. It’s the classic suntrap, though I sit out under the glass in every weather.

“Bath is a walk away, Larkhall even closer. It’s a brilliant part of the city, with a very good bookshop, delis, the best butcher, organic farm shop, everything, and very very friendly… a raffish, arty hub. It’s also been a treat to see Hauser & Wirth flourish in nearby Bruton.

“My kids have all left home and I will be moving closer to them and friends in London, planning a different phase of my life. This house is a one-off and I will be looking for a similar interesting place.

“I think everyone makes their own version of the house, and how they want to live in it. I love that. A member of The Cure lived here, then a family, and who knows who, way back to the 18th century. I am leaving a very happy, very liveable, and adaptable home, and I hope whoever lives here after us enjoys the same happiness.”