MENAGERIE HOUSE - Devon

Menagerie House offers very unique group accommodation for 12 guests in 5 bedrooms. This imposing Georgian property stands in an elevated position with unspoilt views over miles and miles of spectacular North Devon countryside. The secluded location neighbours the Castle Hill country estate and gardens and is approached by a tree lined drive so it's a wonderful spot for peaceful family holidays, celebrations with your favourite folk, sophisticated hen weekends, and corporate breaks to impress, be it team building or hospitality.

They say Menagerie House was built for the mistress of the 1st Earl Clinton who lived at Castle Hill so that he could ride through the woods to see her. The imposing entrance and original façade are still there, along with delightful period features like the leaded windows and the big thick timbers; this is a house that oozes style and substance. Outside there's a large garden with a big patio for summer barbecues, sweeping lawns for fun and games, and a big hot tub for you to use any time of year.

If your idea is to escape to a gorgeous house and stay put for a few days, this will suit you well; if on the other hand, you'd like to get out and see what's about in these parts, you won't be disappointed. There is SO much to see and do around here - country pubs, family attractions, activities, beaches and a glorious, glorious landscape to explore. There are walks on the Castle Hill estate right from the doorstep; have a wander, see the follies and the sham castle on the hill; in the summer months the gardens of the Palladian country mansion at the heart of the estate are open to the public.

Just a mile away is the little village of Filleigh; stroll to the Stags Head Inn for lunch and then pootle on to Quince Honey Farm. A very short drive away is South Molton where they have a regular Pannier Market, a little further is Barnstaple, where you can hire bikes and explore the Tarka Trail. If you've got kids onboard go and say hello to the animals who live at Exmoor Zoo, while away an afternoon Geocaching at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, have fun on the rollercoasters and slides at the Milky Way Adventure Park, or soak up the Victorian history at Watermouth Castle.

There are activities galore, from golf and fishing to cycling and horse riding, and of course there are the beautiful beaches of the North Devon coast, some of the best in the UK, which appeal to families and surfers alike - Ilfracombe, Croyde and Woolacombe are the most popular. Head off into the wilds of Exmoor National Park; see wild ponies grazing on the heather-clad heaths, look out for herds of red deer, discover beauty spots like Tarr Steps, Watersmeet and the Valley of Rocks. Stop for cream tea at picturesque Selworthy, climb Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on the moors, or walk up through the wooded cliffs to Culbone Church.

At the end of a day spent exploring, head back to Menagerie House for an evening of luxury togetherness and a restful nights' sleep. This is a place where very special memories will be made, the kind to last a lifetime.

Book today!