The Old Rectory - Somerset

Standing at the top of a sweeping driveway, in a commanding position with views of the Somerset coast, The Old Rectory is a very elegant large group holiday house that sleeps 18 guests in 9 bedrooms and has a hot tub, games room and play area. The reception rooms have capacity for bigger groups and more intimate get togethers, so this is a great choice for big family holidays, low key celebrations with the chosen few, sophisticated hen weekends and corporate away days.  

The Old Rectory is a big and homely place; the ambience is noticeably calm and it feels very homely. Traditional interiors and woodburning stoves bring character and warmth, there are several inviting spots to curl up on the sofa with a favourite book, or for a cosy chat by the fire, and a charming drawing room that sets the scene for afternoon tea perfectly. The bedroom suites are all named after the rectors and their wives who have lived in the house over the years; a nod to times past and to the happy role The Old Rectory has played in family life.

The location is fantastic, high up on the glorious Quantock Hills AONB, with much to see and do in the surrounding area. Step out from the doorstep, explore the dramatic clifftops, the windswept beaches, rolling coombes, sun dappled woodlands and heather topped heaths. Pootle about the quiet lanes in the car and wind up at a cosy country pub for lunch. Pack a picnic and climb to the top of Wills Neck; it's the highest point in the Quantocks, and you'll be astounded at the views - on a clear day you can see right across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Stroll from Ramscombe Great Wood to Cothelstone Hill, venture over to Nether Stowey and visit Coleridge Cottage, or up to Fyne Court for a stroll around the nature reserve.

Have a day out on the steam train with the West Somerset Railway, chug through the countryside to Blue Anchor or Minehead for good old-fashioned seaside fun and fish and chips on the beach. Search for fossils at St. Audries Bay or Kilve, then wander up the lane for a cream tea at the Chantry Tea Gardens. It's not far to the county town of Taunton where you can browse the many shops and eateries, stroll around Vivary Park and visit the Museum of Somerset. Take a day trip to Exmoor National Park and discover a diverse landscape of wild gorse covered moors, steep wooded valleys where rivers rush along, dramatic clifftops and picturesque villages. Amble along the banks of the river at Watersmeet, see the unusual clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, potter around Dulverton, or the little harbour at Porlock Weir, walk up the cliff to the tiny church of Culbone - legend says it was the inspiration for Lorna Doone's wedding.

Visit Dunster Castle, high on the hill above the village streets, walk along the millstream to the working watermill. Nearby are Tropiquaria Wildlife Park and Cleeve Abbey where you can have a picnic with the backdrop of the beautiful abbey ruins and tranquil countryside. Back at The Old Rectory fire up the barbecue, have a soak in the hot tub or a game of croquet on the lawn while steaks are sizzling. If it's cold have a few games of pool or table tennis, gather by the fireside and watch a film or play board games; have a feast in the dining room. This grand old house will bring you all together, happy and smiling, with so many memories to take home and treasure.

Book today!