The Old Rectory stands at the top of a sweeping drive with views of the Somerset coast and the Quantock Hills. This is a wonderful house for big family holidays and weekend celebrations, for refined hen weekends and reunions with friends.
Go through the porch to a long tiled hallway; on the left is the dining room with a long polished table setting the scene for happy celebration dinners. Next to this is a spacious and well-equipped kitchen, also accessed from the hall; off this an inner hall leads to a utility room and a play room.
Back in the main hall, on the right there’s a living room; snuggle up in front of the woodburner on Chesterfield sofas, have a chat or a quiet read, or watch TV. An inner hall leads to a lobby where you’ll find the main staircase and a cloakroom, and on to the elegant drawing room; this is a lovely spot for tea and toast by the fire after a wintery walk in the hills or along a rugged windswept beach. Doors lead through to the games room where a pool table converts for table tennis.
The bedroom suites are named after the rectors and their wives who have lived here over the years, a nod to the house’s heritage. Off a long landing on the first floor are Bedrooms 1-5; Bedroom 1 (the Hellier Suite) and Bedroom 2 (the Billington Suite) both have king size beds and ensuite bathroom. Bedroom 3 (John Vernon) also has a king size bed and Bedroom 4 has zip and link beds (super king or twin); these rooms are in the same suite and share a bathroom, so it’s a great set up for families, with parents in one room, two children in the other and room for a cot or two as well. Bedroom 5 (the Stannard Suite) has a double bed and an ensuite bathroom.
On the second floor Bedrooms 6 and 7 are in the Alford Suite and share a bathroom; Bedroom 6 (Charles Alford) has a king size bed and Bedroom 7 (Elizabeth Alford) has zip and links (super king or twin). Bedrooms 8 and 9 are in the Elrington Suite and also share a bathroom; Bedroom 8 (Charles Elrington) has a king size bed and Bedroom 9 (Emily Alrington) has twin beds. The country house charm pervades throughout the house, the feels are gentle and welcoming, so a relaxing holiday should come easy.
The large, part-walled grounds are lovely; playing croquet on the lawns on a warm day, or just sit and enjoy the views of the sea. The little ones can charge about and let off steam, and they’ll have a whale of a time on the play fort. Regroup for a barbecue lunch in the courtyard, slip into the hot tub and watch puffy white clouds float by; at night you’ll have a sky full of stars to wish upon. Come to The Old Rectory for unforgettable holidays!