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. Across the courtyard the spacious m,odern studio can be requested for yoga and wellness workshops or for meetings for corporate groups.
Come to The Old Rectory for unforgettable holidays!