WONHAM HOUSE - Devon

Built in Victorian times and lovingly restored in 2022, Wonham House sits in an elevated position overlooking the beautiful countryside of the Exe Valley just a few miles from Bampton in Devon. With snooze space for up to 24 in 9 bedrooms, an outdoor heated pool (Easter to the end of October*), hot tub and games room, this is a wonderful house for big family holidays and celebrations you'll always remember, for refined hen gatherings and impressive corporate away days. Inside the style is modern country house throughout; arranged over 4 floors there's a movie room, private bar, kitchen, dining room, drawing room, snug and games room, as well as the 9 bedrooms. Outside beyond the large gardens are 36 acres of parkland. The house has an interesting history; originally built as a hunting lodge for an MP it was a nursing home during WWII, then a private girls' school and a family home.

Just a very short drive away is the quiet town of Bampton with local stores, a very good butchers and bakers shop, and the award winning Swan Hotel. A little further is Tiverton where if you wander down to the Grand Western Canal you can climb on board a horse-drawn barge for a relaxing cruise along the waterway; look out for swans and moorhens, and if you're very lucky, the blue-green dart of a kingfisher. Hire boats and go at your own speed or stroll along the towpath; when you get back have cream tea at the Canal Tea Rooms and Garden, or a drink on the floating Duck's Ditty bar.

Dulverton is very charming for a stroll around and if you've time, a bite to eat at The Bridge Inn by the river. This is the gateway to Exmoor National Park, so plan it well, spend the day exploring the wild heaths where whortleberries grow and Exmoor ponies graze. Stop at Tarr Steps and amble down the hill to where the ancient clapper bridge crosses the River Barle, go to Watersmeet for a potter along the lush river valley and homemade cake in the old fishing lodge. Walk up the rufty-tufty moors to Dunkery Beacon, it's the highest point in the entire park and the views are phenomenal. Pootle down the winding hill to Porlock Weir, sit on the harbour and watch the world go by, then wander up through the wooded cliffs to Culbone Church, the smallest parish church in England.

Head over to the Somerset coast for a family day on the beach at Minehead where there's a distinctly traditional seaside air; stroll along the esplanade, have fish and chips and make sandcastles. Blue Anchor is good for families too as it has a long strip of sandy beach; surf dudes should make for Croyde and Woolacombe to catch the waves. There are historic houses and glorious gardens to visit, like Knightshayes, Dunster Castle and Hestercombe; you could take a trip to Exeter to see the Gothic Cathedral and the medieval underground passages beneath the busy streets.

The little ones will shriek with delight when they see the animals at Tropiquaria Zoo or Wildwood Escot; for a mega day out there's Crealy Theme Park with over 60 exciting rides. There is plenty to see and do in this part of the world but if you'd rather spend all your time at Wonham House, who could blame you? All that peace and quiet, the gorgeous countryside around you, and your own private pool… that's a whole load of luxury togetherness for you. Enjoy it, stock up on happy memories, find your big happy.

*The pool can be used outside of these months but will not be heated and must be requested in advance.

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