| The world-renowned city of
Bath has long been an influential centre for England’s
social and artistic elite: Jane Austen wrote several of her
social satires here, Gainsborough established his reputation
as a painter in Bath, and John Wood & his son created
the Roman-style buildings so admired throughout the city -
including the glorious Royal Crescent and The Circus. It is
fitting, therefore, that a city of such cultural accomplishment
would be the setting for this exceptional house.
Nestling in the hills just north of Bath, the property dates
back to the 14th Century and is listed as a Grade I monument.
Sympathetically restored by its imaginative owner, the house
remains faithful to its origins without sacrificing any of
the conveniences of modern living. Many of the bedrooms are
furnished with fine four-poster beds, yet accompanying bathrooms
are beautifully modernised. Fine panelling and ornate plaster
ceilings add a touch of grandeur to the library, filled with
comfortable sofas and upholstered armchairs. The romantic
Elizabethan dining room is lit solely by candlelight, yet
is supported by two well-equipped kitchens. It all comes together
to create an immaculate house which is elegant, yet warm and
homey, and makes it an ideal setting for almost any holiday,
from the most glamorous occasion to a discreet family escape.
Complementing this wonderful house is a superb 5-star service.
Leading a dedicated team of domestic staff, the estate manager
ensures that every guest’s needs are met. The house
is serviced daily, and the staff take great pride in organising
celebrations - no matter whether it is an extravagant candlelit
dinner or high tea in the orangery, you can be sure that it
will be an event to remember. There is little that the staff
can not arrange for guests - in the past, they have organised
horse riding, polo lessons, private watercolour instruction,
even hot-air ballooning. Also provided for guests is a special
membership to the nearby Lucknam Park Club, with indoor swimming
pool and gymnasium.
With so much available on the doorstep, it is little wonder
that some guests never leave the house - but they miss out
on some of England’s most beautiful cities, villages
and countryside. Bath, of course, is unmissable with its Roman
baths, Bath Abbey and the Theatre Royal in addition to outstanding
shopping and the excellent Bath International Music Festival.
Guests from the US will enjoy visiting the American Museum
within the beautiful grounds of Claverton Manor. One of the
world’s finest landscape gardens can be found at Stourhead
Park, and such exceptional houses as Bowood and Wilton House
are within easy reach. Children will enjoy the wildlife parks
at Longleat House and Cricket St Thomas, as well as exploring
the caves and clifftops of Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge.
The nearby town of Glastonbury has many mystical associations,
being the legendary resting place of King Arthur, Guinevere
and the Holy Grail. The Counties of Somerset and Avon are
so rich in history and culture, they will appeal to both the
seasoned traveller and first-time visitor alike, and accompanied
by a stay in this home it is bound to be the holiday of a
lifetime.
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