We’re delighted to show you our latest addition – this fantastic large group holiday home just a few miles from Bath and very close to the lovely little town of Bradford on Avon. The Plough used to be a country pub, and as with all country pubs these days it was a case of use it or lose it; it didn’t get used so it was lost, but fortunately it was rescued and sympathetically transformed into supersize self-catering accommodation for up to 29 people.
Yep, 29! Though the 11 en suite bedrooms actually sleep 27 guests, two of those rooms can easily fit in an additional bed (at an extra charge per person); that means that there are 3 bedrooms that can sleep 4 people, so it’s the perfect property for a few young families having a week away together. What makes it even more attractive is that when you calculate the cost between all members of your group, it works out at less than the price of a decent hotel, so you get heaps of space, top notch facilities and a very handsome property for remarkably good value.
The Plough is also a good one for hen weekends and corporate breaks, whether it’s a few days away team building, rewards, or hospitality. Let us tell you why; well, for a start, like we mentioned, there’s the space. Those 11 bedrooms are all good sizes and they all have a very smart en suite bathroom or shower room; most have an outlook over the lane or the fields, which you’ve got to admit, is nice to wake up to.
The kitchen is huge; all fresh and crisp, light and airy. You’ll have no trouble creating culinary delights because it’s got everything you need; plenty of worktop space for slicing and dicing, whipping and mixing, and you’re well sorted with two double ovens and two four ring hobs. Right in the middle there’s going to be an island which really makes for sociable times – you know, chatting and having a glass of wine or two whilst you prepare lunch or supper, and at one end there’s a table and chairs just right for when you’ve got smaller children who need to eat earlier than the grown-ups. And don’t forget, if cooking for a large group is too much of a chore, we’ve got tried and tested professional caterers who will come in and cook and serve you a corker of a feast.
The dining room is right next to the kitchen and it’s even got its own bar – because this WAS the bar when the Plough was a pub. It’s a quirky feature but also very handy for grabbing a glass or a drink from the beer or wine fridge. The table easily seats 28, and there’s a wood-burner which makes it proper cosy when it’s chilly outside.
The enormous sitting room we’re sure will be the scene of many a happy gathering; funky colourful sofas, a big TV, a pool table, and French doors so you can step out into the courtyard whenever you feel like it. Imagine the movie nights, all snug on those sofas, bowls brimming with popcorn...
Outside there’s the loveliest dining area for alfresco lunches and barbecues, and it’s set beneath a leafy arbour so even a bit of light rain won’t spoil things. At night you can sit out there under the fairy lights and chat away till the small hours.
There’s an ample lawn where you can play badminton, French cricket or croquet – do handstands and cartwheels, whatever takes your fancy, and just around the corner is a big covered hot tub and a pretty lawn edged with shrubs and flowers; such bliss!
Being so close to Bath, The Plough is ideally situated for day trips, and you don’t even need to worry about queues of traffic and parking because if you pop into Bradford on Avon you can hop on the train and be in the city in 15 minutes. Go and explore – see the famous Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent, and the beautiful Abbey where you can take a tour of the tower. Take time out in Prior Park where there’s a Palladian bridge, a lake and a waterfall, and a lovely Tea Shed. For incredible views of the city go on the Bath Skyline Walk; stop in the woods for the children to have a play, find a peaceful spot for a picnic. If you like a bit of culture there are several art galleries and museums, and some, like the American Museum and the Fashion Museum you won’t find the like of anywhere else.
Bradford on Avon is less than two miles away and is lovely; quirky little shops, various places to eat, and if you go down to the wharf you can have a lazy trip along the canal on a narrow boat, hire canoes and take to the water, or bikes for a leisurely cycle along the towpath. Go up to the 14th century Tithe Barn and let the kids run around, escape from the heat for a few minutes in the cool of the Saxon church.
Not far from the Plough are some excellent farm shops with cafes sat amidst the glorious Wiltshire countryside, and within a few miles you can visit such delights as Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Great Chalfield Manor, or Dyrham Park. One thing the little ones will love is Hope Nature Centre where they can see the animals, have a ride on the Land Train, stop at the storytelling area and play in the fairy wood.
This is a seriously amazing property; the décor is cool and trendy and it blends seamlessly with the original features; exposed stone walls, wood floors and thick timbers. It looks great, it feels great; book it now because as soon as it went live on our website it started to get snapped up for months ahead. We love it.