The House
Pootle slowly up the sweeping drive to The Old Rectory where the views of the Quantock Hills and the Somerset Coast are spectacular. Go in through the porch to a wide hallway with a table and chairs; on the left is the elegant dining room, leading through to the playroom, and a very impressive kitchen. Off the back hall there’s a utility room and a door to the courtyard.
Right of the main hallway there’s a living room and an inner hall to the drawing room, the games room, the main staircase, and a WC. Each room has so much charm, with period features like window shutters, decorative ceiling roses, picture rails and dado rails. Traditional country house interiors give a homely feel and make it the perfect setting for any large group stay.
The bedroom suites are named after the rectors and their wives who have lived here over the years – a lovely nod to the house’s history. Bedrooms 1-5 are on the first floor, 6-9 are on the second floor. The first floor Vernon Suite has two bedrooms and a bathroom, as do the Alford and Elrington Suites on the second floor – these make great rooms for families.
Large part-walled gardens surround the house, with mature trees, pretty flowerbeds, and a play fort; the courtyard at the back of the house has outdoor furniture, a barbecue, and a big hot tub.
Across the courtyard there's a large modern studio that's fantastic for yoga and wellness sessions or conferences and meetings, equipped with a large screen and connectivity; take a peek at our Extras page and you’ll find professionals to lead workshops as well as private caterers, florists, pamperers and activity organisers. What's to remember is that this must be requested in advance of your stay, but there's no extra charge.
Local Area
Lace up your boots to explore the sun dappled coombes, the heathery heaths, dramatic clifftops and windswept beaches in the Quantock Hills National Landscape, where you’re never more than a mile or so from a country pub for lunch. Pack a picnic and puff your way to the summit of Wills Neck, the highest point in the hills with panoramic views stretching out to Exmoor, Dartmoor and The Mendip Hills.
Take a ride on a steam train from Bishops Lydeard with the West Somerset Railway; chug through the countryside alighting at Watchet for a stroll along the harbour, at Blue Anchor or Minehead for an afternoon on the sands. Go fossil hunting on the beach at Kilve, then have a cream tea at the Chantry Tea Gardens.
Get set for an Exmoor adventure, discovering the gorsey moors where wild ponies feed, walk the lush river valleys and vast woodlands; cross the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, see the little harbour at Porlock Weir and the fairytale castle (NT) that stands high above the streets of Dunster.
Take a family trip to Tropiquaria Wildlife Park or Doniford Farm Park; visit Cleeve Abbey with its 15th century refectory, cloister buildings and gatehouse. Garden lovers – go to Hestercombe House and The Walled Gardens of Cannington!
Wherever you may wander, even if you spend every moment of your stay at The Old Rectory, one thing's for sure; you'll be happy as larks, making memories to shout about.