Somerset Manor

Somerset Manor is a grand, impressive, characterful house that feels like home very quickly and a special holiday house in Taunton, Somerset. It’s beautiful, stylish and a great place to enjoy having fun with your favourite people.

There’s plenty to do outside and in, so whatever the weather, it will be a memorable stay. It’s a house to be together in, play and laugh, but there’s space to quietly re-charge, read a book, or just contemplate how great life is.

Social spaces

The dining room has elegant floor to ceiling sash windows, throwing plenty of natural light into the room. A large table (seating 20/26) for gathering your group around, beneath the grand chandelier that sets the scene for a special dinner party. Match the elegance by dressing up in your finery – go Gatsby for the weekend.

Across the hall from the dining room, the light filled drawing room has a baby grand piano, sofas, a large open fire for a cosy winters afternoon indoors. It’s a beautiful room.

The mellow library has beautiful panelling and there’s a large stone fireplace to light if you want to add to the atmosphere, choose a book from the shelves and curl up on a sofa. There is also a wide screen tv and an excellent Denon sound system.

Central in the house is the kitchen, with an Aga (electric) giving a proper country house feel, 2 eye level ovens and an induction hob. With a centre island and very comfy bar stools – anyone cooking is going to have an audience! A pantry and a breakfast kitchen lead off the main kitchen, giving you extra storage and preparation space. There is a butlers kitchen (towards the games room), with an eye level, built in oven and induction hob, if you need even more cooking space.

Bedrooms

Up the grand staircase, past the attractive stained glass window, admire the original, ornate light-well that cascades natural light into the hall, there are 9 fabulous bedrooms. All in calming Farrow & Ball colours with crisp bed linen and soft, deep pile carpet underfoot. The well chosen contemporary furniture and lighting balances in harmony with the traditional features, high ceilings, pretty sash windows and heavy drapes. Many of the bedrooms have views of the gardens and beyond to the rolling Somerset countryside. See our floor plan for bedroom layout.

Additional sleeping accommodation (extra charge) can be provided in the stables flat, with 2 bedrooms, 2 put up beds (in living area) and 1 bathroom. Enough for 6, so you can increase your group size, and still enjoy all the great facilities of the house.

There are 3 en-suites and 3 general bath/shower rooms, all with new high spec fittings throughout. Deep baths for enjoying a soak and invigorating large rainfall showers to wake you up in the morning.

Read More

Fun spaces

The media room. Welcome to media room heaven. Gaming chairs and sofas, Denon sound system and projector system onto the facing wall. A perfect teenage hang-out. If you can’t find them, this is where they will be.

The gym. The lounge lizards among us are skeptical that this is a fun space, but we are assured that it counts. It’s very well equipped with a rowing machine, treadmill, exercise bike, punchbag and weights.

Further long the passage, to the karaoke bar where you can sing your heart out (slightly low beams, adorned with fairy lights), Past the funky signage, to the games room, a description that doesn’t do it justice! It’s a fantastic, double height space with oodles of character, a basketball hoop, darts, table tennis and plenty of room for lots of fun. Any age group is going to love this space.

All play and no work…just in case you have to, the study is quietly located towards the back of the house, with a workspace that might not make it feel like work?

Outside

There are 28 acres of grounds & gardens and one of the loveliest features is the fairytale tree house, newly re-built and promising hours of fun. Across the main lawn from the house is the outdoor pool (seasonal) with sun loungers and when relaxing gets too tiring, cross the lawn to the tennis court and serve a few aces.

By the house there’s more seating on the terrace, where you’re then perfectly positioned by the barbecue and pizza oven to enjoy some evening feasting. It’s a sunny spot to enjoy the views of the garden and through to the orchard. Further beyond, is a full size football pitch with goals.

Out and About

History lovers can uncover centuries of stories at the Museum of Somerset, while garden enthusiasts will be captivated by the splendour of Hestercombe Gardens, with its sweeping landscapes and beautiful formal designs. For something truly nostalgic, climb aboard the West Somerset Railway and enjoy a steam-powered journey through rolling hills and coastal views. And no trip to Taunton is complete without visiting the majestic Church of St Mary Magdalene, whose tower stands proudly as the tallest in Somerset, or following the charming Taunton Heritage Trail, winding past Bath Place and other historic gems.

Food and drink are never far away, and Somerset’s reputation for quality produce shines through. A visit to Sheppy’s Cider, one of the country’s oldest cider makers, is a must for a taste of local tradition. In Taunton’s bustling town centre, you’ll discover cosy pubs, stylish eateries, and independent restaurants where local ingredients take centre stage. Whether you’re seeking a hearty Somerset feast or something more refined, the area is brimming with flavour.

For those who prefer to be outdoors, there are plenty of places to stretch your legs and take in the fresh country air. Stroll or cycle along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, where the peaceful towpath offers tranquil views. Vivary Park brings a touch of Victorian charm, hosting seasonal events such as the renowned Taunton Flower Show. Or, for something more off-the-beaten-track, discover the hidden beauty of Trull Meadows and Waterfall, a perfect spot for picnics and quiet walks.

Families will find plenty to keep everyone entertained. Little ones can let their imaginations soar at the Space Adventurers Indoor Play Centre, while sports fans can catch the excitement of a live match at Somerset County Cricket Club, or delve into the game’s history at its museum. For a truly unique experience, head to Stoke Wood Alpacas or try Somerset Sheep Trekking, where you can enjoy hands-on encounters with some of the region’s most characterful animals.

A few small points..

• Prices shown are for 20 guests. The Stables (up to 6 extra) is £700 per weekend & £1,200 for a week.
• The swimming pool has partial low fencing and a hedge around it. Children & animals  should always be supervised.
• While playing on the tree house & slide children should be supervised.
• Hidden away by the main gates is a lodge (100m from the house), where a husband & wife couple live, who show you in to the house & explain how things work.
• Up to two dogs are welcome (£15 per dog, p.n.) Enquire for weekly rates.
• There is a very slight hum of motorway traffic, in the garden only, please ring for more details, we have been to the house on several occasions.
• A small equestrian area on the edge of the grounds. Only the trainer visits them.
• The refundable cautionary deposit for this house is from £1,500.
• Arrivals from 4pm/Departure by 10am (Monday to Friday) Departure by 4pm (Sunday)
• Mature hen & stag groups, please enquire before booking.
• We recommend taking out your own personal travel insurance prior to booking.