Widcombe Grange-Somerset

Widcombe Grange is an impressive party house to rent in Somerset. Set in 22 acres of landscaped woodland on the Blackdown Hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is truly a magical place to stay for a group weekend break, a large family holiday, luxury hen party weekend or corporate party. There is so much to do within the grounds you may find you don’t leave throughout your stay!

Social spaces

Enter this enchanting big house through a wide oak floored hallway. The stylish kitchen is fully equipped for whipping up culinary delights with space for the inevitable gathering of kitchen helpers to mingle.  The dining room adjoins the kitchen and can seat 24 guests comfortably around a large solid wood table. From there, patio doors lead out to the courtyard and the large hot tub, which is ideal for after dinner star gazing and day time relaxing.

The main drawing room with log burner and big squishy leather sofas, sitting room with wide screen TV and den (leading out to a patio) are all interconnected, providing a great space for large scale entertaining or they can be separated for cosier gatherings.

Bedrooms

Upstairs your group can choose between six bedrooms, some with zip and link beds to provide flexible sleeping arrangements, and four shower/bathrooms, of which two are en-suite. All the bedrooms have plenty of light and have lovely views over the grounds. They are furnished with extremely comfortable beds and period furniture, many rooms retain their original fireplaces (not in use).

On the ground floor there is one bedroom with en suite shower room for easy access accommodation. (see the house floor plan here)

Keepers Cottage

A delightful cottage with its own walled garden, adjacent to the main house. On the ground floor there is a spacious kitchen and sitting area which leads on to two bedrooms and a shower room. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and two shower/bathrooms (one en suite). The cottage provides excellent, extra sleeping capacity. In general, all the action happens in the main house, which is large enough and well equipped for all 24 guests.

Fun Spaces

The coach house provides a spacious area for indoor games with table tennis, table football and a quarter size snooker table. It also makes an ideal party venue, as the games equipment can be easily moved to create plenty of space for dancing. The Pole Barn is a great space near the swimming pool to serve barbecues and buffets on balmy summer days.

Pool, lakes, hot tub & 17 acres

The heated pool (May – Sept) and loungers are set within the walled garden, a delightful spot for your group to enjoy the summer sunshine. There is a large lawn here for group games, as well as pool side fun. Outside the house, in the courtyard, the hot tub is a very social space.

In front of the house is a natural pond with its own island gazebo (licensed for weddings) and to the west of the property is woodland, great for hide and seek. You will also find a two acre spring fed lake (try your hand at some fishing!) which borders onto an orchard, from which we make our very own apple juice.  The grounds of this large house are spectacular and lend themselves to a range of country pursuits (archery, fishing, laser clay shooting to name a few) so your group can stay and play without ever having to leave site! A truly memorable big house experience.

During your stay

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Widcombe Grange is a wonderful location from which to explore the surrounding countryside and coast. You can be in picturesque Lyme Regis within half and hour and do your best French Lieutenant’s Wife impersonation on the Cob!

Nearby Taunton has a High Ropes Centre for those with no fear of heights or Taunton Museum for a more grounded option.

Horse riding, shooting, fishing and golf can all be arranged – see our Activities list for information.

The owner can arrange a huge number of fun and interesting activities and local chefs for some delicious fine dining.

A few small points:

• Widcombe Grange is set in glorious grounds, but all guests with children should be aware that there is open, unfenced water and an outside, unfenced swimming pool.
• Up to two dogs are welcome (£15 per dog/p.n., payable to the owner), but owners please be aware that you are responsible for clearing up after your dog in the grounds.
• Arrivals from 4pm / Departure by 10am (Monday to Friday) Departure by 11am (Sunday)
• We recommend taking out your own personal travel insurance prior to booking.

The History

Built in the late 1800’s for a gentleman JP, Widcombe Grange has had various guises, from family home to a bird garden and petting zoo! The house and grounds were restored to their current glory during the early part of this century.

Location

Widcombe Grange is in the Blackdown Hills close to Taunton and Wellington in Somerset, accessible from J25 and J26 of the M5 and in easy reach of Taunton train station.