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Luxury Somerset country house, perfect for friend and family gatherings.

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Property grounds
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Pool
Interior
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

6 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 12465 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace
  • Dryer
    DryerDryer
  • Pool
    PoolPool

Explore the area

Map
Somerset, England
  • Popular LocationHaynes International Motor Museum8 min drive
  • Popular LocationRoyal Bath and West Showground16 min drive
  • Popular LocationFleet Air Arm Museum17 min drive
  • AirportBristol (BRS-Bristol Intl.)62 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

5 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Bathroom 4

Bathroom 5

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Luxury Somerset country house, perfect for friend and family gatherings.

Light and spacious former rectory set in 7 acres of tranquil grounds with stunning views across the Vale of Camelot. Near to the popular Somerset towns of Bruton and Castle Cary. Excellent access to Castle Cary train station (5 miles) and A303 (3 miles). Perfectly located to explore local attractions such as Hauser and Wirth, Bath & West showground, Haynes Motor Museum, Glastonbury and the Somerset levels, Mendip Hills, Sherborne and the Dorset Coast beyond.

AND RELAX...

The Old Rectory is a spacious and elegant country house that’s recently been renovated to a high standard.

It’s highly suited to families or friends looking to escape to a beautiful part of England's West Country.

Located deep in the glorious South Somerset countryside, the house has panoramic views across the beautiful Vale of Camelot and towards Cadbury Castle, suggested as the possible location of King Arthur’s legendary castle.

We have a heated outdoor pool (during the summer) and 7 acres incorporating landscaped gardens, a newly planted orchard, wildlife pond and fields.

North Barrow is a quiet and pretty hamlet with barely any passing traffic – there is a real sense of peace and beauty here. Castle Cary is the nearest town, which has a fast rail link to London Paddington (90 mins.) We’re 2 1/4 hours drive from London.

INSIDE

Guests often comment on how great the flow of the house is and what a happy and light feel there is.

BEDROOMS

There are 6 bedrooms – 3 Superking bedrooms all with ensuites and then 1 double, 1 twin and 1 single (which share a bathroom). An additional camp bed and sofa bed is available on request.

LIVING AREAS

The well equipped large kitchen is a joy to cook in and the orangery dining room (sits 10) is perfectly suited to families. The orangery’s expansive doors open up to a terraced eating area outside complete with BBQ and stunning views of the garden and distant hills, and a double sun bed to lounge on.

The media room boasts a Sony HD TV with Sky Q, a cinema screen and state of the art surround sound system - ideal for relaxing at the end of the day. Additional seating areas include the more formal hall (which can be configured as an additional dining area) and snug/playroom.

OUTSIDE

On the south side of the house, enjoy wandering through a series of landscaped gardens, and take in the magnificent views. There is a newly built play area with a ground level trampoline, a double swing and slide. We have a croquet set, up and ready to play throughout the summer. The pool area is wonderfully sheltered and is available on request.

There is access to a footpath (not visible) from the field at the top of the garden which leads to South Barrow and there are various other walks that lead from the village.

The outside space is ideal for family or friend occasions and events, although is there is an extra charge for this. We can also arrange yurts, marquees and tipis for additional accommodation/ event areas. Please enquire if interested.

There is parking for approximately 10 cars in the driveway with further substantial parking space available in the fields if needed for an event.

We have no light pollution in North Barrow which means that the property is great for stargazers!

PLACES TO VISIT

- The popular Hauser & Wirth gallery in Bruton is only 10 minutes away which is great fun for all ages.
- There is excellent walking - highlights include Cadbury Castle, Corton Denham ridge and wildlife spotting on the Somerset levels. Stourhead (20 mins) is easily accessed along the A303 and has great walking around its beautiful lake and through its Italianate gardens.
- The charming Dorset town of Sherborne and its striking Abbey is 20 minutes away. The cathedral city of Wells with its magnificent cathedral and charming shops, is worth a visit as is Glastonbury tor (both 30 mins). Dorchester is 45 minutes away and the Jurassic coast is an hour’s drive which makes for an easy day trip.
- Haynes motor museum, with its seriously impressive collection of classic cars and excellent Go Kart track, is 5 minutes away.
- The renowned Longleat safari park is a must for families! (45 mins)
- Babington house is within easy reach (30 mins).

***The house would be an appealing rental during the Glastonbury festival as it’s only 15 minutes from the site entrance. We can arrange transportation to and from the festival at all hours. Yurts and tipis can be arranged in our field for a surcharge, but please book these well in advance.***

WHERE TO EAT

The village itself is a very small hamlet without shops or pubs. There are excellent pubs nearby, including The Red Lion, Babcary (5 mins), The Bull Inn, Hardway (15 mins), The Queens Arms, Corton Denham (15 mins), and The White Hart, Somerton (20 mins). Bruton and Castle Cary are less than 10 minutes away. Bruton has a number of excellent restaurants including Roth Bar and Grill and At The Chapel.

Property manager

The Old Rectory, North Barrow, Near Bruton, Somerset

Languages

English, Spanish

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed
No hen or stag parties allowed in this house.

Pets

No pets allowed
We will consider pets on a case by case basis

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please smoke outside
No food or drink in carpeted or seagrass rooms please. Fire guard must be in place for all open fires. Pool cover to be fitted when not in use.
No single groups allowed in this property.
Family arrangements and bookings with couples are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No hen or stag parties allowed in this house.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Yeovil

Located in Yeovil, this holiday home is in a rural area. Mill on the Brue and Royal Bath and West Showground are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Kilver Court and Clarks Village. Gartell Light Railway and Greenbank Pool are also worth visiting.
Map
Somerset, England

What's nearby

  • Haynes International Motor Museum - 8 min drive
  • Hauser and Wirth Somerset - 15 min drive
  • Royal Bath and West Showground - 16 min drive
  • Fleet Air Arm Museum - 17 min drive
  • Glastonbury Tor - 27 min drive

Getting around

  • Castle Cary Station - 11 min drive
  • Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Manor House Inn - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Fox & Hounds - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Barton Inn - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The George Hotel, Castle Cary - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Luxury Somerset country house, perfect for friend and family gatherings. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Luxury Somerset country house, perfect for friend and family gatherings. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxury Somerset country house, perfect for friend and family gatherings.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury Somerset country house, perfect for friend and family gatherings.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Luxury Somerset country house, perfect for friend and family gatherings. located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 2.6 mi (4.3 km) from Haynes International Motor Museum and within 9 miles (15 km) of Cadbury Castle and Mill on the Brue. Hauser and Wirth Somerset and Avalon Vineyard are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Herman d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Familieweekblad at The Old Rectory
We had a lovely week in a this fantastic house. Large enough for our group of 12 and with lots of character to feel like a home. We thoroughly enjoyed this place!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent, if you want luxury and space this house has it all
We were an extended family of eight adults, three young children and a dog. The house is situated in a large private garden with lovely views over surrounding farm land. The accommodation is extremely comfortable and spacious offering all the facilities a family could want. We were lucky with the weather meaning the private swimming pool was an added bonus. The garden and children's play area was also ideal. I would have no hesitation in recommending this house, everything you could want.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Hilary D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious and elegant period property
Spacious and elegant period property with a great setting in rolling countryside. Well equipped both inside and out, with comfortable bedrooms, lots of reception rooms (including a great home cinema room) and plenty of things to do in the surrounding area.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Summer Set
Beautiful house. Exquisitely furnished and very comfortable beds. Would recommend for family visit for all ages.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home in beautiful countryside
We rented this beautiful home during half-term for a family getaway. We had terrible weather while we were there—three storms passed—however, the size and warmth of the home, made it a wonderfully cozy trip. We made lovely fires and watched movies on a big screen, while cooking big stews on the AGA. The kiddos, 3 and 7, ran out to jump on the trampoline and play on the swings between rains and wind gusts. Luckily there is a large bootroom to keep kiddos and dog mud contained and out of the main house. The 12 year old was delighted that we kept a strong WiFi signal during the storms. The beds were all comfortable, with gorgeous, crisp sheets. My only complaint, and this is minor, is that we were met with so many rules when we first entered the property. For this level of price and deposit, I’m more used to a greeting with a complimentary bottle of wine and an enthusiastic here-are-all-the-things-you-can-enjoy-while-you-are-here tour, rather than a don’t-do-that-or-that. It did make us all nervous the first couple of days before we could relax in the space. I do write this paragraph with sympathy, I may do the same thing if I owned and rented out this stately Old Rectory. That said, we would rent this home again, knowing we could abide by the rules, while relaxing in a beautiful setting.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kate M., London

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Christmas stay
We had a great stay at the Old Rectory over Christmas and New Year as an extended family. The house is large and very comfortable - really suitable for a multi family group. We loved all the walking directly from the property and the wonderful views. Leander and Laura were very helpful throughout and the whole trip was a pleasure.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Darren Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely house for a country stay
We recently stayed at the Old Rectory as an October half-term break. We loved the property, especially the cinema room which was great for kids and adults alike. Perfect property for two families looking for a country stay (but close enough to the likes of Bruton and Wells for shopping and sightseeing, plus "The Newt" only a 10 min drive away). Look forward to returning in warmer weather so we can take advantage of the pool! Hosts very helpful and made the whole stay go extremely smoothly.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent family week together
The property was very spacious . Rooms for family group, rooms for reading in, a very good media room which the children loved especially the drop down screen. The dining area in the orangery part of the kitchen very spacious. The external heated pool was loved by the children. The bedrooms were very spacious and very comfortable .
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christopher R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely house
The house is very spacious and well-equipped throughout, located in a peaceful hamlet with stunning views over the Somerset Levels. The playroom, swimming pool and trampoline made it a very special holiday for the children. It's a wonderful house for a family holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to stay
The house is very spacious, tastefully and stylishly furnished and is set in extensive and attractive grounds. The manager can be readily contacted and proved very friendly, attentive and helpful. The location offers a very varied range of museums, historic buildings and beaches within easy reach. We would recommend this property to anyone seeking a memorable country break.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Justin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect family getaway
A fabulous house with spacious kitchen a dining area, opening onto generous terrace with marvellous views to the south. Very peaceful spot, but close to nearby attractions & market towns. Very welcoming owners.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by The Old Rectory, North Barrow, Near Bruton, Somerset

Host profile image
I’m a wildlife filmmaker living in beautiful Somerset with my wife Laura and two happy children.

I once made a wildlife film for Disney about flamingos that was shown in cinemas around the world.

I love to travel, although haven't felt such itchy feet since moving to this wild part of England.

I love to walk on the Somerset Levels and photograph the starling murmurations.

I am a keen surfer and have been known to get up before dawn and drive to the coasts of Devon and Cornwall for a surf and then return in time for lunch at home. Being so close to the South West coasts is another great thing about living here!

I once came across an epitaph on a Cumbrian gravestone. It read:

"The wonders of the world
The beauty and the power
The shapes of things
Their colours, lights and shades.
These I saw. Look ye whilst life lasts."

This felt like good advice and has been something of a maxim for me on my own life journey!

Languages:

English, Spanish
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