Property Name: Waterhouse

Details:

Waterhouse

An Introduction Lovely for a large group that want the best of both worlds, this handsome 17th century mansion provides smart hotel style en-suite bedrooms and combines countryside rambles, river walks, welcoming pubs and local pampering packages with great days out to historic Bath, Stourhead, Longleat and Stonehenge. It is currently available for long weekends and full catering can be provided upon request. As relaxing or action packed as you wish, it`s a delightful location with a great range of activities on offer close by. Recipient of the AA 4 star highly commended award.

Location

Only 6 miles from Bath off the A36, Waterhouse is tucked into a sheltered hillside by Midford Brook overlooking the lush green and tranquil valley of Monkton Combe. The nearest railway station is Bath Spa in Bath City Centre where there are frequent trains to and from London, Paddington, approx 1.5 hours away, or Bristol Temple Meads, approx 15 mins further down the line.

The History Waterhouse is a handsome Georgian manor house built from local Bath stone and covered in Vine. The original building dates back to 1632 and the building, completed in the 1780`s has floor to ceiling sash windows, beautiful marble fireplaces and a broad French staircase running through the centre of the main house. A contemporary wing was constructed in 1982 providing more modern comforts including 8 smart en-suite bedrooms and a lift. It is currently the venue for The Leadership Academy headed by Matt Perry - Bath`s own legendary rugby fullback with an illustrious career in Bath Rugby, The British Lions, The Barbarians and The World 15 and who now provides performance coaching for corporate teams. The second floor of the main building has offices which are in use during weekday office hours, and occasionally Sunday from 4pm onwards.

The Grounds A short driveway with herbaceous borders and mature trees leads to the main entrance. There`s plenty of car parking. Delightful views across the valley are of thick deciduous woods and grazing pastures dotted with stone cottages and country residences. Set in 4 acres of lawns and gardens with imaginative plans to develop the grounds as an ecological wildlife preserve, there are pretty country footpaths and river walks to explore, along with plenty of local wildlife to observe. Look out for barn owls, kingfishers, woodpeckers, deer, fox, badgers and trout in the brook. There is always a Manager in residence who can help with any queries.



The Ground Floor From the contemporary reception area you have a glimpse of the dining area, conservatory and to the picturesque valley beyond. Throughout the building are large inspiring landscapes by local artist Mike Service. Many of them beautifully capture the local area and are available to purchase.

A large hotel style dining area in dark wood and jade comfortably seats up to 18 on 5 tables. There is a large TV with freesat. A large Victorian style, south-facing conservatory is a magnet and here you can soak up the warmth, sunshine, and gorgeous rural views seated on wooden benches that can be taken out onto a large paved area in fine weather. `The Manor Room` is used as a conference room and has large windows, a vast marble fireplace and tables and chairs.

In this room also is a large TV (DVD`s can be played via a laptop and cables are provided). `The Reading Room` is a smaller lounge full of light from large Georgian windows. It has another handsome fireplace and a comfortable sofa, and several club chairs and coffee tables.

The Kitchen Cooking for 16 is made easier in a large kitchen specifically designed for large-scale catering. There is a a long range with multiple gas hobs and electric ovens, big fridges and a separate freezer, industrial dish washers and racks of crockery and cutlery to hand.

Full or part catering can be provided upon request and Waterhouse would be delighted to discuss a menu with you or assist with any shopping.

Local businesses are keenly supported and delicious local produce is used in the dishes.

The Bedrooms All the bedrooms are located on the first floor and you can proceed via a spacious lobby with original fireplace and French staircase. This also provides access to the offices on the second floor.

A private lift in the extension provides alternative private access to the bedrooms. The rooms are very tranquil with large windows and pretty country views. Recently refurbished with smart papered feature walls and pretty lighting, the rooms are stylish, comfortable and contemporary with travertine tiled en-suite shower rooms. There are 6 double rooms with a 4`6`` bed and 2 twin rooms with 2 single beds in each. Each one has a TV with freeview, a desk, a fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. Every room has a generous fitted wardrobe with plenty of shelf space.

The en-suites have a small shower, a hand basin and WC.

Pubs, Restaurants and Farm Shops The area is steeped in history with some excellent old pubs, many of which can be combined with a walk through the beautiful countryside. The Wheelwright in Monkton Combe (01225 722287)is a local gastro pub, only 5 minutes walk. The Hope and Anchor, (01225 832296) is a recommended gastro Pub and a cross country walk of 15 mins.

The Wheatsheaf in Combe Hay (01225 833504) is 5 minutes in the car and has excellent fine dining.

The Inn at Freshford (01225 722250) has a Micro brewery and delicious local ales beers and cider. Also 5 minutes by car. The Mill at Rode is 10 minutes by car. The Fox at Broughton Gifford is a fine gastro Pub serving Bath Ales. Bathampton Mill (01225 469758) has a lovely river location with outdoor tables, a stylish bar and great food.

Woody`s Farm Shop is 5 mins by car and has a delicious range of food. Hartley`s farm shop is at Limpley Stoke, 5 mins by car. Sainsburies supermarket at Combe Down is 10 mins by car. Tesco`s Express is a 10 mins by car

Places of Interest Bring outdoor clothing (you could also bring bikes) to make the most of your stay, there is much to enjoy on your doorstep.

A 5 minute walk brings you to Dundas Locks with a café and bicycles, electric boats or canoes for hire. (Tel. 01225 722292). Close by is a superb aqueduct on The Kennet and Avon Canal and you can follow the towpath to Bath or Bradford-on-Avon, a picturesque and historic mill town.

Bath is only 10 minutes by car and a world heritage site with many architectural treasures. There are excellent restaurants and bars, great shopping and entertainment, and fascinating museums and galleries. Try The Thermae Spa for a dip in the healing hot waters or book tickets at The Theatre Royal or have night at the Komedia where you can combine dining followed by a comedy show and dancing.

Coombe Grove Manor Hotel and Country Club (01225 834644) open from 8am - 8pm at weekends, is 5 minutes by car and has a driving range and restaurant. Day passes costing £20.00 will enable you to use the heated indoor pool, gym, spa facilities and tennis courts. Beauty treatments need to be booked in advance and pamper packages are available starting from £81.00.

20 - 30 minute drive takes you to Lacock Abbey, Longleat, Stourhead, Stonehenge, Wells and Salisbury Cathedrals. There are many pretty villages, towns and National Trust Properties to visit nearby. (Call Tourist Information Center 0906 711 2000)

Horse riding is available at Wellow Trekking Centre where treks are available for all ranges and abilities. Advance booking required. At Wood Farm Clay Shooting Club, you can pay £45 for a lesson including 50 clays and cartridges. (Fri and Sat only) Or if fishing is your thing, fish on the tranquil Midford brook or the River Avon. Fishing Licenses are required. Apply online for a rod licence www.environmentagency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing. And don`t forget to visit The Rec, home of Bath Rugby with the season running from September to May and matches every two weeks. Tel the Box Office outside the grounds 0871 721 1865 to book tickets up to 4 weeks in advance or visit www.seatexchange.co.uk for online tickets.

Availability: