Orchardleigh Castle

• Sleeps: Up to 24
• Bedrooms: 8
• Bathrooms: 2
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Spanning 500 exquisite acres, and dating back over three centuries, Somerset’s Orchardleigh Estate is a location worthy of the grandest celebrations.

In fact, if you think the estate seems familiar, it could be because you’ve already seen it on screen. A popular TV and film set, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple was filmed here, along with an adaptation of Tess of the D’Urbervilles, to name but a few.

The estate castle comprises two spacious, stunningly restored battlements. Each one sleeps up to twelve guests (up to twenty-four guests if booking both battlements together), in surroundings that feature all the traditional trappings of grandeur. Think antique staircases, stone fireplaces, and immaculate tiled floors.

Each battlement also boasts its own private outdoor hot tub, so you can gaze out at the soothing scenery to your heart’s content, glass of bubbles in hand.

With its elegantly painted cabinets, huge island, and wooden worktops, the traditional kitchen you’ll find in your battlement is a joy to cook in, even for dedicated non-chefs (though if you really want to relax, private chef hire is available).

Whoever ends up preparing your meals, you can sit back and enjoy them at your leisure, surrounded by view-filled patio windows in your relaxed, open-plan dining room.

Retire – with a post-dinner tipple, of course – to the lounge, complete with a glistening chandelier, smooth leather sofas, and a gently flickering fireplace. Though this is a historic battlement, you’ll still find a TV to gather round by evening, if you’re all talked out!

At a glance

• An elegantly restored castle, comprising two separate, self-contained battlements each sleeping 12 guests (24 guests if booked together). Elegantly set on an historic 500-acre estate in Somerset, for unforgettable celebrations.
• Each battlement features its own outdoor hot tub, and an al fresco garden dining area.
• Stroll the estate’s exquisite gardens, or head into the nearby city of Bath for entertainment, shopping, spas, and historic architecture. There is a friendly pub within walking distance of the castle.
• There is a church on the estate, with a golf course and on-site restaurant serving fresh local produce. Private chef hire is available.

Features

• Disability Accessible
• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Large Groups
• Off-Grid

More information

When it’s finally time to turn in, you’ll find each of your battlement’s four bedrooms to be luxuriously cosy, with comfortable beds dressed in fresh linen, and amazing window views.

Spend your days playing lord or lady of the manor, as you take a turn through the estate’s magnificent grounds and explore the 35 acres of lakes. If you love life in the outdoors, you’re in luck – not only can you enjoy the delights of your hot tub, but you’ll also discover a private garden area with a large, al fresco dining spot. Also found at Orchardleigh Estate is the marvellous Peacock Restaurant, complete with a gorgeous sun-filled terrace – the perfect spot to view the grounds of the estate and the golf course, whilst enjoying a sundowner. The restaurant has an excellent a la carte menu serving a mix of meat, fish and vegetarian options to cater for all tastes.

If you feel like exploring further afield, the bustling city of Bath is a mere ten miles away. With its relaxing spas, intricate architecture, and plenty of places to stop for coffee or lunch, you’re unlikely to have nothing to do…

…unless, of course, that’s the whole idea of your stay. And with a historic castle battlement at your luxurious disposal, who would blame you for that?

Things to note

The castle is family and pet-friendly. Cots and highchairs can be supplied on request. Prices: From £600 per nightNB –  Minimum night stay is 1 night, even at weekends.