Dyrham House

Dyrham House is an historic Grade II listed property located on the edge of the Cotswold Hills just outside the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath and the vibrant, artistic city of Bristol. The central hall with its stone mullion windows dates from 1570 with Georgian extensions added in 1850. It has been carefully and lovingly restored standing at the top of the village with views across the countryside and onto the hills beyond. The meticulous attention to detail can be seen in the quality of the interiors, where a sympathetic blend of both traditional and modern furniture and fittings creates a welcoming family home very much in harmony with its rural surroundings. The breath-taking gardens have had a much-coveted listing in the National Garden Scheme Yellow Book.

The front lawn slopes gently down to Boyd Brook, whose source is the underground spring in the grounds of the magnificent National Trust property Dyrham Park a few minutes walk away. The earliest suggestion of a park at Dyrham is in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which records the Battle of Deorham in AD 571 or 577, the name being thought to derive either from dwr meaning water and referring to the springs in the area, or from deor hamme, a deer enclosure. The deer park exists today and you can see the shapes of the 6th century hill fort in the fields beyond.

Sit on the south facing terrace and enjoy the delight of watching ducks alight on the brook or simply take in the breath-taking views and the stunning herbaceous borders in the main garden. There is an outdoor dining table on the terrace which seats 12 with a parasol for summer dining. The kitchen doors fold back to create an indoor/outdoor space in the summer. The sitting room doors also open onto the garden - perfect for a summer stay. In winter you will prefer closed doors and a wood burning fire in one of the many fireplaces throughout the house to give you that cosy, country house stay.

There are many walks in the area including one of the greatest walks in Britain, the Cotswold Way, which passes right through the village. You can join it for a 20 minute walk to Dyrham Wood or for the more intrepid to Bath itself - a wonderful, if hearty, walk that ends at Bath Abbey.

There are many other activities nearby; horse riding at Lucknam Park (also home to a Michelin starred restaurant and spa facilities), horse racing at the Bath race track, golf at Tracey Park the 240 acre park land and hotel a mere 5 minutes away, boating on the River Avon, hot air ballooning in nearby Bristol and tennis in Victoria Park, Bath.

The stunning, historic cities of Bath and Bristol offer a wealth of sightseeing and cultural activities from museums to art centres, cinemas and theatre including the Bristol Old Vic, one of the oldest and most revered theatres in Britain. There are four Michelin starred restaurants in Bristol. Both Bristol and Bath host antique markets, farmers markets and excellent independent shops. Bath is home to the ancient Roman Baths and the luxuriously modern Thermae Bath Spa, which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain. In Bristol try a spa day and fine dining at The Lido the restored Victorian outdoor heated pool and spa in the city centre.

There are many other historic towns, villages and properties nearby which offer excellent family trips. Visit Lacock Abbey in nearby Lacock where Harry Potter was filmed or the thatched cottages of Castle Combe also home to the Michelin starred restaurant in the Combe Manor Hotel a 10 minute drive away.

Or enjoy the beautiful Victorian seaside town of Clevedon on the Severn Estuary 10 miles outside of Bristol, featuring the fully restored Victoria jetty, Clevedon Pier. Clevedon has seaside walks, a sailing club and the restored Victorian 'tidal pool' for swimming and kayaking. 10 miles outside of Bath is Longleat Safari Park in the grounds of the Elizabethan stately manor house.

Dyrham House is an oasis of tranquillity that will welcome you back to its beautiful, private setting from whatever fun trip you choose with your friends and family!