The Great House.
Great House Street, Timberscombe, Somerset.
Once owned by the Luttrell family of Dunster Castle, The Great House in Timberscombe is a Grade II listed building that is the epitome of gracious living. With parts dating back to Tudor times, the main facade is 17th century and the interiors reflect a mostly Victorian style.
The sunny dining room recreates a typical Chinoiserie theme with appropriately Oriental murals and original Regency panelling. Breakfast is served on a table set with white linen tablecloth, antique silver cutlery, vintage bone china crockery and huge linen napkins. Fresh flowers in a crystal vase and classical music playing softly in the background combine to ease you gently into the day ahead. Along with the usual cereals, fruit and yogurts, there is a comprehensive hot breakfast menu that includes local Exmoor ingredients with vegetarian and vegan options.
Cream teas are available to order (enjoyed on the front terrace on sunny days) and also traditional English afternoon tea.
The five bedrooms are each wonderfully spacious and beautifully appointed. There are sumptuous curtains and carpets, big Georgian sash windows, historic fireplaces and antique furniture. King-size or super-king beds are dressed with fluffy feather-and-down duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets. The elegance extends through to the en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers or bath and shower combinations. The ground floor room is ideal for less mobile guests and there is a proper family suite too. The separate children's room has a bunkbed sufficient for three.
Timberscombe lies on the edge of the Exmoor National Park with a cornucopia of natural and man-made attractions on hand. Go walking, cycling or horse-riding on the moor, and stay late to enjoy the star-laden Exmoor Night Sky Reserve. Play on the sands at Minehead or visit the little harbour at Porlock Weir. If the weather is uncooperative, there are some great indoor attractions too: Dunster Castle, Arlington Court and the Allerford Museum.
We Say
So much elegance! So much style! Lovely.