Glastonbury & Mendip Area holiday chateau / country house: Frome

This impressive Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house stands proudly amidst its own private, beautifully landscaped gardens, and is set within a Local Preservation Area. Erected in 1607 it has become the last remaining intact manor in Frome and hides behind tall Elizabethan walls with entry via automatic gates down a sweeping gravel driveway flanked by huge 600-year-old beech trees. It is situated on the south side of the ancient market town of Frome in a small valley of one of the most picturesque and historic areas. Described as one of the finest examples of a 16th-century stone built manor, it boasts virtually all original characteristics: stone gabled roofs, mullioned and leaded light windows, historic fireplaces, decorative plaster ceiling mouldings, oak stripped floors and paneling, some dating back to the 15th-century, and huge oak beams removed from even older sailing ships. Accommodation is arranged over three floors.

Panelled lobby with gold leaf fixtures. Large living room with Chesterfield sofas in an engaging 'U' shape allows the whole party to be seated next to each other. Drawing room is open-plan to living room, ideal for large social gatherings, with giant Elizabethan thrones and large chessboard table with giant pieces. Large dining-room with walk-in fireplace, enormous rosewood table (its unusual square shape allows all 18 guests to see each other), mahogany block wooden floor, original bread oven provides the ideal setting for a medieval feast or banquet. Large well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen with 6-burner range cooker, rosewood units and granite worktops. Kitchen has views over small courtyard garden, fully enclosed and ideal for monitoring toddlers. One step down to breakfast room with food servery and breakfast bar. Through to pantry with welsh dresser and larder fridge. Music room with ornamental piano and pull down double bed (for +2) hidden in panelled wall.