Berry House is a beautiful Georgian holiday home in Devon, surrounded by lush organic farmland; the River Batherm babbles merrily along in the valley, hills rise at the back of the house, and Exmoor National Park is just a few miles away. Two games rooms, an indoor heated pool, a cinema room with table tennis, and a sheltered play area ensure there’s something for all ages, making this a fantastic choice for large family holidays and weekend celebrations.
Berry House has heaps of traditional charm, from the moment you turn off the road past the gatehouse and up the long drive through meadows and farmland; an open pillared entrance takes you to the top of the ha-ha and the front of the house. Step inside and it’s remarkably homely; a gentle ambience seems to drift around the house, easing you gently into your holiday.
Stride out from the doorstep and go exploring, up to the hilltops, down to the river, along the dismantled railway line, over to the little chapel on the other side of the valley. Head over to Exmoor for the day and discover a scenic landscape of plunging cliffs, steeply rolling wooded valleys, and rugged moors where wild ponies roam free. Stroll beside the rushing river at Watersmeet, cross the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, watch the world go by at Porlock Weir, climb Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the park and be astounded by the far reaching views. Go to Dunster and take a tour of the medieval castle that stand high on the hill above the town; wander along the leat to the working flour mill, follow the Tall Trees Trail and spot the tallest tree in England growing at Nutcombe Bottom. Take a picnic or stop off at one of the little tea rooms or inviting country inns – you’ll find plenty on your travels.
Have a wander round the local towns, fill your baskets at the farmers markets, browse the independent shops; Bampton and Dulverton are lovely, or go to Tiverton and take a leisurely trip along the Grand Western Canal on a horse drawn barge. For days by the sea, the Somerset coast is within easy reach; for good old-fashioned seaside fun go to Minehead or Blue Anchor, make sandcastles, tuck into ice creams and fish and chips. On the Jurassic Coast (about an hour away) there are quieter beaches like Beer and Branscombe as well as the more popular places like Lyme Regis where you can visit the Marine Aquarium before taking a boat trip around the waters of Lyme Bay.
On your way back to Berry House round off your day with a stop for dinner at one of the many places to eat close by; then maybe a movie in the cinema room before you head off to Blanket Land for a restful night’s sleep. Have yourselves a large group stay to remember at Berry House, it's one big fat slice of elegant country life.