Meadowbank Manor The South West

A riverside idyll in Somerset

Step into the dream that is Meadowbank Manor. A beautiful, historic home in a Somerset idyll, it is full of unique, historical features which play for space with colourful and eclectic décor. Sink into comfy sofas in the drawing room with its 17^th century decorative plasterwork above the fireplace, make meals in the Miele oven and on the old Aga, recently converted to electricity, and enjoy them in the dining room, the oldest part of the house. Escape to the snug or the new, green oak-timbered sun room where the glazed wall lets in the sunlight.

Step into the gardens and over the wooden bridge, crossing the brook into a large lawned area, ideal for croquet and football. Mature beech, ash and plane trees lend shade, while flower beds and long grasses attract bees and butterflies. Head to the sauna shed and follow up with a dip in the ice bath, before jumping into the wild-swimming area in the river. Seek out one of the many outdoor seating areas - where the two streams that encircle the house meet, you might even spot the iridescent flash of a kingfisher as you sip your sundowners. Cross another footbridge for the larch, wood-fired hot tub and the studio, which can sleep an additional two guests and has a cinema room set up.

Back inside, the five bedrooms in the main house and the bedroom in the cottage annex are cosy, characterful and supremely comfortable, with a mix of shared and private bathrooms. Meadowbank Manor is a one-off. It’s a house that blends its history with modern comforts delightfully (it was once owned by Sir Thomas ‘Jack’ Horner, reportedly the same Jack Horner of the famous nursery rhyme), and it’s close enough to Glastonbury to make a luxury base for the festival weekend.

Selected by Mark

Learn more about our handpicking process

What we think

A delightfully rustic, charming and idyllic house, with quirky interiors and magical access to Rodden Brook that flows past the door. With loads of access points and a sauna for warming up, this is one for the wild swimmers and paddling youngsters.

Mark, Big House Experience

Gallery

Highlights Grounds Living Spaces Kitchen and Dining Facilities Bedrooms Bathrooms All

Snug

Dining Room

Drawing Room

Hot Tub

Studio

Bedroom

Terrace

List of Bedrooms (PDF)

What to Expect

We’ve tried to think about everything to make your stay at Meadowbank Manor just perfect. In all of our big houses to rent, we provide all the essential features to cater for a large group. Here’s a list of all the practical provisions we have at the house. If there’s anything you can’t see here but need, just ask as we’ll see what we can do.

Welcome treats
Luxury bed linen, bath towels and hot tub towels
Well equipped kitchen including Miele fan oven, electric Aga, Siemens induction hob, Nespresso coffee machine and more
Dining room table that seats up to 12 guests
Wi-Fi
Hi-Fi system in the sunroom
Two Smart TVs (42” in the snug and 48” in the drawing room) with Netflix and Apple TV
Projector and screen with surround sound system in the studio (with Netflix and Apple TV)
Table football and table tennis
Log burners in the drawing room, snug and dining room (one basket of logs provided)
Wild swimming area in the river downstream from the house
Wood-fired hot tub beside the river (seats 6) – first set of logs provided
Outdoor heated shower
Infrared sauna (seats 3)
Ice bath
Croquet set
Outdoor table and chairs seating 12 guests
Riverside table and chairs seating 4 guests
Outdoor kitchen with small electric hob, microwave, kettle, toaster and Belfast sink with hot water
Gas BBQ (gas provided)
EV charging point (additional charge)

Location

Enjoying a secluded countryside location, by a babbling brook, just outside the vibrant market town of Frome in Somerset.

House FAQs

What are the check in and check out times?

Check in is at 4pm on the day of your arrival and check out is at 10am.
How many cars can park at the property?

There is ample parking for 8-10 cars.
Are children welcome?

Children are very welcome at Meadowbank Manor. Travel cots are available on request (please bring your own cot linen) but please bring your own highchairs. Please note, parents should supervise children at all times as there is open water around the house. The river is shallow and great for paddling but the wild swimming area downstream from the house in the field has deep water.
Are pets allowed?

Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed at Meadowbank Manor, subject to a fee of £50 per dog. Dogs are not allowed upstairs or on soft furnishings. Please note there are chickens and free range ducks in the grounds so dogs must be kept under control at all times outdoors.
Are stag and hen parties allowed?

Sorry, Meadowbank Manor is not suitable for hen or stag parties. We politely ask that this is respected.
Can I arrange a supermarket delivery to the house?

Yes, you can order online with Asda or Sainsbury's for a delivery direct to the house. We usually suggest booking a delivery for after 4pm on the day of arrival.
How many guests can sit at the dining table?

The dining table can seat up to 12 guests.
Can you recommend any local places to eat out?

Yes, we'd recommend the following pubs and restaurants, all within a short distance of the property:

The Talbot Inn, Mells

The High Pavement, Frome

The Three Swans, Frome

Bistro Lotte, Frome

The Bath Arms, Horningsham

The Bradley Hare, Maiden Bradley

The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe

Osip, Bruton

Roth Bar & Da Costa at Hauser and Wirth, Bruton

Babington House, Babington (members or members' guests only)
What is the nearest train station?

The nearest train stations are Frome (1.4 miles) or Westbury (8 miles) which is on the main line from London.
What is the nearest airport?

The nearest airports are Bristol (30 miles) or Heathrow (90 miles).
Will you hold a damage deposit during our stay?

Yes, we ask to hold a cautionary deposit of £1,200 during your stay at Meadowbank Manor. This is requested just two weeks prior to your stay, and is returned shortly after, assuming no damage to the property or its contents (see our Booking T&Cs for more information).
How do I book?

You can check availability and pricing and place your booking request online, or by calling our team on 01242 352 747.

When booking, we ask for a deposit of 33% of the total price, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to your stay (or the full balance when booking within 12 weeks of your stay).