Unique Features

• Nestled in 26 acres of parkland, with 6 acres of creatively landscaped gardens and breathtaking views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon
• Approached through a beautiful park and completely surrounded by countryside, yet within walking distance of the city
• The Lady Hamilton four-poster suite has its own Bechstein Piano
• From the garden you can view four churches in the area – St Thomas, St Cuthbert’s, Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Tor

The Property

Luxury B&B in Wells, Somerset

Inside

• Style: Decadence and elegance combine in a comfortable home bedecked with fabrics by Mulberry, family antiques and collectables from travels around the globe.
• Bedrooms: Four well-appointed double bedrooms (one with zip-link beds) are situated in a private wing of the main family house, one with views over the gardens and two with access to an intimate sitting room. The Studio Cottage is under a minutes walk from the main house, and is a secluded haven with a double bedroom and living areas.
• Bathrooms: Each of the bedrooms has en suite bathroom facilities – first with a large walk-in shower, the remaining two with ensuite bathrooms. Luxury handmade toiletries are provided.
• For relaxation: Make use of the large open plan sitting/dining area, decked out with comfy chairs, sofas, a grand piano and antiques, and boasting views towards Wells Cathedral. A second sitting room is available with fun entertainment for the family including a Wii, TV & dvd
• For recreation: Choose a DVD or play one of a selection of board games. Massages and use of the sauna can also be arranged (additional cost).
• Practicalities: Bedrooms are equipped with bathrobes and slippers, a hospitality tray, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, clock radios and a selection of DVDs.

Outside

Surrounded by 24 acres of parkland and offering far-reaching views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon, the 6-acre gardens have been planted sympathetically within the landscape and creatively landscaped with artistically integrated sculptures. Features include wildlife ponds, water features, a walled garden, a sunken garden, a gazebo, an ornamental kitchen garden, croquet set available and a lime walk. These stunning gardens are open as part of the National Garden Scheme and have been featured on BBC Inside Out, in Somerset Life and in Garden Answers.

Safety Notice Please note that Avalon House is one of our many properties that has a pond, due to the nature of the gardens and its surroundings, where there are exposed ponds and lakes, a signed safety disclaimer is required and the supervision of children of all ages is advised.

Food and Wine

• In-house cuisine: A continental-style breakfast includes a fresh fruit platter, fruit juices, yoghurts, fruit compote, cereals, fresh breads, cheese, cold meats, and pastries. Cooked breakfasts are available if you are still hungry (supplement £5). Optional dinner menus are also available. A small kitchenette is available containing a hob, oven, microwave & dishwasher, where guests can prepare their own basic meals.
• Eating out: You will find a wide variety of restaurants in Wells, within walking distance of the property; the owners are happy to recommend their favourites and make reservations for you. Also nearby are the Country House Hotels of Stone Easton and Charlton House, which both have top restaurants.

Getting there

• On the map: City of Wells, Somerset
• By car: About 15 miles of the M5, both Bath and Bristol are about 25 miles north.
• By train: The nearest station is Bath or Castle Cary (taxis can be arranged).
• By air: The nearest airport is Bristol.

About Your Hosts

Frances has a colonial background; having been trained as a ballet dancer, she then became involved in the hotel industry in Southern Africa and Mauritius. A Cordon Bleu cook with a passion for food, her real love is to work with fresh ingredients in the family environment. Tim – an International water engineering consultant – is also a musician and involved in many local musical activities. Both Frances and Tim have travelled extensively, mostly in Africa, and on arriving in Somerset in 1996 immediately became involved in the community (Frances received the People of Wells award in 2003). Frances’ creative talents are also reflected in her home and garden, but most of all she enjoys people, and looks forward to welcoming you into their family home.

Out and About

• Visit Wells Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace and Garden and Vicars Close.
• Enjoy free concerts at the Wells Cathedral School.
• Head to Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury Tor and the Wookey Hole Caves.
• Glastonbury and Street, with its wide variety of factory shops is only 15 minutes drive away.
• Weston-Super-Mare is approximately one hour away for those keen to see the sea.
• Check the weather forecast in Somerset

Rental inclusive of

• Breakfast
• Linen
• Towels

Accommodation Details

The Secret Art Garden is now an elegant family home where you can relax and enjoy a luxury B&B experience in lush and tranquil surroundings on the doorstep of Wells

• Personally Inspected: Yes
  
• Sleeps: 10
• Double: 4 doubles, one of which is within the Studio Cottage
• Zip Link Beds: 1 zip link (either a double or twin)
• Facilities: Bathrobes and slippers, hairdryers, clock radios and a selection of DVDs
• Children: Yes, by arrangement
• Pets: No
• Mod Cons: Flat-screen TVs and DVD player
• Internet & Communications: Yes, complimentary broadband
• Arrival Day: Flexible
• Arrival Time: Between 4pm and 6pm unless by prior arrangement
• Departure Time: 10.30am