Court Essington: For A Grand Vacation Retreat

As tall green gates part, a fabulous secret is revealed; Hidden away is a captivating fairy-tale house in golden coloured Bath stone, festooned with greenery. This grand period property has been completely renovated with great style and warmth and mixes period detail with contemporary glamour and a family friendly vibe. It has all the luxury of light, space, lovely views and complete privacy so as to enjoy its 6 acres of sunny landscaped gardens, along with large heated pool and tennis court, all within a delightful rural setting and only 10 minutes to Bath City Centre by car. The main house can accommodate up to 16 guests.

The entrance is an impressive galleried hall with a luminous Venetian glass chandelier. This leads to a dramatic drawing room reflecting the proportions of a renaissance chapel with a huge ornate gothic stone window and a 25`` vaulted ceiling. There are two long contemporary sofas and two arm chairs set on oak floors around a beautiful open fire-place with engraved stone surround. There is a further sofa on a raised seating area surrounded by windows.

The Master bedroom is entered via a dream of a dressing room in duck-egg blue with oak floors. Continue into a large tranquil bedroom facing east and south and capturing panoramic views of rolling Somerset and Wiltshire countryside. It has a super-king bed, with TV and DVD, and gas effect fire. The ensuite continues the New England style and features twin hand basins, a roll-top bath, a separate shower tiled in carrera marble, a wc and a spacious window seat where you absorb the view. Another luxurious double room with a super-king bed is dressed in cream and mink with a grand sofa and ornamental French wardrobe. There is a TV and a gas effect fire.

Here is a twin room in a gable overlooking the pool. The youngsters will want this room as it makes a great den complete with two double futons, TV and Play station. Enter via the dressing room to another large double room with double-sized bed and spacious ensuite with roll-top bath, wc, hand basin and large walk-in shower.

This large, sociable space has ribbons of grey granite worktops and cream fitted units housing everything needed to entertain a large gathering. There is a large traditional Aga with two gas ovens and two further electric ovens and an additional gas hob. There is a great American style fridge-freezer with ice-maker, 2 dishwashers, a microwave and lots of kitchen gadgetry for those who want to cook up a storm. A separate pantry has been fitted with seamless storage and integrated two further fridge/freezers. There is a breakfast bar and a long informal dining table.

Set within a beautiful walled garden with deep herbaceous borders and a wild-flower walk is a turquoise heated pool measuring 6m x 12m. There is a broad sundeck with large round table, chairs and parasol, and plenty of teak sun-loungers. Alongside is a contemporary glass games room complete with mini pool table, table tennis and a kitchen facility allowing you to keep the drinks cool. There is also a netted trampoline tucked away in the corner.

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