The Place
Hidden behind the church, this 16thC Priory is the perfect retreat for anyone who appreciates a sense of history, as well as peace, comfort and good food. It has been run for almost five decades by the same family, and is currently under the guiding hand of a new generation. Visiting as we went to press, our series editor Fiona Duncan found it as appealing as ever, with the old-fashioned atmosphere intact and long-serving courteous staff giving it a timeless feel.
The bedrooms are all that should be expected from a 16thC Priory: beams, sloping ceilings and floors, as well as being supremely comfortable and well-equipped with books and attractive toiletries in the bathrooms. To keep up with the demand for rooms, the boathouse has been converted to provide four extra bedrooms, or rather suites, equipped with luxury baths and French windows opening onto the River Frome. Indeed, it’s possible to arrive by boat to The Priory: moorings are available and, after a quick walk through the stunning gardens, you can relax with a pre-dinner drink on the terrace.
The food is richly satisfying, with a mainland European flavour emanating from the menu. The restaurant is modern compared to the rest of the building, but the transition between the two is smooth and tasteful. Enjoy views over the river and gardens while you eat.
A truly special place in a sought-after destination.