Set proudly within several acres of its own private grounds and surrounded by 500 year old oak trees, this imposing Grade 2 listed folly castle is a wonder to behold. This awe inspiring property fell into many different hands over the years providing this large holiday house with a unique and vibrant history. Long's Park Castle exudes an atmosphere of charm and elegance of yesteryear which lives on in it's guests hearts and memories long after their stay.
You enter the castle via a sweeping gravel driveway. Two enormous wooden gates open electronically to reveal the old courtyard. Even though many changes have been made to improve the living standards, all modern technology has been discreetly integrated so as not to deflect from the castle's charm. Long's Park Castle still boasts many of its original features. These include thick stone walls, beamed ceilings, gargoils, leaded and mullioned windows some with the Long's Family crest and inspiring historic fireplaces. Some of the modern features include communal rooms that automatically light up on entry and keyless digital electronic entry systems. Twenty four hour CCTV security.
The heart of the house is the Great Hall. This majestic dining room boasts an enormous long table which will actually accommodate up to twenty guests together. Crowning this impressive medieval type setting is a chandelier which hangs from the high vaulted ceiling embellished with stone lion heads. The backdrop is made up of two giant portcullis gates which have been discreetly glazed giving an almost invisible seam to the front lawn. To the rear, a tall conservatory style atrium offers diners uninterrupted views of the court yard and Clock House. The music system and speakers have been discreetly housed to give this room deep and echo like resonance worthy of a medieval feast. Outside catering services available.
The lounge / conservatory is ideal for social gatherings with four leather sofa's in an engaging U-shape, moveable tables for board games and activities. A large flat screen TV and entertainment system is housed here.
The kitchen features good storage space for provisions and it is well stocked with cutlery, crockery, utensils and many mod cons including dishwasher. For cooking - an original oil fired Aga still stands pride of place and provides the perfect place for tea and toast in the morning. Most guests find it interactive and spirited to prepare dinners and stews on the Aga. The custom rosewood cabinetry overlaid with granite worktops provide are perfect for food preparation.
The bathroom has been cleverly decorated in rustic style with a modern twist. Panelled wipe down walls complimented by luxury slipper bath.
Entering through the lobby, two medieval style thrones flank an original hand carved table. Rustic pictures on the wall detail it's history. Continue through to a small library known as the study with modest book collection. Novel giant books piled high act as stools around the chess board table and make an ideal place of solitude. From here a spiral staircase leads to Rupunzels tower, at the top a cosy bedroom which is adored by all especially little prince and princesses.
The library leads to the drawing room with its rustic cocktail cabinet and crystal decanters, chesterfield sofa's and deep chair offer quiet alternatives to the groups activities.
The library also leads to the Great Hall, where the carraiges once trundled through. From here a wrought iron open tread spiral staircase leads to the first floor and continues soaring up to the central turret, the castles highest point. Rich tapestry style panelled hallways lead to the east and west wings. The east wing has two bedrooms and the west wing contains two bedrooms and the bathroom W/C. All bedrooms boast four poster beds and most have their own modern cubicle shower and wash basin ingeniously concealed behind tapestry panels. All bedrooms are furnished with traditional but tasteful furnishings, each with individual colour tapestry print panelling.
Continue up the staircase to the observatory. Devoid of light pollution from any towns and cities you can watch the blanket of stars that scar the pitch black night sky. Alternatively be king of the castle and enjoy the views during the day.
The castle's grounds are equally stunning with a number of interesting out buildings to discover. The original ground keeper's cottage has been transformed into a charming games room. There's plenty to keep the kids happy and the older 'boys' too with a pool table, dart board, air hockey, giant jenga. Next to the Clock House is the play area which is virtually canopied from the glaring sun and rain by severa; huge yew trees, one of them dating back four hundred years. The play area sports swings, ladder assisted climbing trees, a low level climbing frame, rope ladder, and basket ball hoop.
Duck Pond takes up a lot of the grounds low land. At the furthest end overlooking the pond with the castle in the background is the Summer House where cream teas can be enjoyed. En route and a good place to rest is the old Victorian Potting Shed, ideal for weary parents watching the kids on the swing. Plenty of wildlife can be observed in their natural environment, wild deer frequent the grounds regularly, herons visit the pond and in the mornings the grounds team with resident squirrels, badgers, rabbits and some beautiful birds. Just past the pond is the orchard where guests can pick their own fruit when it is in season, with cooking apples, delicious Victoria plumbs, pears, sweet eating apples. On most days an ancient herd of cows wanders past and will even come right to the fence to drink from their watering troughs which are supplied by the castle's ancient spring. Walking can be enjoyed here. There is a particularly pleasant two mile walk that leads through the paddock, wheat field, woodland and eventually to a large fishing lake. Instant permits are available from the farm house for a few pounds. Beyond this are the ruins of Rude Ashton Hall where you might notice a few stolen artefacts from the castle.
Outdoor facilities:
• Enclosed landscaped and natural gardens
• Garden furniture (seating / tables - benches)
• Barbecue
• Play area with climbing frame, swing and rope ladder etc
• Natural grounds of 2 acres
• Summerhouse overlooking large Duck Pond
• Orchard with apple, pear and Victoria plum trees (seasonal)
• Small lake nearby (not in main grounds) well stocked with fish
• Games barn with pool, darts, table air-hockey, football, giant jenga
• Central turret with Observatory for star gazing.
• Victorian Potting House - converted to covered seating area
• Privacy – nearest neighbour 1 mile
Entertainment Facilities:
• Large Flat Screen TV
• 100+ channel FreeView Digital Receiver
• DVD Player
• VHS Video recorder / player (on request)
• CD Music System (in Dining Room)
• Chess table and pieces
Appliances:
All matching and modern
• Washing machine(located in Clock house)
• Large Oil fired Aga
• Several microwaves
• Automatic Dishwasher
• Large tall fridge
• Deep chest freezer
• Kettle, toaster etc
Situated off the A350, makes Long's Park Castle the perfect self catering holiday house to explore the surrounding area. Within easy reach are many unspoilt villages as well as Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Stourhead House and Gardens and Longleat Safari Park. Longleat House and Safari is a great whole day out for the whole family or group.
Local attractions:
Stonehenge
Longleat Safari Park
Cheddar Gorge
Wells Cathedral
Bath
Glastonbury
Wookey Hole Caves
East Somerset Railway
From £19 - £40 per person, per night, based on 16 guests
From £25 - £53 per person per night, based on 12 guests
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Christmas 2012: £4,995.00 for the week
New Years 2012: £4,995.00 for the week
Available for Short breaks from 3 - 14 nights or more:
• 3 nights start on Friday
• 4 nights start on Monday
• 7 nights start on Friday
Contact the owner for full pricing and availability