An historic building oozing with character and full of original features, The Great House is a Grade II Listed, 17th century Country House offering luxury accommodation in traditional English style. A visit to Exmoor National Park is much more than enjoying the spectacular scenery - why not immerse yourself completely in our way of life and book an experience?From Golf, Alpaca Walking and trekking the moors on Horseback, through to being a Keeper for the day at Exmoor Zoo or a Sea Kayak Guided Tour, there is so much to do both on land and water.
Services
All five of our bedroom suites are large and filled with light flooding in from the large Georgian sash windows. Each bedroom has been extensively refurbished over recent months, with great emphasis placed on the sympathetic restoration of the many original period features. Designer fabrics from GP & J Baker, Thibaut and Sanderson compliment historic paint colours by Farrow & Ball.
Our most accessible room, the dog-friendly Dunster Suite is on the ground floor and has a wealth of period features dating from 1690; the highest ceilings of all the bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling wooden panelling, wide elm planked floor and a recently discovered marble fire surround with Delft tiles. Antique furniture and French bronze chandelier sit comfortably alongside modern armchairs and an impressive 6ft wide by 6ft6in Super King size bed.
Nicknamed "The Honeymoon Suite", this room is fit for a Princess and her Prince - or anyone who wants a truly romantic getaway. Although undoubtedly our most feminine room, the pinky-brown panelling is offset with delicate blue furnishings which stops it being overly girly. An impressive 5ft King size bed is topped with a stunningly beautiful half tester canopy.
The Family Suite (dog-friendly) is on the first floor and has a wealth of period features dating from 1690; high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling wooden panelling and a recently restored cast iron Georgian hob grate within original bolection fire surround. Antique furniture and brass chandelier sit comfortably alongside modern armchairs and an impressive 6ft wide by 6ft6in Super King size bed. A dual aspect room, the large sash windows face South and West, from which you can enjoy fine views over the village and up the valley.
Reviews (9)
Orla Dowling
May 09, 2022
Staying at The Great House, Timberscombe, was far closer in experience to being a house guest at a fine country pile, than simply being a customer at a B&B. The Great House is a beautiful Grade II listed house, lovingly restored and decorated with historic period features. We booked the recently renovated Luttrell Suite, which was bright, spacious and well-appointed in a luxurious English manner.
The hospitality offered by the owners, Sheila & Bruce, was impeccable - friendly, solicitous and genuine, but not intrusive. In the morning a delicious breakfast is cooked to order by Sheila, while Bruce makes sure you are having everything you need. The grounds are as attractive as the house, from hideaway seating allowing you to admire the house and grounds, to the relaxing front terrace, perfect for a sundowner cocktail, mixed up by Bruce (something not to be missed!).
There was an air of intimacy and history about The Great House that made our stay a memorable occasion. This is not a commercial B&B you feel you need to rush out from, it's a home you are welcomed into. We were sad to leave and look forward to returning.
The hospitality offered by the owners, Sheila & Bruce, was impeccable - friendly, solicitous and genuine, but not intrusive. In the morning a delicious breakfast is cooked to order by Sheila, while Bruce makes sure you are having everything you need. The grounds are as attractive as the house, from hideaway seating allowing you to admire the house and grounds, to the relaxing front terrace, perfect for a sundowner cocktail, mixed up by Bruce (something not to be missed!).
There was an air of intimacy and history about The Great House that made our stay a memorable occasion. This is not a commercial B&B you feel you need to rush out from, it's a home you are welcomed into. We were sad to leave and look forward to returning.
Matt A.
Nov 16, 2021
The Great House is a grand old building located in a quiet village. This guarantees a tranquil night's sleep. The location was perfect for getting to the coastline, attractions such as Dunster Castle, and sights such as Dunkery Beacon. The owners, Bruce and Sheila, are gradually doing everything up and from what they've done so far, it'll look really good.
They showed us a cosy, stylish licensed bar they're just about to open, which will be a real plus. The dining room decoration is lovely and a good example of what Bruce and Sheila are aiming to do. Breakfast was very good and perfectly cooked. We really appreciated access to fresh milk in the guest fridge in the dining room. Bruce and Sheila are trying to avoid single-use plastics, which we commend; we wonder if they could consider also providing tea bags and coffee as an alternative to individually wrapped tea and coffee packs.
The bedroom was very stylishly decorated with a theme of hand-painted murals featuring birds that is also seen elsewhere, such as the dining room. The bed was comfortable, there was a pair of comfy chairs, and the room has space, charm, and light, with windows on two sides. The ensuite is functional but tired, although Bruce and Sheila are gradually refurbing everything so surely the ensuite will be replaced.
A TV in the room would have been welcome, even if it was reliant on WiFi rather than an aerial, although we appreciate there are limitations due to The Great House being a listed building. Bruce and Sheila were very friendly and accommodating, offering to store our bikes indoors, giving advice on local walks and destinations, and even accompanying our god children for a walk with their dog.
Although we found them on Booking.com, they mentioned that it's worth contacting them directly for bookings. We'd have no hesitation whatsoever recommending The Great House or staying there again.
They showed us a cosy, stylish licensed bar they're just about to open, which will be a real plus. The dining room decoration is lovely and a good example of what Bruce and Sheila are aiming to do. Breakfast was very good and perfectly cooked. We really appreciated access to fresh milk in the guest fridge in the dining room. Bruce and Sheila are trying to avoid single-use plastics, which we commend; we wonder if they could consider also providing tea bags and coffee as an alternative to individually wrapped tea and coffee packs.
The bedroom was very stylishly decorated with a theme of hand-painted murals featuring birds that is also seen elsewhere, such as the dining room. The bed was comfortable, there was a pair of comfy chairs, and the room has space, charm, and light, with windows on two sides. The ensuite is functional but tired, although Bruce and Sheila are gradually refurbing everything so surely the ensuite will be replaced.
A TV in the room would have been welcome, even if it was reliant on WiFi rather than an aerial, although we appreciate there are limitations due to The Great House being a listed building. Bruce and Sheila were very friendly and accommodating, offering to store our bikes indoors, giving advice on local walks and destinations, and even accompanying our god children for a walk with their dog.
Although we found them on Booking.com, they mentioned that it's worth contacting them directly for bookings. We'd have no hesitation whatsoever recommending The Great House or staying there again.
Marcus Teagle
Oct 08, 2021
Edward Wing
Aug 19, 2021
Lilly Carpenter
Jul 08, 2021
Me and my best friend came to Timberscombe to visit some family friends. Never stayed before but had the loveliest time. Hosts were so amazing and accommodation. We will defiantly stay every time we visit. Breakfast was lovely. Great selection. The dog was the best bit. Made us feel so welcome! And the hot chocolate! Out of this world 11/10
Dorian Culmer
Apr 22, 2021
Sucheta Rose
Dec 16, 2020
Emily Power
May 15, 2019
Rented the Great House for a week in August for my mum's 70th and we had an amazing time! Throughout the week there were different people but usually there was about 22 of us and kids and the house was generous in size and bed space. Even with that number of people you didn't feel cramped. The weather wasn't great but the house had lots to offer with games room and outside chess.
The garden was safe for young children and the dog. There is lots of inside and outside sitting and despite the poor weather we still had time for two barbecues on the built in bbq. The house really had all you needed. Terry was great leading up to the stay, during and after. Would highly recommend Thank you Terry.
The garden was safe for young children and the dog. There is lots of inside and outside sitting and despite the poor weather we still had time for two barbecues on the built in bbq. The house really had all you needed. Terry was great leading up to the stay, during and after. Would highly recommend Thank you Terry.
Matt Hugo
Jan 20, 2019
I'm sure in its hey day this was a nice house, however now it feels tired and is in dire need of restoration and renovation. There is only 1 shower in the whole place so make sure you are aware of this before you book, as the baths take an age to run and go cold quite quickly due to the large enamel bath tubs. The carpets are starting to get threadbare and it wasn't particularly clean for the weekend over which we visited. The kitchen is well appointed and does have the ability to cater for large groups. The bedding and towels were all clean and fresh and it is in a lovely part of the world.
