Wool Merchant´s House
Beckington, Frome, Somerset, UK
Chalky tones and classical elegance, all wrapped up within a magical walled garden, ensure any stay at the Wool Merchant's House is a restorative one. Tasteful in style, with pops of modern artwork, a heated outdoor swimming pool and immaculate attention to detail, this luxury self-catering country house in Beckington near Frome is exquisite in every way.
Introduction
Built in 1653 for a successful wool merchant and now benefitting from the loving hand of Simon Morray Jones’ team (who restored both Babington House and No1. Royal Crescent), the Wool Merchant's House flaunts many of its original features. Designed with relaxation and good times in mind, this stunning Somerset country home invites you to lounge by the outdoor pool, sink into fireside sofas with a glass of wine and gather together in the open-plan kitchen-diner for nights of home-cooked food and laughter.
Inside
Thick, exposed beams reign in the upper bedrooms, while window seats and stone fireplaces throughout guarantee plenty of cosy reading nooks. Luxurious in its entirety, spend long mornings lounging in one of the three freestanding bathtubs overlooking the gardens and rainy afternoons curled up on the sofa. In winter, commence a family-wide game of sardines throughout the labyrinth of decadent rooms, before regrouping next to the fire and celebrating with some tasty amuse-bouches and glasses of fizz.
Outside
The Wool Merchant's House boasts large, fully-enclosed grounds. While children will love to sneak off to the Wendy houses, grown-ups can spread out on blankets in the old orchard or light the barbecue to celebrate long summer evenings. With formal lawns and seating areas, along with a small courtyard, there are certainly no lack of places to escape to. Feeling the heat? The outdoor heated swimming pool is the perfect spot to kick back, feet dangling in the water, ice-cold tonic in hand.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
From £3,995 per week, £2,995 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOne first floor double bedroom with super king-size four poster bed and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, two first floor double bedrooms with super king-size beds, second floor double bedroom, second floor twin bedroom. As for bathing, there are first and second floor family bathrooms with rainfall showers and tubs, plus two separate WCs.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHeated outdoor swimming pool (May - September inclusive)
- PetsOne well-behaved dog is welcome, or two on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children are very welcome. One travel cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for four cars, plus free on-road parking if needed. The kitchen has a large electric Everhot range cooker (only in winter), an electric fan oven, steam oven, five-ring gas hob, dishwasher and Quooker hot tap. In the dining area a wine fridge, Nespresso coffee machine, microwave, freezer and small dishwasher can be found behind the panelled cupboards. There are two washing machines, two dryers and an extra freezer in the utility room. As the property is Grade-II listed, the original sash windows do allow some noise to filter through from the front of the house. Please note, the gardening team visits the property between 8am and 4pm every Thursday.
- Homestay includesFresh welcome hamper, Smart TV, iPad, Netflix, Sonos multi-room sound system, WiFi internet, board games, Nespresso pods, recipe books, gas barbecue, luxury linen, bath and pool towels, logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Frome
From tea rooms to boho boutiques, the quirky shops lining Frome´s streets make it perfect for guests wanting a little bit of town with their country. Voted one of the best places to live (by The Times), this is one sought-after Somerset town.
Getting there
- On the Map Wool Merchant's House is located in Beckington village just three miles from the popular Somerset town of Frome, and 10 miles from Bath.
- By Car The house is a two-and-a-half hour drive from London.
- By Train The nearest train station is Frome Railway Station, three-and-a-half miles from the property with trains to London Paddington via Bath Spa.
- By Air Bristol Airport is 25 miles away.
From the owner
“We have remained sympathetic to the Wool Merchant´s House´s history and preserved and renovated original features, such as 17th century fireplaces and stained glass windows, throughout. Like an onion, historic layers of the house are revealed as one walks from room to room...”
One of the more prominent houses in the pretty village of Beckington, it was built in 1653 for a wealthy wool merchant, John Horsman. Grade-II listed, the house dates back to Jacobean times and was further enhanced by each new owner who occupied it.
When we bought the house in 2015, it had been empty for a number of years and was ready for another renovation. We had originally intended to buy a more rural property but there was something about the house and gardens that just drew us in.
From the moment we first saw it, we could not stop thinking about it! Our three young girls love the freedom of the gardens and games of hide and seek when it's wet outside. Coming from London, it’s such a joy to be able to open the doors and just let them get on with it.
The other major draw is the fantastic location being so close to Frome and all that the area has to offer. As a family we always look forward to Friday fish & chips from White Row Farm, riverside walks with our dog in Vallis Vale, and the girls love horse-riding at Brokerswood Farm and afternoon tea in Mes Amis café across the road.
Alison, Daren, Betsy, Clemmie and Constance
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Frome with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Ivy
Art-Deco details, antique brass lights and a dark oak polished floor offer a sympathetic fusing of styles at the Bath branch of this London institution. The secret al fresco roof terrace is perfect for a delicious cocktail.
To Do
City of Bath
The city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation is based on its Roman remains, especially the Temple of Sulis Minerva and the quality and quantity of its Georgian architecture. Pop over for a browse or bite to eat.
To See
Stonehenge
The best known prehistoric monument in Europe, Stonehenge is known all over the world. Visit the awe-inspiring ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high and 7 feet wide, and check out the great visitor and exhibition centre.
To Do
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge and Caves holds many fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors, and is an international centre for caving and rock climbing. It is also where the 9,000-year old skeleton of the Cheddar Man was found in 1903.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We thoroughly enjoyed the house and the swimming pool and thought the whole Unique Homestays experience was really professional and well managed. The detailing and decoration at Wool Merchant’s House is so beautiful, plus the garden just went on and on, despite its very central village location. It was an exceptional house and we feel very lucky to have stayed.
We loved our stay at Wool Merchant’s House. We were so warmly greeted by the housekeeper and the welcome basket was abundant and impressive! It is stylish, charming, has multiple spaces to relax in and has both an open fire and a woodburner. We will definitely book the house again and we have been very impressed with our booking experience and the help from the Unique Homestays team. Unique Homestays has moved to the top of our list! We really look forward to using your services again!
We loved our stay at Wool Merchant´s House! We could not get over how beautiful the property is, how nice the kitchen and bathroom features are, and how cosy the rooms are! This home is perfect for groups and has a beautiful kitchen for cooking and entertaining. Also, we brought a croquet set and played tournaments on the main lawn while we enjoyed the beautiful backdrop of the house. We will definitely be back!
We had a wonderful stay at Wool Merchant’s House. It’s a beautiful, authentically historic building with modern facilities providing the highest degree of comfort. Everything from its facilities, to its location, was exactly what we’d hoped for and more. It’s spacious, comfortable and refined, and we felt at home from the very first day. We were lucky with the weather which meant that we were able to make the most of the three stunning gardens and the swimming pool. The children´s books were a welcome surprise for our toddler!
Everything is gorgeous at Wool Merchant´s House and we would love to go back. Truly homely but luxury and beautifully designed and finished. Lovely beds, linens, towels, glassware, and everything else the home has to offer. We also received great advice on where to go and what to do. Just such a beautiful house and secret gardens!
Wool Merchant´s House has been meticulously refurbished and combines the best of a traditional country house with modern technology. It is so spacious, we never felt like we were falling over each other! A beautiful house and we´d love to visit again. Thank you.
We couldn´t have enjoyed Wool Merchant´s House more. Every detail had been taken care of and it really did feel like a treat to be there. The whole process worked perfectly and we genuinely couldn´t praise the property more. Everything you need for a perfect gathering with friends! We can´t wait to go back.
What a house! Walking through the garden and into the warmth of your home on a cool Autumn evening, striking a match to a pre-laid fire, brewing a pot of tea, winding up the staircases, the sound of the rain pattering on the glass roof in the reading room, landing in the divine master bedroom with its free-standing bath en suite overlooking the garden… all in the first hour. A perfect start to a perfect weekend escape.
We loved this house – truly inspirational and I would have no hesitation recommending this property to others. Excellent from start to finish. Thanks very much.
We had a fantastic time in the most beautiful country house and surroundings, far exceeding our expectations. It was a real home, creatively thought out, with so many little delights. We had such a special time here and hope we can find another excuse to come back!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Wool Merchant´s House and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Leap of faith
25 Beautiful Homes
October 202325 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024
Collections > Luxury Homes with a Private Chef > UK > Somerset > Frome > Wool Merchant´s House
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
