Viola
Butleigh, Glastonbury, Somerset, UK
Between the rolling hills of bucolic Somerset near Glastonbury lies a luxury country house of two wildly different personalities. A Jekyll and Hyde of elegance and chinking chandeliers on one side, and a dark, heart-racing cave where escapism is the name of the game on the other, Viola is a luxury self-catering home to satisfy all. With a heated swimming pool, Formula 1 racing simulators, and a tennis court; this home is hedonism embodied.
Introduction
Settled within 11 acres of pastoral paradise in the quiet Somerset village of Butleigh near Glastonbury, life at this self-catering country home was designed to be fun. While the self-proclaimed “man cave” offers opportunity en masse for thrilling flight and racing simulations, it’s time peacefully spent in the gardens which one remembers forever. A tale of two personalities, the whole family can find an escape tailored for their needs between Viola's walls; mornings spent in slumber, twilight laps of the pool, bracing rural hikes and long, languid time unwinding in the sauna are just the beginning.
Inside
Cream and pastel hues create a natural and calming ambience, while wood beams and chandeliers give this luxe country home a French feel. Viola will entertain all, and while both big and little children in the group will race to get to the F1 simulators first, the rest can take to the cosy cinema room to watch a classic flick. For those who feel most at home in the kitchen, the garden brims with herbs aplenty to add to the dinner pot (or garnish the mojitos!), while six luxury bedrooms offer the sweetest slumber imaginable.
Outside
A sunrise dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool, a glass of red wine as the moon climbs out of the Mendip Hills and a quiet supper for two in the lake house, coy carp gently swishing beneath the surface; there isn’t a single spot within Viola’s grounds which isn’t surrounded in bliss. Row across the lake on lazy afternoons, or head further afield to wander through the diverse National Trust woodlands of Combe Hill. When the light fades, sink into the welcoming Jacuzzi with flutes of chilled, freshly poured Champagne.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 12 guests
From £10,500 per week, £7,850 per short break
Day hire options are available - Alternative group optionUp to 8 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOn the ground floor can be found one double bedroom with a super king-size bed. Ascending to the first floor we find two double bedrooms with super king-size beds and en suite shower rooms, one double bedroom with a king-size bed, one further double bedroom, and finally the master double bedroom with an emperor-size bed and en suite bathroom with separate steam shower. There is also one ground floor shower room, one first floor family bathroom with handheld shower, and a WC on the ground floor.
View bedrooms - FeaturesSpa Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool (available May- September inclusive), a fully equipped gym, cinema room, a lake, two full motion Formula 1 racing simulators, table tennis and a tennis court
- PetsOne well-behaved dog is welcome or two on request
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 5pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms and children are very welcome on prior request, please speak with a member of our Homestay Specialist team for further details.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for all guests on site. The well-equipped kitchen includes an Aga with electric oven, fridge-freezer, wine fridge and dishwasher. Dogs are permitted in the downstairs of the house only. External areas of the house are covered by CCTV for safety reasons. Please note that the swimming pool is heated to a minimum of 23 degrees in the warmer months, and a fresher 21 degrees during the cooler months, life jackets are provided. Please ensure that children and pets are supervised at all times due to the various water hazards at the property. Please note that staff members will be on-site regularly to tend to the property and grounds, however, should not disturb your stay. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, bottle of Champagne cider, smart TV´s, Sky with movies and Sky Sports, Apple TV and Sonos multi-room sound system, iPad, WiFi internet, both gas and charcoal barbecues, croquet set, board games, luxury linen and 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.
- Eco-friendlyElectric car charger
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Glastonbury
Known for its legendary five-day music festival and year-round Bohemian spirit, this Somerset idyll set in green pastures is a popular market town with much to offer the visiting guest.
Getting there
- On the Map Viola is settled within the quiet village of Butleigh, five miles from Glastonbury.
- By Car The property is just under three hours from London and one hour from Bristol.
- By Train The closest train station is Castle Cary, which is nine miles or 20 minutes away by car.
- By Air Bristol Airport is approximately one hour away by car; Heathrow two hours. Helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds of Viola.
From the owner
“My wife and I were both born in Butleigh, in fact, in the hospital that used to be next door to Viola. We were obviously destined to be together as we also grew up in the same street in Wells; we married in 1992. ”
After moving to Chewton Mendip, whilst Suzanne was pregnant with our son, we decided it was a great time to start a business. We welcomed our son and a few years later, our daughter and the business fitted perfectly around our growing family which included dogs, cats, chickens, and anything rescued.
We went on to sell our business in 2018, which then meant with the children flying the nest, we were on the lookout for our next adventure and now we’ve found it; introducing Viola.
We are very excited to be back in Butleigh where there is a real sense of community, most of which revolves around some of the best pubs and eateries in the South West. With the spiritual oasis of Glastonbury on the doorstep — yet not too close to hear the bongos — Viola really is a dream come true and the best of both worlds.
Suz and Gary
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Glastonbury with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Yeo Valley Family Farm
The home of Yeo Valley, which has grown from a smallholding into the UK´s number one organic dairy brand, run a programme of activities to give guests a taste of life in the valley, from tours of the farm and garden to hands-on courses.
To See
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
One of Britian´s most spectacular natural landmarks, an impressive gorge with exceptional views and deep pinnacle and stalactite-filled caves. Cheddar Gorge is also home to caving and rock climbing centres, perfect for all ages and abilities.
To Eat
The White Hart
Brimming with stone alcoves and wooden beams, The White Hart is a 16th century coaching inn that sits in the heart of Somerton´s market square. The menu is fresh and local, aiming to demonstrate west country food done right.
To Do
Frome´s Independent Street Market
On the first Sunday of the month between April and December, the town centre of Frome is transformed into a curated, destination street market. Stalls range from artisan food to garden flowers to antiques, designers and more.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
The property was beautiful and the property manager was very helpful, knowledgeable and approachable. The house had everything we needed for a relaxing stay including an extremely well-stocked pantry and a wide array of kitchen utensils.
It was an excellent and memorable weekend. I am very happy that all went so smoothly without accidental mishaps. We particularly wanted to praise Home Table Dining for providing in-house catering, the service and food were outstanding. We look forward to returning in the future.
Peaceful perfection! Viola is a truly wonderful home, you could not ask for more. The soft mattresses and linens make bedtimes just as exciting as the day time! Well, almost! We spent time dipping between the warmth of the Jacuzzi and the fresh, cleansing water of the pool. We raced for hours on the F1 simulators, snuggled in front of a film with the fire crackling and strolled around the beautiful gardens with morning coffee before retreating back to the best kitchen for the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Absolute bliss!
We cannot recommend Viola enough, it is a wonderful escape for the whole family. We loved every minute and would have stayed another month if we could! The local meat farmers shop, chicken farm up the road and the cider farm provided us with all we required. It is just a fantastic location. Unique Homestays were a delightful company to work with and aided my family to have a really wonderful time away from it all.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Viola 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
Sense of purpose
Country Homes & Interiors
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 > Glastonbury > Viola
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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.
