Rhapsody
Haslemere, Surrey, UK
A utopia of surreal garden sculptures, topsy-turvy architecture and glass-like pools, Rhapsody has fallen head first through the rabbit hole and landed in the heart of Wonderland. Settled in rural Surrey and with a colourful history of revelry, this exclusive large country house, with outdoor heated swimming pool, yoga studio and sunken hot tub, is a luxury self-catering home worthy of any Mad Hatter’s tea party.
Introduction
Rock and roll to its very core, Rhapsody has been host to Genesis, The Police and Queen (who played a roof-raising charity ball here in the nineties) over the years. But the time has come for this Tudor country home in Haslemere to grow up and settle down, to enjoy the finer things in life at a more sedate pace. Here, one can lazily flick through the dailies on a chaise-lounge overhanging the pond, sit with feet swinging in the pool on hot summer days and let nights slip away around the warmth of the fire in the barbecue hut, hidden deep between the 20 acres of enchanted evergreens.
Inside
Adorned to the rafters with a fine photography collection and filled to the brim with eccentric personality, Rhapsody remedies the monotony of everyday life and reignites the artist within. Meticulous design, daring interiors and extreme comfort come together in perfect matrimony at this luxury Surrey country house, where all matters of normality seem a lifetime away. With a kitchen designed with chefs in mind and six luxurious bedrooms for long lie-ins, here is a home which will whisk you away from routine and land you in Shangri-la.
Outside
A private yoga studio hidden beneath the trees, a floating glass reading room with a log burner on the crayfish pond, games room (with pool table, darts and table football) and even a Moroccan pool house with its own kitchen for al fresco dining; there really is nothing ordinary about Rhapsody’s 20 acres of blissful grounds. Wander between the plentiful sculptures scattered around the gardens, swim against the jet stream of the heated outdoor swimming pool or simply sink into the hot tub and let all worries of life wash away as the moon rises in all its glory overhead.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 12 (10 adults and 2 children)
From £12,495 per week, £9,995 per short break
Day hire options are available - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four en suite double bedrooms on the first floor. The master bedroom has a super king-size bed, open fire, study, en suite bathroom with jet bath, 18" waterproof TV and walk-in massage shower. There is one further double with king-size bed and en suite shower room, one double with king-size bed and en suite bathroom with roll-top bath and shower attachment, and one double bedroom with en suite bathroom with roll-top bath and shower attachment. Also on the first floor is a large single (with trundle bed perfect for children) featuring an en suite bathroom with shower and bath. In the eves of the annex is a final double bedroom, with kitchenette and bathroom with overhead shower on the floor below. There are two separate WCs.
View bedrooms - HousekeepingDaily housekeeping can be provided Monday - Saturday
- FeaturesOutdoor heated swimming pool (late April - September), with jet stream, sunken hot tub, yoga studio, glass reading room overhanging the pond, cinema room, games room (with pool table, darts, table tennis and table football)
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One travel cot and one highchair are available. Due to the two ponds, please supervise children in the garden.
- PracticalitiesThere is plenty of parking for up to 10 cars at the front of the house. The country-style kitchen includes a large fridge-freezer, under-counter drinks fridge, larder, Aga, electric hob and two dishwashers. There is a beehive in the meadow and dovecote onsite which will be locked at all times. The swimming pool may be cooler during April depending on the outside temperature. Staff tend to the estate daily; please enquire for more details.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, two bottles of the owner´s favourite wine, BluRay player, music system throughout with touchpad controllers, iPad, WiFi internet, wood barbecue hut plus large gas barbecue, linen, 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 questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Haslemere
Perfectly located for zooming out of the city and bounding into fresh country air, Haslemere is filled to the brim with tile-hung gables, crooked half-timber inns covered in blazing Virginia creeper and a sleepy atmosphere which will wash away any remnants of bustling London.
Getting there
- On the Map Rhapsody is on the outskirts of the village of Haslemere in rural Surrey.
- By Car One and a half hours from London by car.
- By Train Haslemere train station has direct, regular services from London Waterloo, and is a five minute drive from the house.
- By Air The main London airports are around a 90 minute drive away.
From the owner
“I have created as many spaces as possible in which to enjoy the house and gardens, so please, treat this home as if it were your own...”
So, here is Rhapsody. It has been my sanctuary for the last eight years and before this owned by my dear friend Phil, who lived here for 40 years.
Queen played in the garden for Phil's birthday, as did Genesis, while Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin strummed his guitar in the drawing room. Rhapsody is rock and roll to its very core, and as you can see, it has a bit of history!
Now, it is our home and a place for loved ones to gather together in and where our family and friends come to stay and unwind far from the noise of the city.
I have created as many spaces as possible in which to enjoy the house and gardens, so please, treat this home as if it were your own; lie in the dell on a sunny afternoon, wander the paths in the woods, lose yourself in a book in the reading room, unwind for an hour in the yoga hut, barbeque by the pool, perch on the bedroom balcony at twilight listening to the birdsong, sink into the hot tub in the early evening and enjoy supper in the conservatory illuminated by the tree lights.
Tim
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Haslemere with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
South Downs National Park
The South Downs is rich in history and English culture; enjoy long walks along the South Downs Way, taste traditional ales in a country pub, visit arts festivals and watch spectacular performances at the famous Glyndebourne.
To Eat
The Noah´s Ark
A 16th century pub in the picturesque village of Lurgashall providing outstanding seasonal food alongside great service, all while retaining a traditional pub atmosphere. Exceptional wine, delicious ales and both child and dog friendly.
To See
London
Just an hour by public transport from Rhapsody, a day trip to London offers cultural opportunities en masse. Dine in rooftop bars on balmy summer evenings, revel at a festival in Hyde Park or enjoy sultry nights in Soho.
To Do
Cowdray Park Polo Club
With a long and illustrious history, Cowdray Park is recognized worldwide as the Home of British Polo. Set in the heart of the 16,500 acre grounds, this Polo Club makes for a beautiful setting for a bite to eat whilst watching the games.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
What an absolutely stunning location, property and facilities, we made some fantastic memories. We were able to enjoy the swimming pool, steam room and enjoyed time together in the Moroccan pool house. The whole team at Rhapsody were absolutely amazing too, so welcoming and helpful on arrival and departure. Such great people.
What a fabulous weekend we all had! Unfortunately, it ended up being too short to make use of all the spots around the grounds, but we certainly loved walking in the extensive woodland. Many thanks.
We have had a wonderful time at Rhapsody; it is the perfect place to have some family time and make happy memories once again. We very much enjoyed and appreciated this house and would love to return another time. Thank you!
A last minute booking for a very impulsive birthday treat and it absolutely blew me away, Rhapsody is complete perfection! The facilities and grounds are why I initially choose the house, but the amazing artwork is what really made me fall in love – international galleries would pale in comparison. The staff at Unique Homestays are incredibly efficient and we had a very warm welcome from Mark and Karen who keep this monumental house running like clockwork. Thank you so much for this amazing property and for memories that will be cherished forever.
I just wanted to tell you what a fabulous weekend we all had! Unfortunately, it was too short to make use of all the wonderful spots around the grounds, but we certainly loved walking in the extensive woodland. Mark is delightful, and it was great not having to rush out of there. Thank you.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Rhapsody 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
Your home for the holidays
Country Homes & Interiors
August 2023House Party
The Times
July 2021Hip Home Counties: 20 Chic Places
The Telegraph
November 2020A Rock ´n´ Roll Country Mansion
Country Living
March 2020The Best British Party Houses
The Telegraph
January 202025 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 2024
Collections > Luxury Homes with a Private Chef > UK > Surrey > Haslemere > Rhapsody
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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.
