Strike out to the Somerset countryside and you might imagine rolling hills, cosy pubs and villages stuck in time warps. Think again for Durslade Farmhouse: a superbly renovated Grade II-listed 17th-century house complete with modern art installations and situated in the grounds of one of the country's finest contemporary art galleries.
Internationally renowned architects were brought in to guide the ambitious renovation. Walls were stripped bare, pipes exposed and vintage furniture now abounds, but character creaky floorboards and original features remain. The result is gloriously unique. There are six super-spacious double bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms (think retro 70's vibes), and a stunning hand-painted dining room that doubles as a fully immersive art installation.
Next door is Hauser & Wirth gallery with rotating exhibitions and the hugely popular Roth Bar & Grill for hearty food and cocktails. The gardens of the gallery are stunning and the farmhouse also has its own small garden complete with a large outdoor table for summer suppers. Best of all, getting here couldn't be easier - you're just a few minutes away from Bruton train station, and the town's shops, restaurants and rolling fields beyond are an easy stroll away. This is a glorious escape to the countryside - but not as you know it.
Highs
- A totally unique rental - we have never seen anything like this, and we love it
- Art enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven with a world-renowned gallery next door and art installations within the farmhouse itself by Pipilotti Rist and Guillermo Kuitca
- Six spacious ensuite bedrooms - perfect for a large family gathering, or take advantage of reduced rates for smaller groups
- Well-equipped kitchen, and a great restaurant next door, plus the fabulous Durslade Farm Shop opposite, which showcases the best of Somerset's agricultural bounty
Lows
- Being an old building, there are creaky boards and uneven floors, but this is part of the charm
- All rooms are ensuite but some only have showers, some only baths. Note that there are no twin rooms
- The farmhouse is located alongside a quiet road, though we heard very little noise from this
- The house can be a little draughty in winter, but wood-burning stoves, blankets and Camper slippers are included
- A GBP 500 security deposit is required
Best time to go
The farmhouse is particularly stunning in spring and summer when the gardens really come into their own at Hauser & Wirth, but this really is a year-round destination. Just bring your woolly jumpers in winter as the house can be a little chilly.
Our top tips
Make sure to book ahead if you want to dine at Roth Bar & Grill - no matter how big or small your party is, this is a very popular local restaurant and bar, and you are likely to be disappointed if you don't plan ahead.
- Boutique Farmhouse
- 6 bedrooms (sleeps 2-14)
- Self-catering + restaurant on-site
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
Spread over three floors are six spacious double rooms. On the ground floor, off the magnificent Rist dining room, is the Master bedroom (the largest) with its own spacious bathroom with roll-top bath. The farmhouse kitchen, study, two lounges and private outside terrace are also on the ground floor.
On the first floor are four more bedrooms. The Graffiti room overlooks the road and the dovecote beyond, and is next to the Piplotti Rist room (one of our favourites). Along the corridor is the Brass bedroom, the smallest room with a tall, vintage brass bed and some amazing vintage wallpaper. Adjacent is the vast Paul McCarthy room, complete with a vintage wicker throne chair and a striking blue colour scheme. And up a narrow flight of stairs is the final bedroom, Niki & Jackie's room, in the eaves - most suitable for those of a shorter stature due to the sloping ceilings.
Features include:
- WiFi
Eating
We loved the cosy farmhouse kitchen, complete with a fabulous mish-mash of vintage crockery and glassware juxtaposed with mod cons - a Smeg range, Smeg 50's-style fridges plus Nespresso maker and Le Creuset pots and pans. An irresistible tea spread (fresh bread, cupcakes and fruit) was laid out for our arrival on the huge central table. Basics are provided, such as eggs, milk, butter, oil, tea and coffee.
For more supplies look no further than the Durslade Farm Shop across the road. This community-focused space boasts its own in-house butcher and forager, as well as excellent seasonal produce and top-grade meat sourced from the surrounding pastures including Durslade Farm itself, local cheeses, home-made preserves, and bespoke baked goods.
So, if you love to cook you can certainly dine in style here, but if you prefer the easy way out then book a table across the way at the very popular Roth Bar & Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alternatively, head into Bruton to one of the other local eateries. There are a couple of village shops and bakeries, including Godminster cheddar here too.
Features include:
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Amble over to Hauser & Wirth to enjoy thrice-yearly changing exhibitions of contemporary artists. There is also a sister gallery in central Bruton exhibiting contemporary craftwork.
- Stroll around Bruton and pop into the pubs and boutiques along the high street.
- Put on your walking boots and head out for a hearty hike across the beautiful Somerset countryside.
- You're not far from Stourhead, one of the most beautiful National Trust properties in the South West, with its renowned gardens.
- If you want to get a retail fix you could head to nearby Shepton Mallet for the award-winning Kilver Court, featuring Mulberry, Toast and Whistles.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Families are very welcome but children do need to be respectful of the antiques and artworks in the house. We'd say it's best for older kids (8+). No single beds or twin rooms. High chairs and cots can be provided - just ask.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
None of the bedrooms have twin beds but there is plenty of room in most to set up a travel cot.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots, high chairs
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Families Should Know:
Durslade Farmhouse is an old building so there's some uneven flooring.
Distances:
- Airport: 1 hour (Bristol)
- Shops: 5 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Durslade Farmhouse is set just outside Bruton, on the Hauser & Wirth gallery plot, next door to the main gallery. Bruton is near the Somerset/Wiltshire border in the southwest of England. It's an hour from Bristol, and two hours from London.
By Air:
Fly into Bristol (46km away) or one of the London airports.
By Car:
Bruton has good road links within the South West and is easily accessible from the M3 / A303, M4 & M5. For car hire see our car rental recommendations. Parking is available at the on-site gallery.
By Train:
Bruton rail station is on the Bristol to Weymouth train line and is a five-minute walk from the farmhouse. Alternatively, a direct train service from London stops at nearby Castle Cary and Gillingham stations. It takes approximately 15 minutes by car from Castle Cary / Gillingham to Bruton. A taxi rank is available at the station entrances.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Bristol 46.0 km BRS
- London Heathrow 160.0 km LHR
Other:
- Beach 95.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km