DOWNTON ABBEY STYLE COUNTRY RETREATS
09/09/2014
A few of our more stately holiday properties
DOWNTON ABBEY STYLE COUNTRY RETREATS
FROM PREMIER COTTAGES
8 September 2014: With Downton Abbey returning to TV screens on 21 September, Premier Cottages, has picked out five properties that are perfect for those seeking a taste of the Crawley lifestyle.
Lanyon Holiday Cottages, Cornwall
Situated down a country lane just a few miles from St Ives on Cornwall's stunning north coast, Lanyon Holiday Cottages are in a peaceful position in the centre of an Elizabethan estate. Lanyon Manor is steeped in history and bears its family crest over the porch with the date 1668. The property retains many of its original wooden floors, wall panelling and open fires – an atmospheric and elegant festive house party venue for up to 12 guests.
Downstairs is a formal dining room and a panelled drawing room fit for the Crawleys, a large kitchen with a four oven Aga and a south facing sitting room with double doors to a conservatory that overlooks the walled garden. The main staircase leads to four of the six bedrooms and the backstairs to the other two.
Groups will find plenty to do at Lanyon Holiday Cottages, including: archery, laser clays and clay pigeon shooting. Lanyon Manor is offering a week’s stay from £2100 for up to 12 guests sharing and from £1152 for a short break. For more information visit
www.premiercottages.co.uk or call the owner on 01736 850795
Cossington Park, Somerset
Cossington Park is an elegant period house which has been home to a family of explorers, adventurers, sailors, politicians and philanthropists for 400 hundred years. It’s set in 22 acres and offers plenty of space for 12 to 16 Downton fans to celebrate in style. Think roaring log fires, luxurious roll-top baths, cosy four poster beds, and rooms brimming with antiques and portraits, including over 5,000 booked collected from the 17th century up to the present day.
There is a 250-year-old Clementi piano and the grand old drawing room has cosy chaise lounges, shiny brasses and a wood burner. Library artefacts from great grandfather’s ship also adorn the open fire place and a rich red dining room makes for a magical formal dinner.
This historic property starts from £2515 for a week and from £1715 for a short break for up to 16 guests sharing. Archery, falconry, an owl prowl and even a carriage ride can be arranged for those seeking outdoor pursuits. For more information visit
www.premiercottages.co.uk or call the owner on 0800 043 3468.
Swan House, the Cotswolds
The refurbished grade II listed
Swan House, near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, dates from the mid 17 Century and is set in two acres with lake and river frontage and its own spring fed trout lake!
Located in the exclusive and “secret” village of Winson in the Cotswolds and just an hour and a half from London or Birmingham, this luxuriously furnished house is the place for a “country house” weekend - celebrate with friends or relax in style. Why not complete the Downtown experience and book a chef to prepare dinner!
The house has six bedrooms and five bathrooms, large hall/sitting room, laundry/boot room, new state of the art Miele kitchen (boasting two dishwashers and five ovens!), and a ballroom size dining room that seats twelve. There is also a sumptuously furnished 36' drawing room with grand piano.
All the main downstairs rooms have log burning fires and glorious views over the gardens and lake and the master bedroom features a four-poster bed. A week’s stay starts from £2,750 and a short break from £1,925. For more information visit:
www.premiercottages.co.uk or call the owner on 020 8995 9072.
Staffield Hall, the Lake District
Staffield Hall is an elegant Victorian manor house, built in 1848, overlooking the countryside of the Eden Valley, near Ullswater. The hall has been converted into eight stunning apartments, each retaining original architectural features and furnished with style and elegance – making it perfect for couples and small groups wanting a break away Downton style.
The Hall has glorious features including a Great Hall with its magnificently carved oak staircase and stained glass window.
Manor Hall apartment sleeps six in three bedrooms and occupies the entire ground floor. It offers an opulent set of south facing rooms where guests can relive the grandeur of Downton with four metre high ceilings, splendid ornate cornicing and intricate decoration. The large mullioned windows also provide magnificent views across the tiered gardens.
A week’s stay for six starts from £1410 for up to six sharing and a short break from £846. For more information or to book visit
www.premiercottages.co.uk or call the owner on 01253 675 633.
Merrifield House a stunning Georgian house in Devon
An idyllic haven, Merrifield House is a listed Georgian property that’s perfect for two families looking for a “get away from it all” country house escape.
The house has been renovated to an exceptional standard with all original features retained. Fine rural views are afforded over a large pond and there is a patio area, which catches the evening sun. Beyond, are 20 acres of enclosed fields and woods that are great for traditional country house walks.
Downstairs features original flagstone and oak floors with open fireplaces, under floor heating and a separate den for children to escape to. Rooms are furnished with high quality period furniture including: a stunning antique dining table. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, one with en suite, two twin bedrooms and a family bathroom. More stairs lead to a huge, beautifully converted attic room with oak beams, king-size bed and splendid original roll top bath with separate walk in shower.
A week’s stay for up to ten starts from £910 and a short break from £690. For more information or to book visit
www.premiercottages.co.uk or call the owner on 01364 654856.