Activities Blog

The icing on the cake comes in the form of the wonderful staff, Harriet and Stuart, who maintain the house and grounds in immaculate condition and who are unfailingly attentive; their cooked breakfasts, eaten beside the flaming log fire and surrounded by historic objects, will live long in our memory.  Whatever the occasion, be it a family holiday or a gathering of friends or colleagues, you can be sure of a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience at Newton Surmaville.

I was fortunate enough to celebrate my friend’s 50^th birthday with a girl’s trip to this amazing home.  Newton Surmaville combines the magnificence of an established country estate home with all the modern-day creature comforts.  There are fruit orchards throughout the property where you can have your pick from apples, pears and plums.  We enjoyed walking the property in the morning with our coffee and had cocktails every evening in the bar or in the upstairs library.

The fabulous bucolic views, stunning décor and top of the line linens made for the ultimate, relaxing trip which this stressed-out mom needed!  We did some great antique shopping, ate some of the most amazing meals I’ve ever had and took a few day trips to visit the Roman baths and some surrounding historic estates.

I am hoping to return for a couples’ trip soon.

Staying at the Newton Surmaville House in Somerset was a once in a lifetime experience (but we hope to do it again as soon as possible). We were transported back to a period in time almost inconceivable to Americans, with all the amenities and comforts of modern day living — as a royal, that is. (Thanks, Harriet and Stuart!) The house is both grand and cozy, classical and contemporary, rustic and luxurious — and we nearly cried when we left.

Exploring the grounds outside the house was equally thrilling, with a rose garden to get lost in, a footpath along the River Yeo, and a meadow filled with grazing sheep. The surrounding towns Bruton, Bath, Stourhead were picturesque and fascinating, with wonderful architecture, gardens, museums, historic homes, antique stores, and restaurants to experience. To future visitors: whatever you do, don’t let your travel companions talk you out of seeing Stonehenge (like I did).

Our week stay at Newton Surmaville in Somerset was an absolute delight.  The house is not only stunningly designed, but each room is cozy, inviting and perfect for time with friends, family or to just relax and enjoy a cup of tea.  We also enjoyed walking the property, eating fresh fruit right off the vine and exploring the area all around the home.  There are wonderful restaurants locally and many adorable towns to visit but everything we needed was right on property making our week both relaxing and fun.

We could not recommend this beautiful and historic home more and hope to come back for a visit again in the near future!