Nestled in Somerset’s southern reaches close to Dorset’s heavenly pastures, the quaint village of Montacute basks in a mesmeric setting framed by patchwork hills and pocket woodlands. Cast in a golden glow from the village’s hamstone cottages, Montacute promises a storybook sojourn where rural reveries wait around every verdant corner.
Whether you seek fairytale gardens alight with floral displays and shimmering pools or Michelin dining that takes inspiration from the magnetic landscapes that surround you, a stay in Montacute rewards with an oasis of tranquillity and memories to cherish for years to come.
History
Home to honey-dipped houses and the beloved National Trust estate at Montacute House, this idyllic village appears as if plucked from the pages of a period drama, beckoning you to unwind in country style during your stay. Overlooked by St Michael’s Hill and Tower, and with a fascinating Iron Age hill fort atop Ham Hill nearby, Montacute has been shaped by the undulating scenes that surround it. Much of the stone that adds its golden tones to the village’s architecture comes from the very hills that weave through the area. The Church of St Catherine, a beautiful medieval church, is perhaps the most captivating hamstone structure, lending its warm-hued silhouette to the village’s visage.
Places to eat
The Kings Arms Inn
In the heart of Montacute, the charming Kings Arms Inn beckons with cosy corners and moments to savour. Warmed by crackling fires and adorned with carvings rumoured to come from the walls of Coventry Cathedral, the bar area paints an inviting picture, perfect for those seeking a refreshing repast, while the garden promises a sun-soaked spot to imbibe. Further into the historic inn, a blissful restaurant harmonises modern flair with time-kissed character. The menus here are artfully curated with the freshest ingredients, whether that’s fish from the azure waters off Dorset or meat from Somerset’s rolling Levels. Begin your meal with pulled Somerset ham hock terrine with Montacute apple and pear chutney, before moving on to a delightful fig salad with rocket, Serrano ham, and a Montacute honey dressing. Finish with a local artisan cheeseboard and a glass of port for the perfect encore.
Holm, South Petherton
Inspired by the many beautiful landscapes across the West Country, Holm is a welcoming contemporary restaurant where nature and creativity work in tandem. Each space has been thoughtfully styled for each occasion, from drinks in the snug by the fire and relaxed lunches in the dining room to sumptuous suppers on the tranquil terrace. Wherever you take your seat, you’ll be met with inspired menus bursting with local flavours and a true appreciation for the food’s provenance. The chef’s tasting menu is an ever-changing journey through Somerset and the surrounding counties, exploring land and sea with each dish. Taste your way through cucumber gazpacho with Holm sourdough, Cornish fish with seaweed butter and lupin beans, and macerated strawberries with crème fraîche. There’s an optional wine pairing to elevate your meal further, or you can sample from the à la carte menu for a winsome selection of seasonal favourites.
The Green, Sherborne
Nestled within the idyllic charms of nearby Sherborne, The Green’s historic stone exterior and elegant interiors blend seamlessly with the town’s picturesque aesthetic, made all the more alluring by the warm, family-run feel. Featuring alongside Holm in the Michelin Guide, the daily menu displays a true dedication to its craft. Shifting with the seasons and what’s available locally, whether harvested from farmsteads or foraged from the vibrant hedgerows that frame Somerset’s undulating scenes, the menu offers a dreamy medley of dishes to choose from, including venison carpaccio with pickled St George mushrooms, sloe jam, and tarragon mayonnaise and West Country beef fillet with red onion escabeche, pan-fried mushrooms, and fondant potato. The desserts always steal the show, whether you have the sweetest tooth or nothing compares to an affogato with homemade ice cream.
The Barrington Boar, Barrington
A stone’s throw from Montacute, Barrington holds another of Somerset’s tempting Michelin-recommended restaurants. Family-run and utterly bewitching, The Barrington Boar has been welcoming guests since the 18th century. Wine-red walls set the scene throughout the dining room and bar, with enchanting artwork and exposed beams weaving a dash of character through the space. Cultivated by chef and co-owner Alasdair Clifford, the kitchen here is a true celebration of local produce, with almost all of the ingredients coming from either the restaurant’s own kitchen garden or a trusted local supplier, from farm-fresh vegetables to West Country buffalo mozzarella. Refined yet soulful, each dish takes inspiration from around the world, whether it’s venison koftas, smoked mozzarella tortellini, or tagine-braised shoulder of Somerset lamb with grilled piquillo peppers.
Places to visit
Montacute House
Set within a patchwork of verdant countryside and surrounded by a rare and beautiful Elizabethan compartmentalised garden, Montacute House sets a spellbinding scene. The golden glow of the hamstone exterior stands out against a wash of vibrant greens, while lavish interiors display a captivating collection of historic works of art, from rich tapestries to opulent oil paintings. Throughout the year, the gardens promise an entrancing place to explore, from the perfectly manicured lawns to the borders alive with colour. Extending your arcadian adventures further, the surrounding parkland beckons for dappled delights, with idyllic orchards and avenues of veteran trees offering shade on a balmy summer’s day. Climb to the top of St Michael’s Hill to marvel at Prospect Tower and its sprawling views, or take a pew in the Courtyard Café and revel in a moment of tranquillity over an unhurried lunch or slice of homemade cake.
Tintinhull Garden
A place of serenity and reflection, Tintinhull Garden invites those with green fingers and thumbs to relish time spent in a perfectly curated green space. Mirror-topped pools adorned with lily pads and tufted grass reflect the enchanting gardens that surround them, while a working kitchen garden keeps the pocket-sized shop well-stocked with fresh fare. You can also pick up a small selection of exquisite plants grown in the greenhouses, inviting you to take a piece of Tintinhull home with you. Stroll through the orchard in autumn as the scent of sweet apples fills the air, pause for a picnic by the shimmering water's edge, and spend a moment of peaceful contemplation in Tintinhull Barn, where a lovely little second-hand book shop awaits. There’s a charming tearoom too for winsome repasts, from refreshing drinks to light bites.
Ham Hill Country Park
Spanning 164 hectares of bucolic bliss, Ham Hill Country Park is for those who want to reset amid Somerset’s undulating Levels. An Iron Age hill fort sits at the park’s ancient heart, boasting one of the largest sites of its kind in the UK. Walk among the golden standing stones, pondering their time-lost purpose, or turn towards the visitor centre to delve deeper into the area’s varied past. Today, Ham Hill boasts a plethora of scenes to uncover, from vibrant wildflower meadows and sheltered woodlands to sprawling views across the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills National Landscape, and Exmoor National Park. There are numerous trails winding through the park, from short circular routes you can explore in an afternoon to long-distance paths that take in a captivating collage of West Country landscapes.
Yeovil Country Park
One of the best places for walking near Montacute, promising a spellbinding blend of Green Flag Award-winning landscapes, Yeovil Country Park is a haven of ever-shifting natural beauty. Stunning in every season, woodlands craft an enchanting stage for your gentle strolls, with light filtering through the leaves to cast a gilded glow across the forest floor. Magical sculptures and art installations pepper the paths, adding to the storybook setting while showcasing some amazing local talent. Follow the easy-access pathways that weave through the park’s dappled depths for a serene stroll, or join one of the many wonderful yoga sessions for a moment of mindfulness beneath clear blue skies. Nature lovers will adore the park’s rarer residents, which range from otters and kingfishers along the idyllic banks of the River Yeo to foxes and deer seeking shelter beneath the woodland’s swaying canopies.
Things to do
Explore a National Landscape
A spellbinding stay in Montacute rewards you with easy access to a number of the UK’s most arresting areas of outstanding natural beauty, including the Blackdown Hills, Quantock Hills, Mendip Hills, Cranborne Chase, East Devon and Dorset National Landscapes. Each area boasts a mosaic of tranquil scenes to uncover, whether you long for peaceful riverside reveries or days spent walking over rolling hills with nothing but the skies above and flower-strewn meadows unfurling ahead. Discover a tapestry of historic sites during your travels, with abbey ruins, towering monuments, and great chalk figures ensuring every corner unveils a new masterpiece. The closest National Landscapes to Montacute are Dorset and Blackdown Hills, both beloved for their patchwork panoramas and heavenly walking opportunities interspersed with welcoming country pubs with sun-drenched patios and flickering fires.
Spend a day in Sherborne
A whisper from Montacute, the honey-hued market town of Sherborne promises a picturesque day out full of fascinating histories and grand remnants of days gone by. Sherborne Abbey boasts 13 centuries of history, from its humble Saxon roots to the mesmerising fan-vaulted roof that draws visitors from across the country. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 16th century, Sherborne Castle offers a memorable day out at one of the area’s magnificent estates. With grounds designed by famed landscape architect Capability Brown and interiors adorned with beautiful antiques and gilded artworks, there’s much to discover at this golden piece of South West history. Stepping back even further, the time-worn ruins of Sherborne Old Castle offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with far-reaching views framing the rugged ruins. In the town itself, trace pretty streets lined with independent shops and copper-kissed buildings, alongside fine dining restaurants and charming cafés.
Play a round at Yeovil Golf Club
Spanning the border between Somerset and Dorset and close to the pretty town of Montacute, Yeovil Golf Club is ideal for those who wish to practice their swing in a spectacular setting. Choose between the remarkable championship standard 18-hole course or the beautiful 9-hole course, which promises a rewarding mix of challenges along the River Yeo, or make use of the excellent driving range and practice area. A superb clubhouse waits to satiate appetites with delicious cakes and decadent lunches, meanwhile a professional shop awaits onsite where you can pick up something new or hire some equipment. With views across the russet town of Yeovil and out across Dorset’s pastoral scenes, there’s no better place to appreciate this historic pastime.
Feeling inspired for a rural retreat? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Somerset.
