Holiday cottage history and restoration

Today, Horton Court is the perfect location for a special group getaway, nestled on the edge of the rolling Cotswolds countryside and a stone's throw from the Roman city of Bath. However, this beautifully restored Grade I-listed manor house has a fascinating history stretching all the way back to 1185. Through extensive restoration, the magic of this carefully preserved history can now be experienced by holidaymakers on their next stay. 

Originally a 12th century Norman Hall, Horton Court is home to a number of historically significant features. Step through elaborate twin Romanesque doorways and discover some of England’s earliest Renaissance decorative motifs beneath what’s believed to be the oldest roof within the National Trust.

With such an important treasure trove behind its stone walls, extensive historic assessments were undertaken to ensure that each feature was carefully conserved and the building’s unique spirit of place preserved. Relive history as your search for remnants of the Italian Renaissance garden or enjoy breakfast beneath ancient timber as the morning sun shines through medieval windows. 

With glorious views over the River Dart this former workman’s cottage in Devon is hidden in a leafy woodland just behind Dartmouth Castle. A two-year project was put in place to restore this historical building to a cosy and comfortable holiday cottage.

As a classic example of a worker’s cottage, it was important to maintain as much of the buildings original features and character, from its old fireplace to its doors and windows.

With the development of a roof extension to create a master suite, imagine sipping your morning cuppa as you soak up the vast countryside views. Invite more family and friends so they can also enjoy the new light-filled spaces throughout the house. Not only that but an electric car charging point has been fitted to the cottage, so you can enjoy a holiday that’s a little bit greener.

With maritime-inspired lighting and prints of Dartmouth by local artists, the refurbishment has remained true to the cottage's former life while integrating contemporary comfort. Set over three floors, you can find a large light-filled kitchen/diner, sitting room, master suite and two other bedrooms.

This elegant Victorian cottage, with views over the 12th-century Cistercian Fountains Abbey, is believed to have been built around 1859 when the Marquis of Ripon inherited Fountains Abbey.

West Gate Lodge is rich in history and original features that hold a great significance to its past. The cottage was built using the salvaged stone from the nearby ruins of Fountains Abbey. The cottage also has handcrafted oak furniture and original Victorian features such as diamond leaded windows.

This cottage was once an estate workers cottage. The bay front window in the dining room also doubled as a ticket window for some of the first tourists to Studley Royal Water Gardens after the railway arrived at Ripon and Harrogate in 1848. Turn back the clocks and imagine what it’d be like to welcome visitors out of your dining room window as you look out across  the garden riverbank.

In West Gate Lodge you’ll find a cosy cottage furnished with handcrafted oak furniture and original Victorian features. There’s an airy living and dining room as well as a modern kitchen and quaint bedroom that’s perfect for two.