Sam P - verified booking

""What a fantastic venue Blackdown Manor is. Prior to the event I was worried about how smoothly my 30th birthday would go with 24 people attending. It couldn't have gone better with the help from The Big House Co and especially Claire making the whole weekend run like clock work. The clay pigeon shooting was fantastic as everyone enjoyed the experience. It didn't matter if you were a total novice or if you were a descendant of a famous Western shooter - everyone learnt something from the instructors. The house is perfect for hosting a party (80's party in this case), as the kitchen and living rooms are all in close proximity with plenty of space for everyone to mingle. Even the likes of "you cannot be serious" John, "Funhouse" Pat and Del Boy made it to the party at Blackdown Manor. The kitchen had all the amenities needed and was the main gathering room in the house, whilst the dining room being large enough to fit 24 people, was also cosy enough to give a real homely feel. If this wasn't enough all the bedrooms were nice and spacious, and the beds were super comfy, with plenty of bathrooms. The Merry Harriers is just down the road and offers some real Somerset ales and great food (also make sure you leave enough for desert - the menu is huge) Altogether this house was a real treat and this can be confirmed by the fact that all 24 people that came for the weekend had a great time, I can now see why people go there to get married. Thanks again Blackdown Manor."

Jennifer - verified booking

"Both the house and the grounds exceeded our expectations. The house was large and comfortable and elegant - every bedroom a little more generous in size than it needed to be, every downstairs room was inviting. The kitchen was lovely and light and well-equipped - room for plenty of us to gather there when we were preparing meals. Lots of freezer space, lots of plates and cutlery, two dishwashers. The whole house was welcoming and homely, not prissy. The children enjoyed the generous supply of board games, the table tennis, and billiards. The pool was great, and the hot tub too. As for the grounds! More like our own private park. The majestic trees - especially the copper beeches - the beautiful, thoughtful planting of the flower beds, the upkeep of the lawns and paths - we appreciated them all. The lake was dreamy. The children, aged fro 8 to 15, made dens, had races, swam, had a treasure hunt (ending on the island). They were so happy and engaged. Even though we had two wet days. The Big House were excellent to deal with - friendly and helpful."

David T - verified booking

"Our stay at The Apple Tree House was exceptional, myself and my family spent a week over Christmas here – what a perfect place for a wonderful family Christmas, loved by all, especially the dogs! From first contact to departure, the standard and service was above and beyond our expections. We were spoilt for choice with the bedrooms, out of the six exceptionally decorated bedrooms, we chose to stay on the top floor in one of the luxurious suites offering breath-taking views of Cliveden House. The beautiful décor throughout the entire house did not go unnoticed, it was the perfect location, the views overlooking the Berkshire countryside were splendid, watching the horses having their daily exercise was a perfect start to the day. I even managed a New Year’s Day dip in the hot tub, will definitely return again! Congratulations for creating something quite special. A fabulous time was had by all, what fond memories we have"

Monika S - verified booking

"I just wanted to say to all at the Big House Company, that we have had a most wonderful weekend at Blackdown Manor! The place is really something very special, the lovely house, which is so comfortable, clean and so very well equipped and has still so much of the old charm. The garden and surroundings are so beautiful, I saw people just walking around with a big smile on their faces, while they were admiring the fantastic old trees all around the house. That red beech with the swing in it is just magic! And the warm swimming pool and the croquet lawn where we had so much fun playing the game! On top of it the weather was very kind to us and our family were all so happy and jolly, that I am sure we shall always remember these past three glorious days at this fantastic place! I thank you also for the very efficient administration and the friendliness of the staff throughout."

claire bendall - verified booking

"Thank you for allowing us to get together to celebrate my 80th birthday, it has been wonderful. The weather has been marvellous. The family all enjoyed themselves. Granny Lindsey For me it was one of the best weekends I have ever had. Alex I loved the pool, I went in it at least twice a day. Caitlin We had fun in boats, pool, sun, games room, dining room, drawing room, croquet lawn, gazebo, patio, meadow behing the boat lake, kitchen, around the lake, on the bike, kitchen (twice, it’s fun). The greatest pinecone war to end all wars (boat V’s pinecone), in a battle of strength and strategy. Thanks for the fun. Sophie The house and grounds were awesome – thanks for a great weekend. The monster in the lake proved a tough battle, but after werewolves that plagued us on the first night it was a piece of cake. Good times and happy hunting ? Hannah The Lindsey Party"