... in the heart of Cullompton is The Walronds, a Grade I listed, late Tudor house of great historical significance, once belonging to the Abbey of Buckland and sold in 1564 following the dissolution of the monasteries. Its structure is little-changed since its 1605 rebuild after the great fire of Cullompton and a local preservation trust has meticulously and beautifully restored the building, retaining spectacular moulded plaster ceilings and overmantels, vast fireplaces (ornamental), Jacobean ironmongery, mullioned windows, a barrel ceiling, panelling and knobbly elm/oak floors (rugs), all complemented by rich fabrics, comfortable furnishings and modern comforts. The first and second floors are completely private for your use with own entrance and peaceful, walled courtyard garden (lawn, tables/benches, barbecue) behind. On the ground floor (separately accessed), a meeting room (wedding licence) and commercially-equipped kitchen (available for hire, by arrangement) used for small community (mostly daytime) events and occasional ‘pop-up’ restaurant evenings. The main gardens alongside are open to the public during daylight hours (gates locked at dusk, key provided).

A path from your parking area leads 50 yards through the public gardens to the walled garden entrance (lockable gate, luggage trolley provided) and to your front door to cobbled  hall with storage area for  coats/boots and bicycles and stairs (17) to first floor; large living room (TV/DVD); grand dining room; light cheery kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer, range-style cooker with ceramic hob/electric oven) with breakfast table for 5. Also on this floor, three bedrooms, all with pretty garden views – the large master double with beams, half-tester bed, chaise longue and en suite shower-room (suite), another double with carefully rescued panel of hand-painted wallpaper, and a good-sized single. Smart shower-room (suite) and bathroom (suite, free-standing bath plus hand-shower). Washing machine and tumble-drier in cupboard.    

Stairs up to further living/games room with armchairs/beanbags, table football, TV/DVD, and two further bedrooms – a double, once the nuns’ dormitory, with French-style bed (footboard) and barrel ceiling, and one with two singles under sloping eaves (limited head height). Large bathroom (suite with separate shower.) Quiet ‘hideaway’ (beanbag) on landing; second staircase back down to entrance. 

Caterers can be recommended. A unique, fascinating place to stay; easy access (M5, 5 minutes) and great for gatherings at any time of year.

Accommodation