Thyme & Sage

Thyme & Sage: Gloucestershire

Set on a thousand-acre private estate, this 17th-century manor house is the perfect rural escape. The Grade-II listed home is the ideal setting for a family reunion, and kids both big and small will be kept busy with the range of activities on offer.

Inside is a well-equipped games room with numerous games to play including pool and table tennis. There's a carpeted area with a sofa so you can keep an eye on the little ones as you get your game on.

In the luscious three-acre garden you'll find a large, sparkling swimming pool, where you can splash around on sunny days. Take a break and fire up the Weber barbecue, and once you've refuelled, why not challenge the family to a game of tennis on the private court, or let the kids run wild in the large outdoor play area complete with a climbing frame and slide? There's even a zip line if you're feeling brave. The surrounding rural landscape is characterised by rolling green hills and dramatic limestone valleys, and with direct access to Cotswold Way, it's perfect for country walks with the dog or leisurely bike rides.

Spend the morning at the Cotswold wildlife park, before heading to one of the picture-perfect villages for a spot of afternoon tea. Or, explore the nearby Georgian town of Cheltenham – just seventeen minutes away by car – where you can head to the races, or indulge in some retail therapy at the boutiques. As the day draws to a close, enjoy alfresco dining under the stars or have a family game night around the fire. With traditional interiors and plenty of original character, it won't take you long to feel right at home here.


Home truths:
*Tall guests might need to stoop under some low ceilings and rafters
*Care should be taken on the steep steps to the top floor
*The pool is only open and usable from mid-April to mid-September
*Be careful if you have allergies, as there are horses and dogs nearby
*There is a pond on the grounds so kids will need to be supervised – the same goes for the pool
*There is space to park several cars at the house
*Hen and stag parties are not allowed at this home
*This home has Gigaclear High Speed Broadband and Sky TV
*The games room is outside in a separate outhouse
*There are portable speakers for outside but not outdoor speakers built in