Published 20 December 2019
Set in the beautiful countryside of rural Somerset, one hour from Bath and Bristol, one hour forty mins by direct train from central London, five-star standard medieval North Cadbury Court is like stepping back in time to a calm and peaceful era from days gone by. The driveway of the Grade 1 listed building pulls you towards the front of the house, eager to see what lies behind the solid wooden door and you are not disappointed.
The spectacular staircase leads you to 25 bedrooms, all individual in their design, mine from the year 1300 with a four-poster bed, free standing bath in the centre of the room and refreshingly, no tv or coffee making facilities. You want a drink? Simply wander down to the house kitchen and make your own. With stunning views across the 1,500-acre estate to the lake and Cadbury Castle, believed to be the site of King Arthurs Camelot, I can’t imagine a better English country view to wake up to.
The Main House
The proceedings began with a cheese tasting session of the award-winning Montgomery’s cheese from the family business, followed by a welcoming speech from owner Archie Montgomery including a very interesting potted history of the venue. We headed off for a site visit led by Archie, his wife Janet and the excellent event managers Georgia, Helen and Katherine. Every room is furnished as if the family were still in residence, family photographs, books and ornaments from around the world adorn every available space. As Archie explained, he grew up here in a happy house and wants it to feel like home and not a hotel. It certainly does that. Following the tour, we headed into dinner, arranged by the fabulous Nell, for a Call My Bluff style wine team challenge led by the venues wine supplier. A very tasty dinner of pork and rice followed by dessert in the library and to round off the evening, Blackjack and Roulette in the basement casino. Breakfast next morning was the most delicious kedgeree served in the sun filled dining room.
What’s To Do?
The venue has its own lake and Yacht club with fishing, pedalos and canoes and there is even a 3-hole golf course with the opening tee driving off the roof of the house! It has its own airstrip, ballroom, snooker room, tennis court, relaxation, yoga, sauna and treatment rooms, a gym and swimming pool with jacuzzi. Cheese and wine tasting can be arranged for clients, led by brother Jamie Montgomery who runs the family cheese making business in the village. So, the perfect venue for clients requiring, meetings, rewards, murder mystery, team building events, wellbeing breaks and parties. I would certainly recommend this venue.
