The Georgian Villa

The Georgian Villa looks across the Wye Valley towards the mountains of the Brecon Beacons, with the Forest of Dean just a couple of miles down the road. It’s a remarkable spot for a rather remarkable house that can be yours for a week or a weekend away. From the outside it’s neatly Georgian: grand, elegant and symmetrical, with cream-coloured walls sitting in mature landscaped gardens. But step inside and a comfortable opulence cocoons you in generously-proportioned rooms. Here, you can eat, sleep and socialise in sumptuous style. Sleeping 12 in the main house plus 4 more in the attached optional annexes, this is just the place to get the family together for a grand old time in one of the loveliest parts of the UK.

The tone is set as soon as you enter. Murano chandeliers hang from ceilings, artwork adorns the walls and there are antiques and objet d’art everywhere. Georgian features underpin it all, but there’s a mix of styles put together with flair – and more than the occasional Victorian flourish. Having said all that, this place is no museum. It’s there to be lived in and enjoyed and is very much a family home. The turquoise sofas of the peacock-themed drawing room and the oatmeal Chesterfield in the neighbouring sitting room are as comfy as they are stylish. There’s a grand dining room where you can eat together and a kitchen that’s a pleasure to cook in. It's certainly a gloriously upmarket and relaxing base for hanging out with the family in one of Britain's most cherished landscapes.

Upstairs, there are five bedrooms and four bathrooms which are no less opulent than downstairs. One has a super-king-size bed and an en-suite with a bath, separate shower and his-and-hers sinks. Another has a roll-top bath under a bay window. All the main house bedrooms have a TV, including the bunk bedded room. The house sleeps 12 guests, but for extra guests, there’s a pair of annexed holiday cottages, each sleeping two, which can be added to your reservation when you book at www.sheridanbrown.co.uk. The cottages each have an ensuite king bedroom, a sitting room, and a fully equipped kitchen. For bookings of 13-14 guests, you will have the Sunrise annex (with an extra 5-person hot tub) and for 15-16 guests, you will have the Acorn annex as well.

While the inside of the house is impressive, it’s what’s outside that might wow you the most. The view, framed by architraved windows and doors is a constant companion in here. It’ll draw you out to the garden where there’s a hot tub, plenty of seating and a couple of acres to enjoy. Should you want to walk further, head to The Alma for lunch – one of several good pubs nearby. From here, it’s only three miles to Ross-on-Wye, half that to the Forest of Dean and a matter of less than half a mile to the nearest fishing lake and golf course.

See the Milky Way while enjoying the 5-person hot tub on the terrace.