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 10, with options for an additional guest or two, 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. 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.

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 but the master suite have a TV, including the twin-bedded room. The house is designed for 10 guests but a couple of zed-beds means there’s an option to bring two more; handy for children who can sleep in with parents. For anyone else, there’s a pair of annexed holiday cottages, each sleeping two, which can be hired in addition to the main house.

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.