St. CatherineBath, Somerset, BA1 8HA

Architecturally imposing, St Catherine's Court sits magnificently in an elevated position, with views over its gardens, meadows and stunning sylvan valley below. A gravel drive enters through ornamental iron gates from a single-track road. It passes the magnificent tithe barn and continues below the 12th century church of St Catherine's, from which the manor took its name. The front door of the manor is now formed from the striking entrance to the former chapel. Once inside, the timeline and history are evident. The rich tapestry of its history merges gracefully, woven through a labyrinth of staircases and corridors. Ornate plasterwork ceilings with intricate carvings, ancient wood panelled rooms, stone mullioned leaded light windows (some with stained glass detail), coffered ceilings, ancient oak floors and staircases and huge fireplaces all feature and speak of the stories this house has to tell. Now restored to its former glory, St. Catherine's Court not only represents a wonderfully idiosyncratic family home, but one that is equipped to entertain on a truly grand scale.

Gardens and Grounds

One of the most important garden designers of the twentieth century, Gertrude Jekyll, wrote of St. Catherine's Court, “Many are the beautiful houses…but there is hardly one within its own borders, or, indeed, within the length and breadth of England, whose charm of ancient beauty and of lovely, restful pleasure-ground, can rival that of this delightful place”. Her impact on garden design, history and influence lasts to the present day. Country Life magazine archives state that “for the most part, her personal ideas about garden design were informed by her love of old English manor house gardens, such as St. Catherine's Court, Owlpen Manor, Cleeve Prior Manor and numerous other places tucked away in remote corners of England”. The gardens are of great historical interest and are listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Jekyll “admired long, broad terraces; simple, yet dramatic stairways connecting the various levels; and the judicious use of evergreens and foliage”, everything that St. Catherine's Court has in abundance. She went on to state, “it may be said that in a place like this gardening is easy. The main lines of it are here and unalterable; the permanent features – hill, valley, woodland, terraces and noble flights of stairs – these are all present, and only waiting to be suitably and sufficiently clothed and adorned”. Spectacular gardens lie predominantly to the south and west of the house with breath-taking views over the valley.

Rising from the west of the house, stone steps lead up to a long bowling green, Jacobean in origin, bordered by stone balustrades and an arching avenue of ancient yews. Myriad lawns and terraces are connected via ancient stone stairways and long pergola gravelled walkways, festooned with wisteria and roses. Ancient sentinel and topiaried yews border deep and abundant herbaceous flower beds. An apple orchard is situated beside an avenue of flowering cherry trees, creating a long vista from the grass terrace below the ballroom. With its stone balustrades and matching flights of stone steps to the lawns below, this forms a theatrical backdrop to the formal gardens. To one side is the stunning orangery, added in the 20th century. Wildflower and pasture meadows border the gardens to the east, south and west. A tennis court is situated on the other side of the lane to the east with 2 stables at the top boundary. Mixed broadleaf woodland frames the spectacular valley to the south. In all there are about 13.78 acres.

Barn

The stunning Tithe Barn, situated to the north-western side of the manor and church, probably dates from 15th century and is Grade II* Listed. With its ancient timbers and vast barn doors all intact, it presents infinite opportunities and possibilities. There are new oak walled storage rooms and staircase to an enclosed mezzanine to one end.

Serenity Lodge

Situated at the entrance gates to the manor, Serenity Lodge is a five-bedroom lodge house. This was formerly used as two independent staff cottages.

The Old School House

Situated on the perimeter of the land, The Old School House is a three-bedroom cottage with its own private gardens.

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