The earliest recorded history of St. Catherine's Court is found in a Court Roll dating from 1310.

Located on the western slopes of St. Catherine's Valley, 4 miles from the Georgian city of Bath, it was once the seat of the abbots of Bath. The church of St. Catherine, still operating as the parish church, is set within the Court and there is also a 15th century tithe barn.

Built of Cotswold stone under a stone-tiled roof with stone mullion and leaded light windows The Court retains original fires and features which date back to the reign of Henry VIII and beyond.

The layout of St. Catherine's Court is initially very complex. The Court was probably rebuilt in the 15th century, forming the basis of the later 17th century rebuilding. This continued with a number of different builds within the house which has resulted in rooms on several different levels

While steeped in history, and with a total restoration recently completed to retain the historic attributes of the Court, the owners - who see themselves as custodians for future generations - have provided exceptional luxury and every modern convenience.

With log fires roaring and under-floor heating throughout, bedrooms with comfortable beds, crisp linen and finished in sumptuous fabrics and with bathrooms in rare natural stone, the House sets a unique standard. Experience superb cuisine partnered with selected global wines in the romantic Elizabethan dining room lit solely by candlelight. Alternatively, the Orangery offers a romantic, magical dining experience.

Outside you will find 15 acres of manicured gardens and rolling fields with magnificent specimen trees. The orchards and organic vegetable gardens supply the kitchen with the finest seasonal produce. Simple pleasures beckon, such as taking romantic walks, visiting local unspoilt pubs or for the more energetic the tennis court sits appealingly amongst the trees above the vineyard.

The stunning ballroom is a glamorous room where the whole family can eat, sit, read, make merry with music and song and when the furniture is moved turn it back into a ballroom for parties. Acoustically it has four second reverberation providing superb sound attracting many famous musicians to use the Court for recording their albums.

The grand hall is now a focal point for pre-dinner drinks before being seated in the formal dining room lit solely by candlelight at dinner.

The restoration of the library revealed a fantastic warm colour of mid oak which gives a gorgeous back drop of colour for the old books, the woven wool curtains in old rose and chartreuse and the subdued velvet sofas.

Each of the bedrooms is individual in design with comfortable sofas and chairs and ample storage. They are all fitted with the latest plasma televisions on satellite, DVD players and wireless network. All the bathrooms are in natural stone with under-floor heating, power showers, stacks of towels, bathrobes, and the finest spa products.

The older parts of the House at the top where children tend to gravitate, is harder wearing, practical and comfortable providing an area for relaxing, watching television, playing games as well as places for reading quietly.

All the bedrooms have ample storage, hanging and drawer space. Choice of seating - sofas and/or chairs. Bathrobes. All bedrooms are fitted with the latest plasma televisions on satellite, DVD players and wireless network.

Set in 15 acres, the St. Catherine's Court estate offers an enticing array of sculptured flower gardens, terraces and a vineyard, some of which were first laid out in the 16th century. The romantic atmosphere is enhanced by ancient yew hedges, fountains and ponds, a grotto and an Orangery, all of which provide constant delight and surprise.

In recent years the gardens have undergone substantial renovation, with borders beautifully replanted in honor of the great impressionist gardener Gertrude Jekyll, who is thought to have been involved with the original design in the 19th century, and old pathways opened up through the woodlands, giving the estate fresh energy. In the woods, many more specimen trees are now on show, and rare species of bats and great crested newts can also be spotted, enhancing the magical experience of the walks.

A tennis court nestles in the grounds, overlooking the vineyard, one of the estate's latest projects, where 1,600 vines have been planted, again on organic principles.

The vineyard's fruit includes the Siegerrebe grape, a small and delicious cross between Gewurztraminer and Madelaine Angevine. That will produce a delightful dessert wine with scents of Muscat, grapefruit and peaches.

Additional accommodation in the Lodge, which is a Guest House located on the Estate that offers 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

In the Lodge's North Wing.there are 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. In the South Wing there is a Master Suite with sitting area and ensuite bathroom, 1 ensuite bedroom, and 1 room with bed and a separate wet room and loo.

Your reservation includes full staff of domestic help and a resident chef for morning and evening meals. There is a house manager that helps assist you with any activities, tours and events you would like to have while staying at the Court.

Activities Include: Tennis, Treatments, Painting, Croquet, Use of the Piano, Well stocked Library, Woodland Walks, Cookery Demonstrations, Board and video games and cards.

We are also able to arrange: Horse riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Clay Pigeon shooting, Cycling, Golf, Archery, Tours and Theatre and Fishing, shooting and canoeing.

Specialist interest weeks that can be arranged on dates by request at an additional cost include: Jane Austin Week. Film Week. Quintessentially British. Painting Week. Food and Wine. Gardening. Christianity Week.

Distances (miles). Bath, 5.