A Country House Reimagined Charlton House, Somerset UK

Charlton House was a private country house turned hotel, located in Shepton Mallett, a small city about forty-five minutes from Bristol in the west of England. This is a rural area known for its outstanding natural beauty. It is not easily reached without a car, making it ideal for an escape from city life. 

While it may feel removed from the hustle and bustle, Shepton Mallett is a short drive from the historic city of Wells with its magnificent cathedral; Longleat Safari Park, and Glastonbury, noted for a world-renowned music festival and Arthurian legends. Also worth visiting are the beautiful Kilver Gardens just a stone’s throw from Shepton Mallett. 

Backyard view Charlton House

The Charlton House Property

The house dates back to 1608 and has seen many changes of ownership. Notably, in the 1990s, owners of the luxury British design company Mulberry purchased the house. Under their ownership, the hotel and spa showcased their high-end designs. 

Today the hotel and spa are owned and managed by Montigo Resorts, a Singapore-based hospitality company with plans to turn the house into a major event destination venue.  There is a lovely spa which I sadly did not have time to enjoy. 

Charlton House is pet friendly and even offers a pet spa in collaboration with Kelly Davis known as “Britain’s best groomer.

There is an onsite restaurant and bar service, as well as rooms for large events. Wedding parties often rent out the entire house. An expansive lawn in the back could host a party, corporate event, or family gathering. 

Lounge photo by Penny Sadler

A  lounge hour with a mix of seating arrangements for groups or cozy conversations is connected to the bar. The mix of patterns and fabrics are remnants of the days when the founders of the Mulberry Group owned the property.

I want to address some complaints I read online about the dining room, food service, etc. My experience was positive though I have nothing outstanding to report. The food was good but not memorable and I had no issues with service.  To be clear I  was there for an event, so the staff was all there, and even the manager was helping out in the restaurant.  

My Room

Twenty-eight eclectic rooms range from king suites to double rooms, each is unique. The hotel states that the heart of every luxury hotel experience is a good night’s sleep. Without a doubt, the best feature of my room was the comfortable bed. In this regard, the hotel hits the mark.  

In researching the history of Charlton House, I read that one of the upstairs rooms was once used as a chapel for weekly services. I believe that is the room I stayed in. It has the exposed beams mentioned in the history of the house. A large room with a king-size bed, a dressing table, two bedside tables, and a sideboard where the kettle and coffee maker reside; there’s also a small patio off the room overlooking the rear lawn. 

Overall Charlton House is well located for a country stay and access to some of the most beautiful areas in southwest England. Somerset County is rolling hills dotted with cattle and sheep, fresh from the farm meals, and even a coastline. A good night’s sleep in the English countryside might be the prescription you need. The house needs some updating to be sure but the location is well situated. 

Membership at Charlton House

The newly launched Charlton House Membership offers premium benefits such as a gym and the Montigo Spa, with its Asian massage treatments and thermal spa facilities including an advanced hydrotherapy pool, and outdoor hot tub. Using local wellness products from Somerset, and leading British skincare and wellness brand Elemis, facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments are available – as are treatment rooms for couples. Montigo Spa is also equipped with a sauna, laconicum, and a steam room. Members can also enjoy exclusive use of the hotel’s upgraded facilities and special discounts for food and drink.

Members do not need to book an overnight stay to enjoy the included amenities.

Charlton House does have a few accessible rooms but be sure to specify when you book. 

Amenities include complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, bath products, a coffee maker, and an in-room mini fridge.

Rates start at around 150 pounds per night. 

You can book directly here or check rates on Booking.com.