‘Holiday in History’ in this Elizabethan moated gem

The Gatehouse at Upton Cressett Hall is a glorious 15th century hunting lodge set on the moated grounds of this historic country house. Though the Gatehouse has two floors and two bedrooms, both en-suite, it is never shared: whether you are a party of two guests or four the whole property is yours. This means it’s perfect for a romantic break for two or for small groups wanting to experience a stay in a beautifully restored Grade-1-listed piece of 15th-century England.

The building itself has scarcely been altered since the Elizabethan era – apart from central heating and discreet underfloor heating in the bathrooms – so it’s a magical step back in time. Soaring beams and claw-footed baths, curtained four-poster beds and your own private Jacobean fountain garden make this a superbly atmospheric place to stay.

Breakfasts can be tailored to your requirements. The standard B&B experience is provided by a housekeeper, who will come in and supply and clear breakfast (and, for that matter, dinner)  if required: the Gatehouse has its own kitchen and dining room to make everything easy. Alternatively, you can book a Cressett Hamper packed with all the locally-sourced ingredients to make your own. At Upton Cressett Hall every element of your stay fits in with your needs.

Previous guests at the Gatehouse include various royals dating back to Prince Rupert in the English Civil War and more recent leaders such as Margaret Thatcher and Borish Johnson. Add Sebastian Faulks and Sir John Betjamin and you have culture, include Elizabeth Hurley and you have glamour. The property has featured on the cover of Country Life and has been singled out for praise by a range of critics from Nikolaus Pevsner to Sir Simon Jenkins.

Upton Cressett Hall suggests

There are three guest properties at Upton Cressett Hall, all separate but within 100 yards of each other, all a part of the moated hall itself. If you rent all three and add further accommodation in the Great Chamber suite (in a private wing of the main house) that means the property can accommodate up to 14 guests, with further cots and children’s beds available if needed. Add on the possibility of catered dinners for up to 24 in the Great Hall dining room, with its giant medieval fireplace and painted gilt ceiling. This makes Upton Cressett Hall the perfect venue for a family reunion.