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7 Guests
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4 Bedrooms
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2 Bathrooms
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Pets No
Features
- Four poster bed
- Off road parking
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Pub/shop < 1 mile
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
34 Customer Reviews
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"Just got back from Castle House, we had an enjoyable week but want to mention a few things."
Friday and Saturday night were very noisy due to the pub/bar opposite. There was also local events on which made it busy and with that comes a load of noise. Great location for shopping and Taunton has a great selection of shops and big supermarkets just a five minute walk away. My husband and I slept in the room at the top of the accommodation that has the four poster bed, sadly I was woken several times every night to a vibrating noise which I think must have been a boiler or something above us. The accommodation was lovely and quirky with its uneven floors and wonky doors and well equipped, a slight lack of cuttlery but we made it work. The shower needs maintenance as it smelt as does the dishwasher, we also found some dirty pieces of crockery too. Parking, when leaving the car park you need to get an exit pass from the hotel, this wasn’t made clear until we stayed at Castle House, you’ll have to go into hotel reception every time you want to exit the car park which can become tedious but the hotel staff are very helpful and friendly. One final thing, quite a few groups of teenagers hanging around outside at night and within the grounds that the kitchen backs out onto, we had stones thrown at the windows one night. I have given an honest review here, we did enjoy our stay even though I have highlighted a few things, would I return?.. probably not. Last thing… visit the Museum of Somerset, a really interesting museum with lots to see and it’s right on the doorstep, staff are also really friendly and knowledgeable about the local area.
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"Castle house was just great; convenience and comfort in a castle!"
We loved playing games in the grand sitting room and that one comfy armchair in a window alcove was just the perfect place for reading about the history of Castle House, with the early morning sun streaming in. Small details such as the blankets on armchairs, plenty of local history books to read, thick insulating curtains and the very well fitted out kitchen were nice touches. It was a shame not to be able to sit in front of a roaring fire but the whole apartment was warm and cosy. Not everyone liked the lack of blinds on the enormous picture windows in the kitchen but they had the classic Taunton views of church towers and Cricket ground lights and the Castle Hotel next door. It definitely felt like the centre of town, with late night nightclub noise, although this was not so intrusive as to disrupt sleep and the whole of the centre of town is within a ten minute walk. We have already recommended Castle House to friends.
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"Castle House is absolutely fabulous & perfect for our familys' needs."
Location location in the centre of Taunton for walking to shops, restaurants & bars is so convenient at Christmas. Beds are comfy, the house is warm & full of history & character, & exceptionally well equipped. Highly recommended.
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"A unique holiday letting very well located."
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"The casle house was perfect ,rooms were spaceious and clean."
Locatin was great ,and plentty of bars and resterants.town centre was onlt minutes walk away.
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"Fabulous weekend, splendid place."
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"Such a fantastic place I didn’t want to leave."
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"We really enjoyed staying at Castle House."
It's very central to everything, has everything you could need and is a beautiful spacious building. For anyone hesitating to book and wondering if it might feel a little spooky (because the photos don't do it justice and it being of such historic significance), we didn't find that at all, it was pleasant and welcoming and we would definitely return.
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"What a privilege to stay in a truly historic building."
It really does look like the photos. Amazing place right in the middle of town, close to restaurants, shops and pubs. We didn’t take the car out all week. Nice walk along the river which is on your doorstep. The property is next to the museum, which is free and well worth a visit. We also booked a tour of parts of the building which aren’t normally open to the public. It was very interesting and we were able to go up the tower to the roof. We’ll definitely be back.
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"Excellent facilities and pictures do not give this apartment justice."
Another shower would help, if 7 people are staying. I would suggest some bar stools in the kitchen would help to bring people together. Small issues for a excellent apartment
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"The photographs do not do this house justice!"
We had a family gathering for the weekend and the house was a magical place to stay, right in the centre of Taunton. Once parked we didn’t need the car. The museum staff gave us a tour of the castle keep and buildings which was very interesting. We would love to return one day!
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"Superb holiday home, Everyone in our party loved it."
It felt like a privilidge to stay in such an ancient historical building. The furniture is comfortable and all the facilities are excellent. The only thing I would have different would be a second shower in the top floor bathroom instead of or as well as the big bath. We were a party of six adults and two children, and all preferred the shower on the middle floor. The museum on the ground floor is recommended, and it was a lovely surprise to walk through an arch into the town centre where there's plenty of places to eat and a good shopping area.
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"Gorgeous place, full of charm, evocative and perfectly located in the middle of town."
Spotlessly clean, well kitted out for a British self catering establishment, ideal for visiting local family as we did.
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"Excellent property and spotlessly clean."
Slightly tricky to locate the entrance on the first night. It was dark and the hotel staff were very helpful. The what3words location is: https://w3w.co/logs.solo.jabs
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"Wonderful quirky experience staying in a castle."
Wobbly floors and leaning staircases all made for a unique stay.lots of room- we kept losing ourselves! Warm, clean and comfortable. In the town so easy to walk out and visit other attractions, the park, canal and river and choose from one of the many pubs and resturants. Also cream tea at the Castle Hotel next door is not to be missed.
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"Wonderful location."
Fascinating building beautifully restored. We loved staying there. Well equipped and comfortable.
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"The whole experience was fabulous."
We loved it and have already recommended it to lots of people. 2 practical notes though - the guys from the museum had to provide an alternative internet connection to the one included on the welcome info as we couldn't connect. This only worked on one side of the property. And the iron does not work.
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"The property was exceptionally clean, thank you."
It’s warm, quirky and spacious. Unfortunately the WiFi was VERY poor. There is a issue with antisocial behaviour from teenagers on scooters outside the property and museum.
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"Everything was perfect, except for the WiFi wasn't working."
Luckily we had great weather so we were out and about, but if the weather hadn't been so good we would have liked to stream movies etc.
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"I think Castle house under sells itself."
A fantastic holiday in a Castle!!!! The history of the building is amazing. The free castle tour is a must. The castle staff are so accommodating and very helpful. Definitely made the holiday.
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"Loved castle house full of character the children really enjoyed all the nooks and crannies and playing hide and seek ."
Needed to keep a close eye on small children being a little adventurous . It was a truly unique experience. All staff friendly and helpful. Beds comfy plenty of equipment in the kitchen. The great hall was so huge plenty of space for everyone.
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"The accomodation in the castle was fabulous."
It is extremely spacious, with lots of large rooms and a wonderful kitchen, which is superbly equipped and ideal for self-catering. The facilities were great, with excellent shower and bath in the two bathrooms, and the kitchen had a dishwasher and washing machine, which was very useful. The castle was a great place to stay - very quirky, with very sloping floors and lots of interesting features. Outside the kitchen window was a lovely communal garden where the children could play. Next door is a very good museum, with good activities for children (at least whilst we were there). We definitely recommend this place!
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"The photos of the property didn't do it justice !"
We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. Quirky , comfortable and fun.
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"Unusual and very quirky ."
Whilst being in the centre of things we had a peaceful stay and enjoyed ourselves. I do think Sykes ought to stress that the property is not suitable for people who cannot manage the sloping stairs. Had a slight problem locating the key safe as not at the door but tucked away down the path in another part of the building, this would have been helpful to know in the email with the key safe code. Luckily I was helped out by a manager of the Castle hotel next door. It may be a good idea to have some signs on doors eg bathroom lounge etc.as we kept getting lost in there. We found the sitting room to be quite chilly and the sofas reflected this. Beautiful room though. Beds were very comfortable and great bedlinen. Such a shame there is no wardrobe in the twin room, they had to use the wardrobe in our four poster room All in all a gorgeous place to stay, stair carpet and cushions would make for a perfect stay We were originally a party of 6 but two members decided against joining us re Covid 19 we booked this lovely property because of the 3 bathrooms for each 3 couples. This in fact differed to another Sykes site, which would have been a problem had the other couple stayed as we all thought there was going to be 3 bathrooms for the 3 couples.
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"It’s a great opportunity to stay in a castle."
So close to everything you don’t have to leave.
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"Not at all a friendly place for someone with walking difficulties."
Huge, great for social distancing. Immaculately kept if shabby, but then its very very old. Great reassurance given re social distancing and covid. Help from hotel on all housekeeping Help from Museum staff too. Great place to start along the road back to normality , did wonders for the kids confidence.
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"The accomodation had lots of character, was warm and comfortable despite being very spacious."
Comfortable beds with quality sheets and plenty of good towels. Everything was nice and clean.The floors are bare floorboards with some rugs, which could feel a bit basic but was part of the character of the old building with thick walls. Plenty of hot water and a good shower. Good kitchen facilities. The kitchen was the one room which was quite chilly although we didn't cook much so it wasn't much inconvenience. Good parking right outside was a bonus in central Taunton.
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"As a Family with children (Grandpartents, Parents and Children youngest 4 we passed a Weekend like in an old Fairytale ."
.. Location exceeded our expectations and was the ultimative add on for an unforgetable Weekend. The appartment as part of the Castle has all confort of the modern life combinded with furnishing of the old times- very very charming. Parking places are available in front on the Castle Hotel grounds for a solid Price and Card for going easily in and out during the stay. Breakfast is served in BRASS bistro - also part of the castle Hotel - and just round the Corner of the Appartement/ Hotel. .
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"Castle House is a fabulous property with so much character, quirkiness and history but also very homely and welcoming."
Each room had everything you could need in it and kitchen fully equipped. Great location. The people looking after the property are lovely and friendly.
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"It was warm and cozy when we arrived and with a quick first look around the property it exceeded what we expected."
Everything was there in a well equipped kitchen. Bedrooms were all comfortably. With the property in the middle of Taunton it was central to do many things in Somerset also plenty of shops and restaurants near by.
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"Castle house is an amazing place to stay, very historic place but has everything you need."
Make sure you book the tour to see behind the locked doors. We loved staying in a castle especially the four poster bed and Tudor hall lounge.
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"The amazing original condition and way the renervation had been carried out."
This cottage is somewhere I would like to go again and again. You have a huge amount of space and incredible original features.
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"Castle House is stunning, full of history and quirky floors, doors, windows, decoration."
We appreciated the supply of baby items. Travel cot, high chair, baby bath/items, stair gates and unbreakable baby plates cups set. We booked Castle House to enable four generations of 7 adults and a baby to come together to celebrate an 80th birthday. We had plenty of room even at full capacity. The house was very well appointed. A home from home but in a Castle! Cosy warm throughout. Also perfect location, in centre of town, with everything Taunton has to offer, within easy walking distance. We would definitely book again.
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"This is the loveliest quirkiest place I have stayed - it is charming."
The rooms were all amazing. If we come to Taunton again, I cannot imagine staying anywhere else. We were worried that it would be cold because the property is so old but it was lovely and cosy. The facilites were A+ and our welcome pack really lovely.
Summary
- All first and second floor
- Four bedrooms: 1 x second floor four poster bed, 1 x first floor double, 1 x second floor twin, 1 x first floor single
- Second floor bathroom with roll-top bath, basin and WC
- First floor shower room with shower, basin and WC
- Separate WC
- First floor Kitchen
- First floor Dining room.First floor sitting room.
- Gas central heating
- Oven and gas hob, fridge, freezer, washer/dryer dishwasher, TV with DVD, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs
- Fuel, power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Travel cot and highchair
- Off road parking for 1 car
- Enclosed outdoor area with furniture
- Sorry, no smoking
- Choice of restaurants, shops and pubs in the town a few steps away
- Note: Parking is provided for 1 vehicle in the adjoining hotel's car park
- Any additional vehicles can be parked in nearby council car parks (charges vary) or by paying an additional £10 per extra vehicle per night directly to the Castle Hotel on arrival
- Note: There may be some noise during the evening due to the properties town centre location
- Note: This property is over first and second floors
- Note: There are uneven floors and stairs due to the historic nature of the property
The property
Castle House, part of a 12th century castle, has a long and varied history.
The medieval building has played host to judges and royal courts, and later to school boarders and museum curators.
Now in the grounds of the Museum of Somerset, it is a unique opportunity to stay in the historic Taunton Castle.
With views over the castle courtyard and the ruined castle keep, now transformed into the Castle Hotel’s beautiful Keep Garden, you can achieve an insight into the medieval world that once occupied this place.
The ground level entrance is situated on the side of the property facing the Castle Hotel for 24-hour access.
Once inside, a flight of stairs takes you to an upstairs hall, off which the ‘Tudor Room’ is located, the property’s feature sitting-room.
This floor also contains a luxury double bedroom and single bedroom, a large shower room and an elegant dining room which leads through to the kitchen.
Complete with all modern conveniences, the kitchen is spacious and light with wide views onto the Keep Gardens.
If you don’t want to eat-in, why not pop across to one of the Castle Hotel’s restaurants?
You can also have the Castle Hotel deliver lunch to you on request.
Follow another flight of stairs up to the third storey of Castle House and you will find a large bathroom with a stand-alone bath, a twin single and the master bedroom complete with a four-poster bed.
Once unpacked, if you want to learn more about the local area why not head over to the Museum of Somerset?
There you can explore the county’s rich history, partake in one of the museum’s many events or just take in the atmosphere with a coffee in the castle courtyard.
You can also enjoy free entry to special family events and arrange a private guided tour of Castle House and it’s connecting tower!
(Please contact the museum for further details.) As the county town of Somerset, Taunton town centre contains many other local attractions including the Somerset County Cricket Ground, the Brewhouse (with its arthouse cinema, theatre and gallery), Taunton Farmer’s Market, Vivary Park and Taunton’s grandest church, St Mary Magdalene.
Taunton is surrounded by the Quantock and Blackdown Hills.
Both are listed as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and contain a range of stunning walks for ramblers of all experiences.
You can also find Hestercombe Gardens just outside the Taunton town centre and the Willow and Wetlands Centre is a short drive away on the Levels.
If you would like to explore further afield, Glastonbury, Wells and Cheddar Gorge are an hour’s drive away, or for those who fancy a coastal view you can explore the seaside at Minehead or go fossil-hunting on Kilve beach.
With Castle House only a fifteen-minute drive from the M5, the surrounding areas of Bristol and Exeter are within easy reach to provide a day out everyone will enjoy.
About the location
TAUNTON
Bridgwater 11 miles; Tiverton 21 miles; Weston-super-Mare 30 miles
The county town of Somerset, Taunton is a beautiful town and a perfect cottage holiday destination. The town has excellent buildings with charming stone and Tudor architecture, there is also fascinating history in the town stretching back over 1000 years including a 10th century monastery. It offers wonderful amenities with the Orchard Shopping Centre and plenty of other places to shop and eat. As well as this, Taunton boasts a choice of museums and parks, one of which has held the Taunton Flower Show for over 150 years. For your outdoor enthusiasts, the Quantock and Blackdown Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are easily accessible, as well as the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks slightly further afield. If a day by the sea is what you're after, the coast is around 20 miles away, with the popular seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare a further 10 miles away but is well worth the journey with its great range of activities.
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas