Bellhouse
Tucked away down an inconspicuous lane leading to a beautiful National Trust valley lies Bellhouse, the south-west wing of the spectacular Grade II listed Woodchester Park House. Sleeping 8 guests, the house has 4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a cosy sitting room, well-equipped kitchen, and high-ceilinged dining room. This unique holiday home emanates a sense of understated grandeur, perfectly complimented by its old-English charm. As well as benefiting from its own private garden and courtyard, Bellhouse is perched on the edge of the National Trust owned Woodchester Park, with direct access to around 500 acres of wonderful woodland, fields and five beautiful lakes.
Overview
The first thing that strikes you as you enter the drive is the sheer size and beautiful architecture of Woodchester Park House and the Bellhouse. Its location is idyllic, surrounded by acres of enchanting, wildlife-filled parkland. If you’re a keen walker and looking to lose yourself in the beauty of nature, Bellhouse is the perfect property. From the house, you can walk for miles in peace and tranquillity in the valley, the only noise you may hear will be from grazing livestock or the serene gliders from the nearby Cotswold Gliding Club. You can also walk from the house up onto the Cotswold Way.
Woodchester Park is a hidden gem that never feels busy or overcrowded. Owned by the wealthy Gloucestershire family, the Ducies, they originally built a Georgian house that stood on the site of the current building from the 1600s until 1845. In 1843 they sold their family home to William Leigh, who, on advice from Pugin, demolished the Georgian House and began to build the Gothic revival mansion that stands on the site today. Leigh died in 1873 before the work was complete, and his family, not sharing his love of the gothic revival style, employed a new architect to redesign the house before realising they could not afford to complete a new mansion. The mansion was consequently never completed, and fell through various states of semi-occupancy and disrepair before it was eventually bought by Stroud District Council in 1992, and is now leased to the Woodchester Mansion Trust who manage and conserve the building in its state of ‘glorious abandonment’.
Woodchester Park House, formerly known as The Cottage, had its own role to play in the history of Woodchester Mansion. It was home to William Leigh and his family while the demolition and then reconstruction of Woodchester Mansion took place. After William Leigh died, his family stayed in The Cottage before it was eventually sold in 1938. Woodchester Park House has had a number of uses since the time of the Leighs. At some point before the Second World War it was used as a ‘home for poor girls’ who were instructed in skills such as sewing. During the war it was taken over by a Roman Catholic teacher training college, run by nuns, evacuated from Birmingham. Since then it has been used as a school (for children of leaders of our commonwealth countries) and as a field study centre.
The current owners bought the house in 1995 and returned it to a ‘home’. With 16 bedrooms (but only one bathroom and a couple of showers) work was needed. Now, Bellhouse, the rambling south-west wing of Woodchester Park House is a comfortable and charming holiday home, decorated throughout with quality antique furniture, period art and quintessential country living features such as two wood burners. This is a much-cherished property that offers an authentic homely sense of warmth and conviviality – an ideal home away from home.
Ground Floor
Entrance Hall:A spacious porch with plenty of hooks and room for muddy boots, leading into a welcoming entrance hall.
Dining Room:
The high ceiling in this beautiful room gives an immediate sense of grandeur, complete with unique artwork, antique furniture and tall, deep-set windows looking out across the front lawn. Set up two steps from the open corridor that continues into the kitchen, there is ample space for eight guests at the long dining table, complete with cosy wood burner at the far end.
Kitchen + Scullery:
Decorated in country creams with wooden worktops, the kitchen and scullery at Bellhouse are the epitome of well-equipped. Featuring a breakfast table for four guests, display shelves offering a vast selection of glasses, mugs and cups, microwave, kettle, toaster, electric cooker, dishwasher, fridge (freezer and washing machine in scullery) and a fantastic selection of utensils, bakeware and spices – you’ll find everything you need here! There’s even a CD player/ radio in the window to entertain while cooking.
Bedroom Four:
A charming downstairs twin bedroom, with two comfy single beds, a fitted wardrobe, a double bedside table and suitcase stands.
Family Bathroom with separate WC:
A spacious downstairs bathroom with a built-in bathtub, walk-in shower, washbasin and a separate WC next door with an additional washbasin.
Just outside the bathroom, there is a door from which the courtyard dining area can be accessed.
Sitting Room:
A beautifully furnished sitting room, with neutral walls and warm red furnishings, complete with original stone fireplace and wood burner. Featuring three large sofas, a glass-topped coffee table, Samsung flat screen TV, a Blu Ray player, plenty of board games, and direct access to the rear garden, this room is perfect for relaxing and gathering together.
First Floor
Turn left at the top of the stairs and you’ll find a small landing area with bookshelves and balcony overlooking the dining room.Bedroom One:
A large bedroom with beams, a high ceiling and views looking out over the garden. Bedroom One is the Master Bedroom of the house, delicately furnished in bright whites with hints of cornflower blue, a lovely selection of antique furniture including a free-standing wardrobe, chest of drawers, decorative fireplace and, of course, a lovely king size double bed.
Bedroom One - En-Suite Bathroom:
A spacious en-suite bathroom with fixed bath and central mixer taps + shower head, washbasin and WC.
Family Bathroom:
A good-sized family bathroom with a rooflight, fixed bathtub, corner cubicle shower, WC and washbasin.
Bedroom Two:
A bright king size double bedroom that can be configured as two singles if required. Garden-facing, this bedroom is light and generously sized, with a dressing table, free-standing wardrobe and decorative fireplace.
Bedroom Three:
A cosy twin bedroom, with single beds placed at either end to maximise privacy. Guests staying in bedroom three have their own bedside tables and reading lamps, as well as a rattan set of drawers and hook hanging area.
Outside
The outside area at Bellhouse is beautiful. You have the choice of two outdoor seating areas, one smaller table in a courtyard and a bigger outdoor dining table that can seat 8, both with access to the large rear grass garden which has two secure levels. There are garden chairs that can be used under the stairs, as well as benches and a charcoal BBQ. Electric vehicle charging point: Keba Type 2 charging point located adjacent to the property, at no cost to users (assuming reasonable use).Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
Bedroom Two - King-size (can Be Twin On Request)
Bedroom Three - Twin
Bedroom Four - Twin
3 Bathrooms - Bedroom 1 En-suite With Bathtub, Upstairs Family Bathroom With Bath + Shower And Downstairs Family Bathroom With Bathtub + Shower
Hairdryer - 2
Fire - Logs Are Provided For An Initial Fire (1st October - 31st March)
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer
Coffee Machine - Nespresso
Dishwasher
Dining Table - Seats 8
Washing Machine
Tumble Dryer
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed - 12-24 Mbps
TV - Smart
DVD Player
Board Games
Travel Cot (cot Linen Not Provided) - 2
Highchair - 2
Sound System - Sony CD Player And Radio
Outdoor
Dog Friendly - 2 Well-behaved Dogs Welcome For An Additional Fee
Garden
Outdoor Dining Area
BBQ - Please Provide Your Own Charcoal
Parking - Off-road Parking For 6 Cars
EV Charger - Keba Type 2 Charging Point Located Adjacent To The Property. At No Cost To Users (assuming Reasonable Use)
On your Doorstep
In Nailsworth town centre you will find a Morrisons. There is also a small Tesco Express store with a Post Office counter inside. A small Cooperative supermarket is also situated in the centre. Ocado, Sainbury’s and Tesco all deliver to the cottage.
Eating Out:
- The George Inn (2.8 miles)
- Williams Food Hall and Dining (2.9 miles)
- The Olive Tree (3.0 miles)
Nailsworth is a great place to explore the Cotswolds. There are numerous walks and footpaths to walk along the valleys and over the rolling Cotswold Hills. The walks vary in difficulty to suit everyone. Cyclists are not left out with a wonderful eight-mile, flat cycle path that winds its way from Nailsworth along the old railway line to Stonehouse. This is a great way to appreciate the many mills, industrial heritage and stunning scenery. The Cotswold Way is one of the best walks in England, covering 105 miles of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Places to Visit:
- Woodchester Mansion Trust (2.5 miles)
- Ruskin Mill (3.4 miles)
- Newark Park (8 miles)
- Train - Stroud Station (7 miles)
- Taxis - Nailsworth Taxi Company, Omega
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 15:00 and a check-out time of 10:00
- Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences.
- It is the policy of this property not to take bookings for groups where the majority of guests are under the age of 25, or single-sex group celebrations, including stag/hen parties. This property is ideal for family groups.
- Please note that additional guests above the maximum capacity are not permitted to stay. Guests may invite up to six friends to join them for a meal, but under no circumstance may this number be exceeded.
- Parking for up to 6 cars. (Please do not park on the lawn.)
- Electric vehicle charging point: Keba Type 2 charging point located adjacent to the property, at no cost to users (assuming reasonable use).
Check Availability
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Handpicked by us
Why we love this
- The elegant south-west wing of Woodchester Park House.
- Step straight into 500 acres of parkland, wander past lakes and through woodland, or watch gliders drift overhead.
- Explore nearby Nailsworth and Stroud for charming cafés, pubs, and artisan shops, or set off along the Cotswold Way from the doorstep.
Discover more
The Location
Bellhouse's location is idyllic, surrounded by acres of enchanting, wildlife-filled parkland. If you’re a keen walker and looking to lose yourself in the beauty of nature, Bellhouse is the perfect property. From the house, you can walk for miles in peace and tranquillity in the valley, the only noise you may hear will be from wildlife and grazing livestock or the gentle woosh of gliders from the nearby Cotswold Gliding Club. You can also walk from the house up onto the Cotswold Way. Nailsworth is a 5-10 minute drive, and the larger town of Stroud is around 15-20 minutes away.
And relax..
Why book with us
1.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
2.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
3.
Guaranteed
best price
Book your holiday home directly with us for the best possible price. Because we work exclusively with our owners; we guarantee you won’t find our properties cheaper elsewhere.
Read our reviews
Wonderful family stay
On arrival the house was very welcoming , spotlessly clean and everything we needed . It was such a lovely location and was a great place to get all our family together for a few days , my granddaughter really loved the zip wire in the back garden . The beds were very comfy , and the living room was cosy in the evenings for playing games or just watching some tv . Thank you for a wonderful stay , would highly recommend.
Louise Reynolds
Highly recommend
Super stay at Bellhouse. Great sharing spaces for everyone to spend time together. Wonderful character. Set in beautiful grounds and excellent walks right from Bellhouse. Perfect place for our holiday with several couples and young children.
Michael Wilson
Super stay at Bellhouse. Great sharing spaces for everyone to spend time together. Wonderful character. Set in beautiful grounds and excellent walks right from Bellhouse. Perfect place for our holiday with several couples and young children.
Michael
On arrival the house was very welcoming , spotlessly clean and everything we needed . It was such a lovely location and was a great place to get all our family together for a few days , my granddaughter really loved the zip wire in the back garden . The beds were very comfy , and the living room was cosy in the evenings for playing games or just watching some tv. Thank you for a wonderful stay, would highly recommend.
Louise
Excellent house for walks and towns
Lovely and big house with is own zip line highlight for the kids! Right on the walking paths and close by to national trust coffee shop. Also very close to most towns in Cotswolds as well as supermarkets and places to eat by car. Staff are very nice
Gabriela Ignacio
Lovely and big house with is own zip line highlight for the kids! Right on the walking paths and close by to national trust coffee shop. Also very close to most towns in Cotswolds as well as supermarkets and places to eat by car. Staff are very nice.
Gabriela
Property was lovely and clean and warm and had all the facilities you needed, beds were comfortable.
Nicola
Great weekend
A group of us travelled to the Cotswolds for memories and a nostalgic experience.
The Bell House was excellent…..spacious, clean, incredibly well equipped and comfortable.
All five of us were delighted and would definitely recommend it for a stay in a beautiful part of the country.
A host of restaurants, historic buildings and walks are a short drive away…as is Forest Green Rovers football stadium
David Shute
A group of us travelled to the Cotswolds for memories and a nostalgic experience. The Bell House was excellent…..spacious, clean, incredibly well equipped and comfortable. All five of us were delighted and would definitely recommend it for a stay in a beautiful part of the country. A host of restaurants, historic buildings and walks are a short drive away…as is Forest Green Rovers football stadium.
David
Best accommodation we’ve ever stayed in! Clean, comfortable and everything we needed to make our stay perfect. Thank you!
Val
A delightful location
Bell House is situated in a delightful location with lovely walks from the front door. We enjoyed lovely weather so made the most of sitting in the court yard. The property was very clean with comfy beds and the added bonus of a ground floor bedroom and bathroom. Having three facilities enabled us to enjoy 3 generations of our family all being together.
Sally Wileman
We were very pleased with our accommodations. It was a great space for us and our son’s family. It was a beautiful place surrounded by nature’s beauty. We appreciated the serenity that this location offered. Our welcome gift was a very nice touch The handyman was attentive and was quick to address any questions we may have had. Definitely would recommend this place. A great way to enjoy the Cotswolds.
Karen
Bellhouse is situated in a delightful location with lovely walks from the front door. We enjoyed lovely weather so made the most of sitting in the courtyard. The property was very clean with comfy beds and the added bonus of a ground floor bedroom and bathroom. Having three facilities enabled us to enjoy 3 generations of our family all being together.
Sally
Absolutely fantastic few days away, fantastic home, with wonderful surroundings. Every bit what it said on the listing. Highly recommended.
Gemma
Beautiful house! Very well equipped, very well decorated. Thank you so much for your warm welcome and kindness. We recommend this beautiful house to anyone who wants to experience absolute comfort in the middle of the Cotswolds.
Frank
Wonderful stay
We had a wonderful long weekend stay at the property. It was the perfect set up for a group of friends. The property was well maintained and had a cozy feel.
Would definitely recommend and will re-book myself.
Maya Stylianou
Excellent stay
We enjoyed our stay at the Bellhouse. Amazing property and amazing surrounding for walks. The hosts were excellent; communication was good. Highly recommended.
Subodh Sawant
Peaceful retreat
We enjoyed a peaceful weekend stay at the Bellhouse, with our grown up family. Plenty of space to relax and dine together, a peaceful place to stay and a good base to explore the surrounding villages and countryside. A warm welcome on arrival by the friendly owners. Would book again.
Simon Taylor
A magical place
What a magnificent house, spacious, comfortable and full of character. Joe and our hosts were helpful and kind - it felt like nothing was too much trouble: from the welcome goodies to the two fires laid for us ready in the wood burners. The beds were all very comfy, the kitchen well-stocked, and we’ll miss the brilliant water pressure and plentiful hot water. We loved that the radiators could be adjusted easily. Most of all, the stunning location and the walk around the lakes on our doorstep were very special, and our Labrador loved it as much as we did. We hope we may return to this beautiful house - thank you for having us. A very welcome break from our busy routine.
Julian Downward
Brilliant property. Great location
This cottage is in an excellent spot for touring the Cotswolds. It was a unique property, really well equipped, clean, spacious and in a great location. It provided us with an ideal base and the information pack in the cottage provided us with loads of useful info. Definitely recommended by us all.
Karen Ackroyd
Beautiful spacious character property in an excellent location
This was our second visit to Bellhouse. We have family in Nailsworth that we visit most years, so the location is very convenient for us. Having the trail right outside the house that leads to Woodchester Mansion is a big bonus, although we couldn't use it this time in October because of the mud. The house is very spacious and the extra bathrooms are a really nice feature that make the stay that much more comfortable. The decor of the house is very fitting to the age of the property and make it feel welcoming. It was well stocked and the box of cookies and bottle of wine upon arrival were a nice touch. My only complaint, which I didn't notice last time we stayed, was that it didn't feel like it had a proper clean. Things like the sinks and floors and refrigerators. I would still highly recommend this property because it is so much more spacious and comfortable than most properties you can find in this area.
Regina Parkes
Perfect weekend getaway
This was our second time staying at Bellhouse, as a group of friends with babies and two dogs. We all love it; it’s comfortable, warm, clean, and has everything you need. The walks around Woodchester park are stunning and the whole place feels special. We will be back next year!
Rachel Pettyfer
Five glorious days!
We had the best time at Bellhouse.
It is very comfortable, very well kitted-out - all exactly as described -- and in a quiet and beautiful spot.
The caretakers Louise and Dean are very accommodating and efficient; nothing was too much trouble, despite the requests that came at them embarrassingly frequently from this family that includes two (very) high-energy daughters aged 16 months and 4years!
We could have wanted nothing more, and are sure to be back.
Thank you to Veronica, Robin, Louise and Dean!
Chris and family
Christopher Eykyn
Long weekend
Beautifully situated property overlooking stunning woods. The house has plenty of space and beautiful gardens. A zipwire was a real hit with our children.
We thoroughly enjoyed and a special thank you to Lou who looks after the house.
Robert Sasson
Excellent Property
Excellent Property and garden in a great location. There is only one very minor comment. A few more mugs/cups would have been ideal.
We would be more than happy to return to Bellhouse again.
Guest
The Bellhouse
The Bellhouse was lovely. A wonderful rural retreat - such a shame we were only there for 2 nights but we would love to return. It was lovely and spacious for 8 people and although being a very old property it was so cosy & warm. There was plenty of hot water & both showers were great. I run holiday cottages so know that cleanliness, warmth & plenty of hot water are key!
I am originally from the area & it was lovely to return - there is so much to do & see locally.
Hopefully we will be back!
Natalie Matthews
We found everything to be of a high standard at Bellhouse
We enjoyed every moment of our weekend at Bellhouse. It was a perfect venue to celebrate our early family Christmas. We hope to return again in the future. Thank you.
Sue Gray
Perfect stay in Cotswold countryside
We are a family of six and loved the spacious vacation home, a full wing of Woodchester Park House. Coming from Germany, we loved the very British experience of a very nicely decorated and very well equipped house at the end of a small road which ensured complete quietness in the great Cotswold nature. The hiking trails into the Woodchester Park, where the Bellhouse is located, belong to the most recommended in Cotswold. The very nearby Woodchester Mansion has been featured in some movies and series like The Crown.
Guest
A lovely 80th birthday weekend with nfamily and friends
An extremely comfortable and spacious house in beautiful surroundings. perfect for a birthday weekend!
Dinah Nichols
The Bellhouse
We had an excellent stay at The Bellhouse ,
Our hosts Louise & Deane were amazing too ,
Great vintage house , lots of beautiful Countryside surrounding it too.
A Great escape ……
Paul Shiret
Fabulous stay!!
We rented the Bell House for two nights after a family wedding and we had an amazing time. Communication with Bolthole was seamless and we were provided a visitors’ guide prior to check in. The property and home are absolutely stunning and we enjoyed breakfasts, a BBQ, and some lawn games in the beautiful back garden. It’ is also conveniently located near Woodchester Mansion / grounds with lovely walking trails easily accessible from the property. We visited some nearby villages (10-20 minute drives) in the area and enjoyed a local weekend market. The interior of the home is cozy and comfortable for 8 adults (2 double beds + 4 twins) with all the amenities and equipment that you could need. We would highly recommend!
Laurel Flanagan
The Bell House
An exceptional property which was an absolute delight to stay in over the Christmas period. We wanted for nothing! Lights and heating on when we arrived plus a gorgeous lit Christmas tree. Wonderfully spacious and well equipped throughout. It was such a treat for our family .. we sorely wished for a longer stay!
Guest
Annual get together with friends
Bellhouse is an amazing place to stay. We had such a wonderful time there. The house is beautiful and very comfortable, and really has everything you need - well equipped kitchen, logs for the fire, toiletries etc. The setting is stunning - being able to walk the dogs around Woodchester Park was such a bonus.
The day we were due to leave there was heavy snowfall and the roads were too dangerous to drive on - the owners were incredible and let us stay on until it was safe to leave. They couldn’t have been more accommodating and it was really appreciated.
It was the perfect place for our group and I can’t recommend it enough.
Rachel Pettyfer
A wonderful house in a beautiful part of the world - perfect for a gathering of family and friends!
We are a group of old friends who meeet together most years and all agreed this was one of the nicest properties we have stayed in. We loved the house and the garden. It was so well equipped- everything we needed and plenty of crockery and glasses - and all good quality. Some lovely pictures and pieces of furniture. It was a lovely place to spend time. Some great walks from the doorstep. We were blessed with good weather and enjoyed both the garden and the surrounding woods. Thank You!!
Rachel Hollis
Surprisingly comfortable stay at beautiful period house with lovely garden!
The Bellhouse is such a lovely property! It has nice big open rooms that other properties this age do not have. We really appreciated having 3 large bathrooms, which is also very unusual for a period property. It was well equipped and had everything we needed. We really enjoyed sitting outside as there are two areas to sit and eat in the fragrant garden. Nice touches, such as the Emma Bridgwater mugs and bowls, made it even more special. We went to the local pub in Nympsfield, The Rose and Crown, which was a really nice country pub. Great location for exploring the Cotswolds. The only thing I would say that needs improvement is that there weren’t enough drinking glasses and there weren’t any washcloths. All in all, a really special property in a great location. I was sad to leave!
Regina Parkes
Wonderful
A fabulous house for all generations to enjoy. The grandchildren loved the zipwire, we all loved the walk down to the lakes and the garden was a joy to sit in.
Be aware places to eat locally seem to close Mon/Tues eve however the Amalfi in Nailsworth is a great Italian, fab food and service. The local pub closed at 9.30 on a Saturday night, not sure whether this is a one off.
Chandra Whear
Very special property for a special long weekend
We really enjoyed our stay in this lovely house. The small touches made all the difference, such as fresh flowers in the main rooms. The house is also well equipped.
Vicky Pope
Amazing stay at Bellhouse
We stayed as a group of six for a relaxing country weekend away. The grounds are spectacular as is the house, which was very comfortable and clean. The care takers who live next door were super lovely. Lots of firewood available for the log burners, and close to the beautiful town of Nailsworth. Highly recommend this place to others! Thank you for having us stay 🙂
Tahlee Fong
Relaxing stay
Beautiful house and garden. Plenty of parking. Comfortable beds, very clean, beautiful area, easy booking system and check in. Would highly recommend staying.
Matthew Stafford
A Summer in The Cotswolds
We recently stayed at Bell house in Nympsfield for over three weeks. I hated to leave!!! The gardens are amazing. The Bell house is part of a larger home and the owners are quite lovely, they even had us over for drinks one evening! It is very tranquil and relaxing. We loved seeing all the farm animals all around, particularly the piglets. There is one pub about a mile up the road and it is very nice. If you are looking for a lively surroundings, this might not be best the best fit. We loved it and would go again!!
Anne Griggs
I have to say this !
I struggle to decide whether to give a good review of my stay at Bellhouse. I know if I do, then a lot of people will read about it, and then a lot of people will want to go and stay in this house, then it will be more difficult for me to book this house again in the future. But my conscience tells me that I must tell the truth! My feeling was ..... a great place to stay, the house was full of character and my family loved it. Just book it, I am sure you will like it too.
Ying Fat Hau
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.
