The panoramic windows in the living area offer your own viewing gallery out across Solsbury Hill and Bath’s sprawling valley. Slide open the patio doors and head out there onto the south-facing wooden balcony that hangs over the dale for coffee and croissants or an evening nightcap.
Beyond that, you’ve an acre of greenery to play with. Wander, plan a picnic above the towering views, sear your steaks in the evening air, let the kids and the dog loose. Dearholme is a valley-load of freedom and fun.
We could talk about the sociable, open-plan living space that encompasses the kitchen, lounge and dining room. Or the sense of natural light that floods the spaces at Dearholme. But we suspect you’ll be drawn to the panoramic window with its south-facing views out over the valley and across to Solsbury Hill.
You’ll feel right at home here in this exercise in majestic minimalism, with tasteful downlighters, hardwood floors, beanbags and a sofa so big it needs its own postcode. You can keep the snacks and drinks coming as you settle down in front of the 50” TV – Nespresso and Prosecco are on tap (not literally) in the kitchen right behind you.
Stream and surf on the BT Infinity with superfast unlimited download speed of 35mbs. And the glasses are ready on the coffee table, the dishwasher’s loaded and the Prosecco’s chilled. So turn the lights down low and have a nosey around Netflix. Or just wander over to that window and watch the light show. We know we would.
Plenty of space for chopping and chuntering in the open-plan kitchen-diner with bags of food-prep space, island and breakfast bar. And it’s just a short hop to the 12-seater dining table, groaning with fresh fare from Bath Farmers’ Market, Goodies deli or Avellino’s Italian.
Cook on the modern electric oven with induction hob and keep your refreshment cool in the drinks fridge. Or don’t cook at all if you’d rather put your feet up and digest the views. Call up our chefs from Dineindulge or Côte at Home: they’ll get their whites on and put together a buffet, bistro or anything in between.
Just up the road, tuck into prawn and crab linguine or roasted guinea fowl at the Hare and Hounds with a side serving of valley views. Tasty takeaways? How about Phat Yaks for Nepalese street food, Indian street food at Chaiwalla, Hungarian options at Goulash, or Cascara for vegan?
Take a taxi into town for contrasting flavours and textures with English, Indian and Asian influences at Menu Gordon Jones. Try Nata & Co for Portuguese pastries. Or pick from the inspired menu at JC’s Kitchen that includes chicken marinated overnight with a Filipino recipe or wraps with marinated chicken or belly pork.
Five majestically modern bedrooms sleep ten in slick but homely comfort with an extra sofa bed in the lounge to sleep two more. Sleep deeply with only the breeze through the boughs to bother you.
On the top floor, pick from two king-size en-suite rooms and a twin. On the lower floor, you’ve got another twin and king-sized en-suite, which share the main family bathroom, equipped with a large bath/shower and his-and-hers sinks. All rooms will take a cot.
