Purnell Manor | 9-Bedroom Manor with Private Pool in Dursley

The Cotswolds holds few secrets, yet Purnell Manor remains one of the region’s most compelling discoveries for large group holidays. This substantial Georgian manor stands within 8 acres of private grounds near Dursley, commanding views across rolling countryside from its honey-coloured stone façade. Twenty-six guests can gather here simultaneously—a rare capacity that transforms family reunions, multi-generational celebrations, and friend groups into something genuinely manageable.

Inside Purnell Manor

Purnell Manor sleeps 26 guests across 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, spread across three distinct zones of the property. The ground floor anchors daily life around an oversized kitchen finished in cream and aubergine, where dual Aga cookers and professional-standard equipment make catering for large numbers feel intuitive rather than chaotic. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the gardens and terrace beyond—the kind of workspace where reluctant cooks volunteer for meal duty. A laundry room handles the inevitable washload of a 26-person household, while the snooker room provides competition between dinner courses.

The ground floor bedroom features a four-poster king bed with two supplementary singles, paired with a dedicated shower room. The snug playroom converts to a double bedroom when required, maintaining flexibility as children arrive and depart throughout your stay. A grand drawing room anchors the entertaining space, its bay windows dressed in silk drapes, a working grand piano occupying one corner, and floor-to-ceiling shelving stacked with books. The dining room seats 18 formally, its walls painted in vivid aqua and punctuated with gilded frames—the kind of theatrical backdrop that transforms Tuesday lunch into an event.

The first floor distributes five further bedrooms across the upper storey. Two super-king bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms and can convert to twin configurations on request. Three additional king bedrooms—one with its own en-suite—accommodate couples seeking privacy or families requiring extra space. A family shower room serves guests without ensuite access. The pool house annexe functions as both cinema room and sleeping quarters, featuring an overhead projector, walk-in shower, and convertible double bedroom overlooking the swimming pool and manicured lawns below.

Seven of the nine bedrooms can accommodate an additional single bed, expanding capacity to the full 26-person maximum. Each bedroom carries distinctive character: check fabrics, floral wallpapers, powder-blue accents, and deep reds create a collected, lived-in atmosphere rather than hotel sterility. These aren’t replica period rooms but genuine spaces where historical integrity mingles with contemporary comfort—real beds with quality mattresses, proper lighting for reading, and thoughtful storage rather than theatrical minimalism.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Eight acres surround the manor, divided into distinct zones that prevent the landscape feeling empty despite its scale. Ancient trees line the perimeter, their mature forms creating natural screening and dappled shade across the lawns. Nearer the house, formal gardens transition to the terrace and heated swimming pool—operational May through September—where both children’s shallow areas and deeper sections accommodate mixed-age groups. The adjoining hot tub provides year-round soaking with views across the grounds.

A climbing frame and playhouse occupy one corner of the gardens, purpose-built for children’s half-days of unsupervised exploration. A trampoline and swings complete the recreational infrastructure, though older guests often find themselves drawn to the formal dining pergola or the fountain-centred spaces designed for pre-dinner aperitifs. The terrace itself accommodates outdoor dining, extending the season through spring and autumn. Parking for 10+ vehicles lines the approach, essential infrastructure often overlooked but critical when multiple families arrive with their own transport.

Location: Dursley and the Surrounding Area

Dursley, population approximately 11,000, sits in a wooded valley beneath the Cotswold escarpment 3km south of Purnell Manor. This 18th-century market town retains genuine character rather than commercial cosiness—the market house (also functioning as town hall) anchors the high street, while independent shops, cafés, and pubs serve local needs rather than tourism exclusively. The award-winning Old Spot pub, named after the local pig breed, serves traditional food in authentic surroundings. A farmers’ market operates on the second Saturday of each month, stocking produce from surrounding farms rather than standardised wholesalers.

Walking dominates the local activity calendar. The Cotswold Way long-distance path runs directly adjacent to the manor, connecting Dursley to villages across the escarpment. The Lantern Way—a 14-mile circular route—encompasses Dursley, Coaley (5km northeast), and Uley (6km north), passing through landscapes that shift from woodland to open common. October brings the annual Walking Festival, though trails function brilliantly year-round. Stinchcombe Hill golf course, 4km southwest, operates across dramatic elevated terrain and consistently ranks among Europe’s most visually compelling courses.

Archaeological significance enriches the landscape substantially. Uley Bury, 6km north, showcases one of Britain’s finest Iron Age promontory forts, its ramparts still defining the hilltop after 2,000 years. Hetty Pegler’s Tump, 8km northeast, represents a Neolithic communal burial chamber—the kind of landscape feature that transforms casual walks into historical connection. Twinberrow Woods, 3km east, hosts the Dursley Sculpture & Play Trail, where contemporary artists have installed works that respond to the natural environment.

Activity pursuits beyond walking include clay pigeon shooting at local estates, white-water rafting and swimming in the rapids at Cotswold Water Park (15km southeast), and the Xtreme Sports centre for adrenaline-focused activities. Cycling routes thread through quieter lanes—the region’s undulating terrain suits mountain biking particularly well. Explore our luxury villas in Europe for additional Cotswolds options, or browse our full collection of properties in Britain & Ireland. For broader destination context, read our The South West travel guide.

Bristol Airport lies 35km southwest (approximately 45 minutes driving), handling flights from across Europe and offering car hire from the terminal. Birmingham Airport, 50km north (1 hour driving), provides alternative routing for travellers using international carriers. Road access follows the A4135 south from Gloucester or the B4066 from Stroud (12km east)—routes that cross beautiful but slow countryside rather than motorway corridors.

May through September represents peak season, though this creates crowds in popular villages. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer identical weather with fewer tourists and reduced accommodation pressure. Winter (November–March) brings reliable rainfall, bare trees exposing landscape structure, and authentic Cotswolds experience minus the photography tours. Christmas holidays and school half-terms create localised peaks even in off-season months.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families benefit most from Purnell Manor’s scale and layout. Three nuclear families—14 people total—could occupy separate bedroom zones and still access shared entertaining spaces without constant overlap. Grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren spanning age ranges from toddlers to retirees find the manor accommodates genuine multi-generational holidays without forcing compromise.

Celebration weekends—milestone birthdays, vow renewals, significant anniversaries—suit the formal dining facilities and entertaining infrastructure. The drawing room and dining room handle 18-person dinner parties with naturalness; the pool house cinema enables post-dinner entertainment without forcing the entire group into single rooms. Wedding parties seeking alternative to hotels find Purnell Manor’s catering flexibility and private grounds appealing.

Friend groups with mixed mobility requirements benefit from ground floor sleeping options and accessible bathrooms. Parents of young children appreciate the contained outdoor space, play equipment, and flat lawns—children can explore unsupervised within the 8 acres while remaining visible and secure. Groups seeking activity-based holidays value proximity to walking, cycling, climbing, and water sports without requiring travel of more than 30 minutes to reach most pursuits.

Purnell Manor suits groups who prioritise space over novelty. Guests expecting resort-style activities or entertainment programming should consider alternative properties; this manor rewards quiet enjoyment of the landscape, long meals with conversation, and pursuit of self-directed activities rather than structured entertainment.

Practical Information

Purnell Manor accommodates a maximum of 26 guests (18 adults plus 8 additional children) across 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Allocation typically follows: the main manor holds 8 bedrooms with primary sleeping across the ground and first floors; the pool house annexe provides the ninth bedroom plus cinema space. High-speed Wi-Fi covers the entire property, enabling remote work for those requiring connectivity. Utilities including heating, hot water, and pool heating (May–September) are typically included in rental fees; catering remains optional but available through the property’s established networks.

Bedding and towels arrive freshly laundered and are changed mid-week during extended stays. The kitchen provisions enough equipment for self-catering; alternatively, meal delivery services and in-house catering can be arranged at booking. Cleaning occurs post-checkout; mid-stay housekeeping is available as an optional add-on. Check-in typically operates after 4pm, checkout before 11am, though flexibility sometimes accommodates group schedules on request.

Bristol Airport (35km / 45 minutes drive) handles most international connections; airport transfers can be pre-arranged through local car hire companies. Supermarket shopping reaches Dursley (3km) for daily needs or Stroud (12km) for specialist produce and farmers’ markets. The manor’s postal address allows pre-arrival shopping delivery for arrival day restocking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Purnell Manor

How many guests does Purnell Manor sleep?

Purnell Manor sleeps 26 guests maximum: 18 adults in nine double/super-king bedrooms, with an additional 8 single beds distributed across seven of the bedrooms to accommodate children. The pool house annexe functions as a tenth sleeping space during lower-capacity bookings or as a cinema room when full occupancy is reached.

What is the nearest airport to Purnell Manor in the Cotswolds?

Bristol Airport, 35km southwest, operates as the primary gateway (approximately 45 minutes by car). Birmingham Airport, 50km north, provides an alternative for international travellers (approximately 1 hour drive). Both airports offer car hire from terminal buildings, with driving routes following scenic but slower A-roads rather than motorways through countryside surrounding Dursley.

What is the best time of year to rent Purnell Manor?

May through September suits groups prioritising outdoor activity—the swimming pool operates during this window, and walking conditions remain optimal. April–May offers spring landscapes and manageable crowds. September–October provides autumn colour and reliable weather without summer tourism density. Winter (November–March) creates authentic Cotswolds experience with reliable rainfall, dramatic bare-tree landscapes, and minimal crowds, though outdoor water activities become seasonal. School holidays and Christmas create localised booking peaks regardless of season.

Is Purnell Manor suitable for families with children?

Yes. The manor provides dedicated children’s infrastructure: climbing frame, playhouse, trampoline, and swings across 8 acres of contained grounds. The heated swimming pool (May–September) accommodates mixed-age groups with shallow and deeper sections. Ground floor sleeping options keep young children accessible to parents. Proximity to Dursley (3km) enables quick access to shops and services. The landscape itself—countryside walks, streams, and open fields—entertains children effectively without requiring commercial entertainment infrastructure. WiFi supports quiet-time screen time for school-age children on rainy afternoons.

What is included in the rental price at Purnell Manor?

The rental price includes accommodation across 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, utilities (heating, hot water, electricity), bed linen and towels (changed mid-week on extended stays), and pool heating during the May–September season. Catering is optional; in-house meal delivery services and professional catering can be arranged separately. Cleaning occurs at checkout; mid-stay housekeeping and additional services remain available as add-ons.

What restaurants and shops are near Purnell Manor?

Dursley town centre, 3km north, contains independent shops, cafés, and the award-winning Old Spot pub serving traditional food. A farmers’ market operates on the second Saturday of each month, stocking local produce from surrounding farms. Stroud, 12km east, functions as the regional hub with larger supermarkets, specialist food shops, and additional restaurants. The manor’s kitchen equipment supports self-catering, while pre-arranged shopping delivery can stock the property before arrival.