Mulberry House | 8-Bedroom Villa with Hot Tub in Forton

Forton sits quietly in the Somerset countryside, where a 16th-century manor house with Elizabethan bones rises from five acres of manicured grounds. Mulberry House is the kind of luxury villa rental Forton that transforms a large group gathering into something genuinely memorable—the sort of place where conversation stops when someone steps onto the south-facing terrace and sees the countryside unfold.

Built in 1590 by Robert Henley, a contemporary of Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake, this property remained within the same family until 1919. The striking red sandstone façade reportedly inspired Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion, where The Red House features prominently in the narrative. Local historians note that Forde Abbey, the historic Cistercian monastery turned stately home, lies within an easy walk—a cultural landmark that adds genuine substance to any stay in this corner of Somerset.

Inside Mulberry House

Mulberry House sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms distributed across three floors. The scale is genuinely impressive without feeling institutional.

The Ground Floor anchors the property. The Entrance Hall opens into a Dining Room capable of seating 16 guests comfortably, fitted with a working fireplace that draws well on autumn evenings. The Kitchen is equipped with SMEG double ovens and double refrigerators—the kind of culinary space that makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty. A Drawing Room features original carved oak panelling and another working fireplace; the Living Room combines wood panelling with a dining table and 55-inch Smart TV for those who need to follow a match or stream content. An Office with integrated library provides workspace, while The Northumberland (Bedroom 1) offers a four-poster queen-size bed with en-suite shower room. A Family Bathroom contains a freestanding bath positioned beneath original ceiling beams, and a Laundry Room with WC manages the practicalities of large-group stays.

The First Floor contains the Great Chamber—a vast reception space with working fireplace and period character. Three substantial bedrooms occupy this level. The Charleston (Bedroom 2) features a king-size mahogany sleigh bed alongside a mahogany bateau bed, with en-suite shower room. The Dolland Hulke (Bedroom 3) offers a super king/zip-link bed plus an extra bateau bed, paired with a Mandarin Stone marble bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub and overhead rain shower. The Oak Room (Bedroom 4) combines a king-size bed with a single French mahogany bed and en-suite bathroom. A second Family Bathroom on this floor contains a stone resin oval bathtub and large walk-in rain shower.

The Second Floor comprises The Sanctuary (Bedroom 5), a king-size mahogany sleigh bed room with two single guest beds and its own private staircase leading to an adjacent shower room—genuinely secluded from the main household flow. The Willow Room (Bedroom 6) offers a super king/zip-link configuration with en-suite shower room, while The Henley Suite (Bedroom 7) commands attention with a magnificent four-poster bed beneath a silk-pleated ceiling and matching drapes, plus a double sleigh bed positioned in an anteroom. A separate staircase provides exclusive access to these upper rooms, effectively creating a self-contained wing.

Throughout, Egyptian cotton bedding comes standard, and the natural spring water supply to the bathrooms carries genuine mineral content—not merely a marketing claim but a documented feature of this Somerset location.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens define the experience here. Five acres unfold across herbaceous borders, mature shrubs, and specimen trees, anchored by a 600-year-old Mulberry tree that gives the house its name. From February through November, the grounds display magnolias, camellias, English roses, lavender drifts, and salvias in succession—creating a garden calendar that attracts bees, birds, and dragonflies rather than feeling manicured into sterility.

The lily ponds and duck ponds invite slow exploration; the croquet lawn accommodates competitive tournaments or leisurely afternoon play. An outdoor shower positioned near the 2.2-metre diameter wood-fired hot tub allows swimmers to rinse off before soaking under open sky. The Lutyens-inspired summer house provides shelter for afternoon tea or evening aperitifs.

Dining terraces with a gas barbecue create multiple outdoor eating zones. A 70-centimetre fire pit gathers groups for evening conversation under clear skies. An outdoor table with 24 chairs accommodates the full party simultaneously. Additional recreation includes a table-tennis table, table football, volleyball and badminton net with rackets, and garden Jenga—equipment enough for a week-long house party without repetition.

Private parking accommodates 12+ vehicles, critical for groups arriving from multiple locations. Wi-Fi extends throughout, ensuring connectivity without confinement indoors.

Location: Forton and the Surrounding Area

Forton occupies that rare Somerset pocket where countryside depth and coastal access coexist within 30 kilometres. The village itself maintains authentic rural character while remaining within reasonable reach of significant amenities.

Crewkerne, 12 kilometres south, functions as the primary market town—serving Waitrose for provisioning, The Barley Sugar Bakehouse for artisan breads, and Barrett Brothers butchers for premium cuts. The town preserves genuine independent retail without feeling quaint.

The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, begins 20 kilometres southwest. Burton Bradstock, 18 kilometres away, combines award-winning gastropub dining (The Three Horseshoes claims a thatched roof and coastal views) with direct beach access for rock-pool exploration or casual swimming. Lyme Regis, 22 kilometres distant, functions as the region’s cultural hub—home to the Cobb harbour, The Wet Fish Shop for same-day seafood, and three distinct pubs representing different drinking traditions. Rockfish, chef Mark Hix’s contemporary seafood restaurant overlooking Lyme Bay, operates here with reliably excellent sourcing.

Fine dining options extend across the region. HOLM in South Petherton (16 kilometres) offers contemporary food using regional producers. At the Chapel in Bruton (24 kilometres)—a converted chapel now housing an outstanding restaurant—and Osip, a Michelin-starred farm-to-table establishment in the same town. Roth Bar & Grill in Bruton maintains its own vineyard and garden.

For exploration, Furleigh Estate Vineyard near Bridport (22 kilometres) produces wine across 16 hectares. Lyme Bay Winery & Gin in Shute operates tastings and distillery tours. Sheppy’s Cider Farm in Taunton (30 kilometres) and Perry’s Cider Farm near Ilminster (25 kilometres) represent the traditional cider heritage of the region.

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Seasonally, May through September provides warm, stable weather ideal for garden use and coastal outings. April and October offer shoulder-season advantages—mild temperatures, reduced crowds at beaches, and gardens either bursting into spring colour or glowing in autumn light. Winter months (November to February) see the property at its most atmospheric, with fires burning and grounds receiving less foot traffic, though coastal winds can be vigorous.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations benefit from the bedroom distribution—grandparents in The Henley Suite, adult children in separate rooms, grandchildren in The Sanctuary with its own staircase. The 16-guest capacity without feeling crowded makes this genuinely suitable for large families where private space matters as much as shared time.

Corporate retreats and team events find 4 reception rooms (two exceeding 60 square metres) capable of hosting presentations, dinners, or workshops. The Office with library provides breakout space for smaller working groups.

Friend groups celebrating significant milestones (milestone birthdays, wedding anniversaries, significant career achievements) benefit from the multiple living areas and garden zones—guests can gather when desired, withdraw when needed.

Families with younger children find high chairs and cots available, though the open fireplaces and ponds require attentive supervision. The croquet lawn, garden games, and outdoor shower appeal to children aged 8+. Teenagers appreciate the table-tennis table, badminton, and garden space for independent exploration.

Practical Information

Mulberry House accommodates 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. Bedroom 1 sleeps 2, Bedroom 2 sleeps 3 (including the bateau bed), Bedroom 3 sleeps 3, Bedroom 4 sleeps 2, Bedroom 5 sleeps 4 (including two single guest beds), Bedroom 6 sleeps 2, and The Henley Suite (Bedroom 7) sleeps 3. Bedroom 8 was not detailed in the source layout but is listed in the summary—confirm specific configuration directly.

The nearest major airport is Bristol Airport, approximately 50 kilometres north, a 50-minute drive. Exeter Airport lies 55 kilometres south, roughly 60 minutes driving. London Heathrow is 180 kilometres north, approximately 2.5 hours by car—viable for London-based guests seeking regional escape.

Crewkerne’s Waitrose (12 kilometres) handles large provisioning orders with delivery available. Local farm shops—Tytherleigh Farm Shop, Barleymows Farm Shop, and Miller’s Farm Shop in Axminster—supply fresh produce, cheese, and meat. Bridport’s Mercato Italiano and The Fridge delis provide imported foods and artisan provisions.

The rental includes Wi-Fi throughout, heating, wood-fired hot tub, all bedding and towels, kitchen equipment, and garden furniture. A chef can be arranged (available on request), as can maid service for the duration of the stay. Cleaning between stays is included; deep-cleaning during longer stays can be arranged.

Check-in flexibility depends on occupancy patterns and is negotiable with the booking team.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mulberry House

How many guests does Mulberry House sleep?

Mulberry House sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. Bedroom configurations include one four-poster queen, one king with bateau bed, one super king/zip-link with bateau bed, one king with single French bed, one king with two singles, one super king/zip-link, one four-poster with double sleigh in anteroom, plus one additional bedroom. The property can accommodate various grouping arrangements within this total.

What is the nearest airport to Mulberry House in Forton?

Bristol Airport lies 50 kilometres north, approximately 50 minutes drive. Exeter Airport is 55 kilometres south, roughly 60 minutes drive. For London-based guests, London Heathrow (180 kilometres north, 2.5 hours) offers significantly more flight options despite longer transfer time. Bristol and Exeter should be considered the primary options.

What is the best time of year to rent Mulberry House?

May through September provides warm, stable weather ideal for garden use, croquet, and coastal swimming. April and October offer shoulder-season advantages—mild temperatures, reduced crowds, and gardens at peak spring colour or autumn brilliance. November through February sees fires burning regularly and the property feeling genuinely atmospheric, though coastal winds can be vigorous and garden activities more limited. For coastal activities, May through September guarantees warm water; for garden exploration, May to October provides reliable dry periods.

Is Mulberry House suitable for families with children?

Yes, with considerations. High chairs and cots are available for younger guests. The five-acre gardens provide safe exploration space, though open fireplaces require attentive supervision and the ponds need careful monitoring of very young children. The croquet lawn, badminton net, and garden games suit children aged 8+. Teenage guests benefit from table-tennis, badminton, and the outdoor shower. Nearby beaches at Lyme Regis (22 kilometres) and Burton Bradstock (18 kilometres) offer rock-pool exploration, swimming, and fossil-hunting appropriate for families.

What is included in the rental price at Mulberry House?

Included: all utilities (heating, hot water), Wi-Fi throughout, Egyptian cotton bedding and towels, kitchen equipment (including SMEG ovens and double refrigerators), garden furniture, wood-fired hot tub, garden games (croquet, badminton, volleyball net, table-tennis table, table football, garden Jenga), barbecue equipment, fire pit, and outdoor shower. Not included (but available on request): chef services, maid service (daily or periodic), and deeper cleaning during stays exceeding one week.

What restaurants and shops are near Mulberry House?

Crewkerne (12 kilometres) contains Waitrose supermarket, The Barley Sugar Bakehouse, and Barrett Brothers butchers. Lyme Regis (22 kilometres) offers The Wet Fish Shop, The Cobb Arms pub, and Rockfish restaurant (contemporary seafood by chef Mark Hix). Burton Bradstock (18 kilometres) features The Three Horseshoes gastropub and direct beach access. Fine dining includes HOLM in South Petherton (16 kilometres), At the Chapel and Osip in Bruton (24 kilometres, both excellent), and Roth Bar & Grill in Bruton with its own vineyard. Bridport (22 kilometres) contains Mercato Italiano and The Fridge delis for artisan provisions. Farm shops and vineyards extend throughout the region—Furleigh Estate Vineyard near Bridport and Lyme Bay Winery in Shute both conduct tastings.