Babington House

Babington House

Babington House is a distinctive countryside retreat in Somerset, England, offering a relaxed alternative to the traditional luxury hotel experience. Set within 18 acres of beautiful English countryside, this Grade II-listed Georgian manor combines historic architecture with stylish interiors, comfortable accommodation, seasonal dining, wellness facilities, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Located near Frome and approximately 30 minutes by car from Bath, Babington House provides an appealing escape for travellers seeking peace, character, and a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

Unlike a conventional country hotel, Babington House has a more informal and residential atmosphere. It is part of the Soho House collection and was the organisation's first countryside property to welcome overnight guests. Since opening in 1998, it has developed a reputation as a place where guests can relax, eat well, spend time outdoors, and enjoy a slower pace of life.

A Historic Georgian Manor

The history and architecture of Babington House are central to its character. The main building is a Georgian manor dating from 1705, and its Grade II-listed status reflects its architectural and historic importance.

When the property was transformed into Babington House, the intention was not to create a formal or traditional hotel. Instead, the design was approached more like a comfortable private home. Contemporary elements were combined with antique furniture, traditional architectural features, soft fabrics, and carefully selected artwork. This approach gives the interiors a sophisticated but relaxed personality.

The surrounding landscape also influenced the interior design. Colours inspired by the gardens and countryside, including greens, creams, and natural tones, help connect the indoor spaces with their rural surroundings. Guests can therefore experience the history of the manor without feeling that they have stepped into a museum.

Stylish and Individual Bedrooms

Babington House offers 33 bedrooms distributed across several parts of the property, including the Main House, Stable Block, Cabin, Lodge, and other distinctive spaces. This variety means that the accommodation experience can differ considerably depending on the room selected.

Bedrooms in the Main House combine Georgian character with comfortable modern touches. Some feature traditional four-poster beds, seating areas, and freestanding baths overlooking the grounds. For guests travelling with children or friends, the Stable Block offers larger accommodation designed for groups of up to four people.

The Cabin provides a more rustic experience near the lake, with exposed wood, warm colours, freestanding baths, and a log-burning fire. Meanwhile, the Lodge offers a two-storey cottage-style environment suitable for larger groups and families.

One of the most distinctive options is the Playroom, a spacious 65-square-metre bedroom with views across the lake and grounds. Its generous living area and double bath make it particularly suitable for guests looking for a more luxurious and private retreat.

Seasonal Dining and the Walled Garden

Food is an important part of the Babington House experience. The property's dining philosophy places considerable emphasis on seasonal ingredients, with vegetables grown in the Walled Garden contributing to the menus.

The Orangery provides a particularly attractive setting for meals, with views toward the surrounding grounds. The garden-to-table approach means that the changing seasons have an influence on what guests find on the menu. British-inspired dishes are prepared with fresh produce, creating food that feels connected to the countryside rather than disconnected from it.

For something more casual, the Deli Bar offers breakfast and snacks. Guests can therefore choose between a relaxed daytime meal and a more leisurely dining experience in the Orangery.

The hotel's approach to food works particularly well for a countryside retreat. After a morning walk or an afternoon spent exploring Somerset, guests can return to the property and enjoy a meal without needing to travel elsewhere.

The Birthplace of Cowshed

Babington House has a special place in the history of Cowshed, the wellness brand associated with Soho House. The first Cowshed spa opened at Babington House in 1998 in a converted milking shed, which inspired the name.

Today, the property's Soho Health Club offers a much broader wellness experience. Facilities include a gym, spa, Reformer Pilates studio, and the Lazy Forest, a collection of cabin-style spaces designed around contrast therapy. These cabins include saunas, cold plunge pools, refreshments, and lounge areas.

The combination of traditional spa treatments and newer wellness experiences gives guests several ways to unwind. Visitors can book treatments, exercise in the gym, participate in classes, or simply spend time relaxing around the property.

Swimming and Outdoor Activities

Babington House makes excellent use of its extensive grounds. Guests have access to both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, allowing them to enjoy the water regardless of the season. The outdoor pool is positioned near the lake and provides a particularly attractive setting during warmer months.

The property also offers a variety of recreational activities. Tennis and padel courts provide opportunities for guests who want to remain active, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for walking and exploring.

The rural setting makes it easy to slow down. A stay at Babington House does not need to involve a busy schedule. Guests can spend the morning swimming, enjoy lunch in the Orangery, walk through the grounds in the afternoon, and finish the day with dinner and drinks.

Art and Design

Art is another significant element of Babington House. The property's collection contains nearly 40 works by established and emerging artists, with a particular focus on Somerset and the surrounding countryside.

Works by artists including Daisy Parris, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Peter Blake, and Tom Howse contribute to the atmosphere of the House. Rather than treating artwork as decoration added at the end of the design process, Babington House integrates it into its rooms and shared spaces.

This gives guests something else to discover while moving around the property. The artwork, furniture, architecture, and landscape work together to create an environment that feels individual and lived-in.

Weddings and Private Events

Babington House is also an attractive setting for weddings and private celebrations. The combination of historic architecture, gardens, accommodation, dining, and wellness facilities allows celebrations to take place almost entirely on the property.

The House can be taken over exclusively for weddings, giving couples the opportunity to create a celebration that reflects their own style. Seasonal food, the gardens, the Orangery, and the spa can all form part of the experience.

Having bedrooms available on site is particularly useful for weddings, as family and friends can stay together rather than travelling between separate accommodation and event venues.

Exploring Somerset

Although Babington House encourages guests to enjoy the property itself, its Somerset location also provides plenty of opportunities for exploration. Frome is known for its independent shops, cafés, historic streets, and creative atmosphere. Bath, meanwhile, offers Roman history, Georgian architecture, museums, galleries, and the famous Roman Baths.

The surrounding countryside is ideal for scenic drives, walking, cycling, and discovering smaller villages. Guests can therefore combine a peaceful hotel stay with cultural and outdoor experiences throughout the region.

Why Choose Babington House?

Babington House is ideal for travellers who want something more personal and relaxed than a conventional luxury hotel. Its historic Georgian manor provides an elegant foundation, while the informal design creates the atmosphere of a stylish country home.

The 18-acre setting, individual bedrooms, seasonal dining, art collection, swimming pools, sports facilities, and Soho Health Club provide plenty to enjoy without making the experience feel overly structured.

Ultimately, Babington House offers a distinctive interpretation of the English countryside retreat. It combines heritage with contemporary design, wellness with outdoor activities, and sophisticated dining with a relaxed atmosphere. Whether visiting for a romantic weekend, a family escape, a wedding, or simply a few quiet days away from the city, Babington House provides a memorable Somerset experience shaped by comfort, creativity, nature, and character.