...was how Dan Elinghausen of Chicago described Holly Lodge, this fine Victorian house set in its own grounds enjoying extensive views over the world heritage city of Bath. 10 minutes walk from the city centre and enjoying its own car parking facilities the house provides the ideal situation for exploring this fine city. Abandon your car and stroll through the fine terraces and elegant squares and dine at any one of a myriad of fine restaurants.

It was not always so. The house was rescued from semi dereliction in 1985 by Carrolle Sellick and George Hall and remodelled to reflect its former glory as a fine mansion at the same time incorporating all the features you would find in top quality hotels whilst retaining that all important personal touch which is the hallmark of the small independent operator.

In 1998 we featured in the Gardens section of the local newspaper 'The Bath Chronicle'.

After a superb breakfast, which includes exotic fresh fruits, smoked salmon and our home baked croissants, you may sample the delights of our city or George will provide ideas for daily drives, including detailed itineraries. Bath is at the centre of so many places of interest, the best known being Stonehenge, Avebury stone circle, Castle Combe the winner of the "prettiest village in England" title, Lacock, a village owned by the National Trust and used as a period location for films set in the era of Jane Austen and Bradford on Avon , home of the oldest church in England dating from the 7th Century, a fine 14th century tithe barn and a bridge with a medieval chapel. Less than one hours drive takes you to one of the finest cathedrals in Europe at Wells and beautifully laid out gardens , designed by the famous "Capability Brown" at Stourhead. A little over an hour brings you to several fine castles, the Welsh national folk museum and one of the finest drives in England, the valley of the river Wye. Return in the evening to the comforts of Holly Lodge and relax in our fine lounge or the floodlit gazebo in the garden. When you are ready to move on George will help you to plan your journey.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its honey-coloured stone buildings are a testament to the elegance of a bygone era and are a major attraction for visitors to Britain.

The city owes its existence to the hot springs ( the only ones in Britain ) on which it is built. Even before the Romans arrived the Celtic population revered the place as miraculous, the work of the Godess Sulis.

In the 1st century the Romans constructed an amazing bathing complex.This formed the religious and social focus of the town of Aquae Sulis as Bath was then known. When the Roman empire collapsed in the 5th century the baths and temple fell into disuse and were partly dismantled.

During the middle ages the city flourished as a centre for the wool trade. When this industry declined in the 16th century the hot springs again became central to Bath's prosperity, this time for their medicinal qualities.

In the 18th century Bath became England's most fashionable resort. It attracted a wealthy clientele and with them artists, actors, musicians and gamblers. It was during this period that many of the city's magnificent squares were built and the centre of the city was improved.

In 1988 Bath was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, a distinction it shares with only two other cities in the world, Rome and Florence. Today it is a friendly cosmopolitan city that receives over two million visitors every year. It is also a convenient base from which to explore the south west of England which has some of the country's most beautiful countryside and some magnificent stately homes.

Sightseeing completed, return to the revelation which is Holly Lodge winner of an "England for Excellence" award from the English Tourist Board. We are only two hours from London by car and one and a half hours by train.