Three generations, one Tudor manor and some light trauma: a multi-generational break in Somerset
Three generations, one Tudor manor and some light trauma: a multi-generational break in Somerset
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When an extended family go on holiday together in Portishead, it’s games, laughter – and tears for one. The last time my family, by which I mean my parents, my sister and me, were living in a house together, Tony Blair was prime minister and my most pressing concern was the efficacy of dry shampoo. As time has passed we have picked up family members – two new men, four new children, some light trauma – and it was decided that we should all go away somewhere to celebrate, in part, our survival. “Two weeks?” suggested my mum. “A nice day trip?” I replied. “One week?” she attempted, an entire WhatsApp group littered with debate, “In France?” Finally we agreed on a long weekend, in Portishead.
![[Eva Wiseman]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2017/10/06/Eva-Wiseman,-L.png?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
It isn’t the town of Portishead exactly that lures us up the M4 towards Bristol, instead it is a house. Court House Farm is a Grade II-listed Tudor manor house recently renovated by its new owners, who have added a decorative garden and flower farm and, in an elegant barn, a jazzy little hot tub. It sleeps up to 14 – sometimes they host art retreats, other times they hire the space out for weddings, and the rest of the time they rent it to groups like us, a motley family already bickering over what to have for tea.
![[Portishead marina.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9259ce9bc3a73b60962f8e33dfdc6a37b34981d0/0_142_4995_2997/master/4995.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
We drive up beside the flower field, sweet peas and dahlias and roses, and as we enter the house through the back door it opens up like a book before us. There’s the kitchen to the right, with internal windows looking down from the bedroom hallway above and beside it a grand double-height sitting room hung with textiles, and a woodburning stove and music and books. Behind the kitchen, a den for the children and their colouring and telly, and then a wide staircase that leads up to five bedrooms, one hidden up in a tower, another with a dainty little en suite bathroom made out of pale wood. Everywhere is velvet and light, with antique kitsch, and artful little touches that my mother appreciates and we tell the kids not to break.
![[The Grade II-listed Tudor-built Court House Farm.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/162bb4b83190a6d0ff0556024da5b94485414138/0_180_3024_3780/master/3024.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
