Uphill Manor, originally known as Uphill Castle, dates back to the late 1700s, with the main house finished in 1805. Its greatest transformation came in 1853, when Thomas Tutton-Knyfton purchased the estate and added a dramatic Victorian High Gothic extension. This included the octagonal hall, tower, and an ornate drawing room featuring wallpaper designed in the 1840s by Augustus Pugin — the same used in the Palace of Westminster. Interiors were completed by Pugin’s student, J.G. Crace, making the Manor one of the finest surviving examples of Pugin’s style, rivalled only by Abney Hall near Manchester and Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. The Knyfton family held the Manor for 140 years, until the death of Marjorie Graves-Knyfton in 1993. Shortly after, we — Craig and Tina Kennedy — became custodians. Our family has long been rooted in the local community, from butchery and pubs to hotels and cheese-making. At first, we intended only to make the Manor our home for our three children. But its scale required more than private use. Drawing on our hospitality background, we converted the old servants’ quarters into living space and restored the main house as a luxury bed and breakfast. Reopening in 1997, Uphill Manor was soon called “the most unusual urban hotel in the country.” Over the next two decades, we welcomed guests from around the world — many becoming friends — while raising our family in this remarkable setting. In 2016, the Manor was devastated by fire. Thankfully it was empty, and with full insurance and determination, we undertook a complete restoration. Completed in 2018, the work preserved the building’s historic character while adding modern comforts such as new plumbing, heating, and internet. Today Uphill Manor stands once again as both a heritage treasure and a much-loved family home. For guests seeking a more independent stay, Uphill Manor is also available as self-catering accommodation under a separate listing.

We are Craig and Tina Kennedy, proud custodians of Uphill Manor since 1993. What began as our family home has grown into a much-loved place of hospitality, and we are delighted that our two daughters are now becoming involved in the business too. They live with their families in beautifully converted barns on the property, so there is always a lively and welcoming atmosphere here — and plenty of space for everyone! Life at Uphill Manor is shared not only with our family but also with our animals. Chickens and ducks in the walled garden and horses graze in the surrounding fields, adding to the character of this historic estate. Together, we all work hard to maintain the house and gardens while preserving the sense of history that makes this place so special. Most importantly, we embrace every opportunity to offer genuine, old-fashioned hospitality to our guests.

The Manor is ideally placed for exploring some of England’s most loved regions. Spend your days discovering Bristol, Bath and Wells or enjoying day trips to the Cotswolds, Wales, Devon, Cornwall and the Jurassic Coast – before returning to the peace and privacy of the Manor. Right on the doorstep you will find Uphill’s long sandy beach and miles of countryside to explore. The Brean Down Way is a popular walking and cycling route and the coastal link into the start of The Mendip Way which is a long distance walking route across the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Golf lovers are well catered for too, with Weston Golf Links just minutes away and many excellent courses close by. There are restaurants and pubs within walking distance and several more a little further away. Whether you are planning a relaxing getaway, a family holiday, a special celebration, or business travel, Uphill Manor offers space, charm and a warm welcome to make your stay truly unforgettable