Best Western star rating

About Us

The Best Western Shrubbery Hotel stands on the site of an original private house named 'Crosses' dating back to the 17th Century. It is understood that 'cloth dying' took place on the premises. In the 1850's the property was purchased by H. H. Shepherd, who completely rebuilt around the original building the imposing Victorian House.

It was reputed that the income received from selling hessian and jute to both sides in the American Civil War enabled H. H. Shepherd, who had a large factory on the outskirts of the town, to become a major landowner and benefactor to the town of Ilminster.

With the decline of the hessian and jute industry, the Shrubbery became unoccupied for three years… it was reopened as the West Country Club in 1932, becoming a fully licensed hotel by 1936. Since 1932, the hotel has had only four owners, including Stuart and Liz Shepherd, (co-incidentally the same name as the first owner, H. H. Shepherd, but no relation!)

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Ilminster is an attractive old market town that expanded through the wool trade and lies in the heart of South Somerset. It is easily accessible, being half a mile from the A303 and less than 10 minutes from the Taunton junction (25) of the M5.

The Shepherd Family have personally owned and run the hotel for over 50years, and are dedicated to providing excellence & good service in all aspects of their business. 

The hotel can be described as being both relaxing in its atmosphere whilst still full of vitality. Having recently completed a £500k expansion, the hotel now boasts 21 tastefully appointed rooms, 5 conference suites, one of which is fully IT enabled, and the largest ballroom in the area.The hotel has provision for wheelchair access.  

The hotel contains many interesting and original features including fireplace  surrounds carved by the original owner. The marble carvings around the hotel were reputedly salvaged from shipwrecks in Lyme Bay.The original Edwardian Dining Room  now serves as the hotel Restaurant.

Our most recently completed executive rooms offer wonderful views across the rolling hills of south Somerset and especially the nature park of Herne Hill.