The House
Feel those country house vibes the minute you step into the hall; to the right is the heritage red dining room - if you’re here for a special occasion hire recommended caterers (see Extras) to create a scrumptious celebration feast for you.
Step down into the kitchen where an inglenook fireplace still has its original bread oven. Off the kitchen is the Boot Room and the Games Room (also accessed from the hall).
Left of the hall there’s a TV room/snug, next to it is the Billiard Room leading through to the Drawing Room. Interiors are a blend of modern and traditional country house style with a backdrop of original period features, the feels are homely-gentle, the views from the front of the house over the Batherm Valley are gorgeous.
Upstairs are Bedrooms 1-6 and a family bathroom. All beds are zip and link (super king or twin), except for Bedroom 5 which has a double and a single.
A few strides from the door is the saltwater pool, in a cedar-clad building with doors opening onto a decked terrace. Next to it are Bedrooms 7 and 8, great for people who like to have their own space. Behind the pool house in a Victorian stone barn there's a cinema room with original vintage theatre seats, floor cushions, a ceiling projector, 106" screen, and a popcorn trolley! There’s also table tennis, and with a floating floor, this room can also be put to good use as a yoga studio for wellness retreats.
Outside an old wisteria scrambles up the front of the house, delighting your senses in springtime; there’s a courtyard with outdoor furniture, a field for rounders and football, and a play area for the little ones.
Local Area
Walk from the doorstep up to the hilltops, down to the river, along the dismantled railway line, and over to the little chapel across the valley. Close by are the quiet towns of Bampton and Dulverton with independent shops and places to eat. At Tiverton you can stroll along the towpath of the Grand Western Canal, hire rowing boats and take a leisurely ride on a horse drawn barge. For days by the sea, the Somerset coast is within easy reach, with sandy beaches at Blue Anchor and Minehead.
Have an Exmoor adventure, in a landscape of dramatic cliffs, gently rolling hills, wooded valleys, and rugged moors where wild ponies roam free. Stroll beside the rushing river at Watersmeet, cross the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, watch the world go by at Porlock Weir, climb to the summit at Dunkery Beacon and be astounded by the panoramic views.
Stop at Dunster where a medieval castle (NT) stands high on the hill above the village; amble along the leat to the working flour mill, follow the Tall Trees Trail to spot the tallest tree in England. See the pretty thatched cottages on the green at Selworthy, go to Periwinkle Tearooms for tea and cake.
Round off your day out with a splash in the pool, a movie night or a games room challenge before you head off to Blanket Land for a restful night’s sleep.