Dog-friendly Somerset

Tucked away in rural Somerset on the edge of Exmoor, down a private track in 15 acres, this detached barn conversion, decorated and furnished to a very high standard, has an indoor heated swimming pool and games room. Enjoy walks from the door, or in the private grounds.

Minehead is just 15 miles away, where visitors can enjoy golf, tennis, the West Somerset Railway and lovely sandy beaches. The county town of Taunton offers shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Nature can be seen at its best within the wonderfully unspoilt and peaceful Exmoor National Park, which is among the UK’s greatest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In this stunning landscape, wildlife lovers can observe majestic red deer, Exmoor ponies and hundreds of different species of birds. There are ancient wooded valleys with magical waterfalls, a dramatic coastline with secluded beaches and miles of open moorland. The medieval village of Dunster is nearby, with its NT castle and terraced gardens. Activities to enjoy locally include horse riding, fishing, bird watching, water sports and cycling. Within easy driving distance are Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, Wells, Glastonbury, Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and Haynes Motor Museum. Shops and gastro pub 2 miles.

This 19th-century Coach House, once part of a country house estate and still retains many original features. Set in 4 acres of grounds within the owner’s 60 acre farm, situated on the beautiful Brendon Hills, it is close to Wimbleball Lake, which is renowned for its fly fishing, sailing, rowing, paddling board and excellent activity centre. Haddon Hill offers wonderful moorland walks and the West Somerset coast is only 15 minutes away, offering stunning scenery and the fossil beach at Kilve. The pretty country village of Dulverton is a 10-minute drive, and the medieval village of Dunster with its castle is another popular local attraction. Exmoor National Park was designated as the first Dark Sky reserve in Europe. The property is ideal for exploring Exmoor, activity holidays or walking/training your dogs who are always welcome at the Coach House at no extra cost. Upton has some excellent pubs, restaurants and tearooms and some lovely quaint village shops selling local produce. Shop 7 miles, pub 3 miles.

This Grade II listed character holiday cottage dates back over 300 years. Surrounded by peaceful, unspoilt countryside it nestles in the foothills of the Brendon Hills, on the eastern edge of Exmoor. The large living room has a sit-in inglenook fireplace with original bread oven and a host of oak beams. The sandy beach at Blue Anchor Bay is 9 miles. Fishing on Clatworthy Reservoir, 3 miles. Quantock Hills to the east, Minehead and Dunster a short drive. Attached to the caretaker’s cottage. Shops and pub 4 miles.

Situated on the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and approximately 18 miles to Sidmouth and the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast, these semi-detached bungalows (refs 23955 and W43778) are both well-presented and have large lawned gardens making them excellent family holiday homes. They can be booked independently or together to accommodate up to 10 guests and provide a delightful place to unwind and relax away from the pressures of modern living. The owners can provide a wheelchair, ramp and a 3-wheel walker on request. They are within easy reach of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor, Taunton and Honiton. Within easy driving there is much to enjoy, with days out at perhaps a historical house such as Barrington Court (National Trust), Forde Abbey and Gardens, Montacute House and the imposing Dunster Castle. For family entertainment, an exciting day out at the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, the West Somerset Steam Fair for a trip back in time, or for the younger ones in the family, you will love Crealy Adventure Park, near Exeter. The Blackdown Hills themselves offer some superb country walking, wildlife, flying for the adventurous at Dunkeswell or simply enjoy the many local village pubs to wine and dine in. A little further afield, visit the Jurassic Coast, moving on to Dorset, Lyme Regis and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, or even Bath with its many restaurants, shops and museums. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

’Spacious, fully refurbished throughout, well-equipped cottages...with an idyllic rural setting amidst a chorus of wildlife’

Conveniently located for Longleat, Bath and the Mendip Hills and Gorges, Moorleaze nestles on the border of Somerset with Dorset and Wiltshire. Enjoying a tranquil setting with stunning views all around, it provides the perfect retreat at any time of year. Built from local stone and boasting every modern convenience, the cottages offer spacious and superbly fitted accommodation, presented to 5 Star standards. The 40-acre grounds include farmland, woodland, orchard and two lakes, whilst the glorious views encompass fields and gently wooded hills. A haven for wildlife, deer and hares abound, often coming within yards of the cottages. Buzzards, kestrels, tawny and barn owls, pheasants, swallows and many other species nest here. The lower lake is stocked with carp, tame enough to feed from guests’ hands - so no fishing! The idyllic village of Witham Friary, complete with an unspoiled pub and children’s playground is a few minutes’ stroll and found fame as the setting for the TV series Building the Dream.
Benefiting from its countryside setting, Moorleaze also affords easy access all year round and is within a short driving distance of many famous locations. Longleat is close by, as are Wookey Hole and the Yeovilton Aircraft and Haynes Motor Museums. Bath, designated a World Heritage Site, boasts many delights including the Roman Baths. Nearby Frome has even more listed buildings than Bath and hosts a renowned arts and music festival in early July. Salisbury, Wells, Glastonbury, Stonehenge and Avebury are also popular places to visit from Moorleaze. NT properties include the incomparable Stourhead, just minutes away. Walkers are spoilt for choice, from the local countryside to the splendour of the Mendips, including Cheddar Gorge. With its magnificent indoor pool, games room, tennis court, climbing frame and idyllic setting, The Sunday Times described Moorleaze as
’a sure-fire child pleaser’, and it’s just as popular with adults, an ideal break at any time of the year. The village pub is within walking distance. Shops 6 miles.

A wonderful chapel conversion resting on the edges of Washford near Williton, Somerset. Off-road parking. Woodburning stove. AGA. Washford 1 mile; Watchet 3.6 miles; Minehead 8.2 miles.