CHARLOTTE SKIDMORE enjoys a break in a gorgeous cottage with mod cons near the Somerset coast.
Where in the country can you sit in a hot tub on an evening and enjoy the stunning sounds of the church bells and a picture-perfect view? Stone Barn in Minehead is the answer. This wonderfully equipped three-bedroom holiday let is situated within walking distance of the seaside town, but is neatly tucked away down a quiet country lane lined with quaint, cottages.
Whilst the décor at Stone Barn appears modern and stylish, the building is listed, as are many of the buildings around this part of town, which is the often-photographed area around Church Steps.
Two of the neighbouring properties, The Old Sweet Shop and Pilgrims Corner, are also part of Exmoor Character Cottages, the company that arranged our break. And all the buildings have a fascinating history dating back hundreds of years – many signs of which remain today.
What was abundantly clear upon arrival at our weekend holiday home was that Lucy, who owns Exmoor Character Cottages, does so much with her visitors in mind.
As we walked through the front door (mind your head!), music gently wafted through the living area from the radio in the kitchen, a tea tray with local jam and marmalade welcomed us and all the little things we could need over our three-night stay were catered for; from shampoo and conditioner to dishwasher tablets, salt and pepper, a few teabags to get us started and a pint of milk waiting in the fridge.
On top of that, the kitchen at this cottage was amongst the best I’ve ever seen in a holiday let – Lucy really has tried to think of everything you would need if you wanted to self-cater whilst staying there.
It is clear to see why this converted barn has been rated five-star gold by Visit England – historic yet sympathetically restored, immaculate, well-situated and stylish are just a few of the ways in which I would describe it.
Discover Somerset’s ‘secret’ island
Originally built as a workshop in 1879, it now features a sociable, open-plan living, dining and kitchen area and a 55in television, with Sky and Netflix included. It has two ensuite bedrooms and a third bedroom with private bathroom and outside it has its own pretty garden with the pièce de résistance – a private hot tub with views towards the church.
The cottage is conveniently located for stunning walks across Exmoor and the Brendon Hills, as well as for Dunster with its historic castle and, of course, for a ride on the West Somerset Railway.
I’ll rave about this break for a long time to come as it ticked all our boxes for a long weekend as a multi-generation family. Well-located, immaculate, well-equipped, spacious, multiple bathrooms for children and grandparents, plus a hot tub.
Take your pick
We booked our break through exmoorcharactercottages.co.uk which offers the choice of three beautiful cottages in Minehead and one in the historic village of Dunster. All of them are child and dog friendly.
Stone Barn sleeps six in three bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and one bedroom can be a super king or twin (my little girl loved the ‘big bed’). It also has very good wi-fi.
