Atherstone Farmhouse

Situated in the tiny village of Atherstone, and one of several holidays cottages on the Dillington working farm and estate in Somerset, Atherstone Farmhouse is a large grade-II-listed house that dates back to the early 17th century. Recently renovated, it's been split into two parts and can be rented separately or in conjunction with the adjoining Atherstone Farm Cottage, which makes up one end of the house. It's a terrific place to stay, and like its sister cottages situated amid 3000 acres of farmland, woodland and parkland, there's multiple walks following tiny lanes and footpaths that you often have almost entirely to yourself.

Whether you're into walking or not, the house is wonderfully comfortable and full of character, with a thatched roof, stone floors, ancient oak beams alongside sleek, modern living spaces, large bedrooms and beautifully re-furbished bathrooms. All of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, one of which is on the ground floor for easy accessibility while the rest are upstairs, and include 3 doubles with super-king-size beds (that can be rearranged as twins) and one that has extra bunk beds. Downstairs, the open-plan kitchen-diner has an induction hob, double oven and a large fridge-freezer with an ice-machine room and a dining table that can seat 10. There is a separate utility room next door, and a sitting room with a wood-burning stove in a large stone fireplace, a 55’’ flatscreen Smart TV with a soundbar and a Bluetooth/DAB radio sound system.

Outside, the garden has a large lawn and barbecue with outdoor furniture and a wooden hot-tub with lights and an air-bubble system. It's a perfect place to do not very much at all, but it would b a pity not explore the estate as well, with all manner of walks and adventures on your doorstep. There's also a great farm shop a short stroll away from the house, and a number of decent pubs within walking distance, for example the Barrington Boar, which has been written up as one of the best 30 places for a pub lunch in the UK. Try also the excellent Lord Poulett Arms, a short drive away, for dinner.