If holidaying in Somerset sounds appealing, a break at 18th-century Tilbury Farm will most certainly fit the bill. Nestled in the picturesque Quantock Hills, you'll enjoy glorious countryside views, whether you choose a cottage or a shepherd's hut. All are luxurious, self-catering places to stay; it just depends on your style and the number of guests.
Tilbury View and Cottage are charming, one-bedroom, converted sandstone barns, meaning they're ideal for a romantic break for two. But they also work for small families: the bedroom can fit a full-size cot or a child's mattress (provided upon request). Both are open-plan and brimming with character – think high ceilings, wooden beams, and flashes of colour here and there. Tilbury View is set across one level and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, while Tilbury Cottage has two floors, with a kitchen, dining and living area on the first, plus a private balcony, meaning you can sit outdoors and savour the fabulous scenery. Each has a contemporary bathroom with a bath and a walk-in shower, and the fully-equipped, farmhouse-style kitchens come complete with oak and granite surfaces.
For something a little different but equally appealing, opt for a shepherd's hut. All three have a private hot tub outside: take an evening dip and gaze at the twinkling night skies, or relax and soak with a book during the day. Jacob and Romney sleep two adults in fold-down, double beds that are cleverly hidden away in the wall, and there's a sofa in each that converts into a mini bed for a child under five. Meanwhile, Herdwick houses up to four adults across a queen, set in a separate alcove area, and a fold-down double. All the huts are decked out in warming, Farrow & Ball colours, plus William Morris and Sanderson furnishings, and they have small but well-equipped kitchens featuring a wood burner, plus compact dining spaces and private shower rooms. Each has decking for al fresco BBQing and dining, and admiring the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. If you're a group looking to get away, book all three units and make the most of the communal entertaining space, where you'll find a gazebo, outdoor furniture, and a barn for additional storage. A pizza oven and ready-made dough can be provided for a small fee.
Whether your preference is a cottage or a hut, one thing's for sure: you'll overlook Exmoor National Park's Taunton Vale and the Quantock Hills, and relish the tranquil surroundings. But if you feel like exploring, there are walking routes aplenty nearby, from a section of the 51-mile Coleridge Way to the Cothelstone Hill trail. West Bagborough is the closest village (just a 10-minute walk), where you find The Rising Sun pub, Taunton is a 20-minute drive, and the Somerset coast is half an hour away.
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