Old Coach House, Ellicombe

Property Summary
Old Coach House, between Dunster and Minehead (Somerset), is one of four holiday cottages with a shared outdoor swimming pool (heated May - mid September) and beautiful gardens. The cottage has one double bedroom and an enclosed private terrace that is securely fenced. The property is pet-friendly.

Main Description
Tucked away from sight, The Old Coach House is a peaceful retreat for two, with patio doors opening onto its own secure, south-facing terrace. Inside, the vaulted ceiling and exposed beams create a sense of space and character, making it an ideal hideaway. The master double bedroom includes a separate dressing area, with a bathroom conveniently next door. A compact yet well-equipped kitchen sits just off the living room, offering everything you need to prepare a delicious meal.

Sleeps up to 2 guests
One double bedroom, with separate dressing area
All on one level except two steps down to the bedroom
Open-plan kitchen and living area
Private, enclosed terrace with outside seating
Shared outdoor swimming pool (heated from May to mid-September - available for cold water swimming the rest of the year)
Large shared gardens with fire-pit, swing set, picnic bench and large chess set
Dogs welcome (2 max) for £20 supplement per dog
Wifi, heating and electricity included
Bed linen and towels provided
Arrive from 4 pm
Depart by 10 am

The Old Coach House equidistant to the medieval village of Dunster and the coastal town of Minehead, approx 1 mile to each. There are four self-catering holiday cottages on the same site, which all enjoy shared use of the outdoor swimming pool, with its own walled area and poolside furniture, and an acre of magnificent sub tropical gardens and 3-acre paddock offering views over the West Somerset Steam Railway and across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast.

A refundable security deposit of £150 is required for this property, to cover the cost of possible damage during your stay. All things being well, this security deposit will be returned shortly after your departure providing there is no damage to the property or its contents. Two weeks prior to your arrival, you will need to contact the owners to arrange payment of the security deposit.


Indoor Description
The living room has a Smart TV, vaulted ceiling and patio doors leading to the private terrace. Internet is available in the cottage.

The small kitchen off the living area is equipped with cooker, microwave and fridge freezer.

The bedroom has a double bed and the bathroom comprises shower over the bath, toilet and hand basin. There is a DAB radio.

Electricity and heating costs are included in the price of your accommodation. The Cottage is fitted with gas central heating throughout.

Bed linen and towels, including large bath sheets, are provided for your convenience. Separate towels are provided for use at the pool and are replenished daily.

Local specialty Miles tea, coffee and hot chocolate are provided as well as sugar, salt & pepper and olive oil. A pint of local milk is provided to ensure you can have a hot drink as soon as you arrive.

Cleaning materials such as washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and washing powder will be present in the property. Two toilet rolls will be provided.

For your four legged friends: dog towels, bowls, blankets, poo bags and treats are all provided.

There is access to an outside tap for washing off muddy dogs and bikes.

Outdoor Description
Private, enclosed patio terrace with garden furniture in two separate areas. This terrace is south-facing and benefits from dog-proof fencing.

The cottages are set in the grounds of a 16th century manor and share an acre of magnificent sub-tropical gardens and 2-acre paddock offering views over the West Somerset Steam Railway and across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast. Guests are encouraged to interact with the animals which include 3 miniature Shetland ponies, two sheep and four goats. Animal feed provided.

The gardens are a special feature, filled with mature palm trees, named exotic plants and shrubs and quiet corners with seating. Here, visitors may discover the ‘secret garden’ giant chess set, giant connect four, the swings or enjoy an evening relaxing or cooking by the Kadai firepit.

The outdoor swimming pool is shared with the other three holiday properties on-site, it's heated from May to mid-September. Outside of these times it's available for cold water swimming!

The Secret Sauna (www.secretsauna.org) can be arranged during your stay so you can enjoy the experience of hot/ cold emersion therapy during the winter months or blissful relaxation during the warmer months.

Guests are welcome to use the paddock at the bottom of the garden to exercise their dogs. Maximum of 2 dogs per cottage, 3 dogs may be permitted on request, please get in touch with the size/breed of your dogs and we will find out if it's possible to make an exception (i.e. for 3 small dogs).

Situated near to Grabbist Hill (National Trust) in the Exmoor National Park, there are many options for walking and exploring Exmoor on foot, whether you fancy the hills or the coast. A mile away, the medieval village of Dunster, with its famous castle and yarn market, offers a selection of pubs, shops, and restaurants. Minehead and Dunster beach are approx. 1 mile way, whether you opt for the sandy beach or coastal path walks. Also, one mile to the start of South West Coast Path.

Excellent location for cyclists, dog walkers and wild swimmers.



Parking
Off-road parking is available by the cottage.

Pets Description
Dog towels, water bowl, blankets, biscuits and poo bags will be provided in the cottage.
Maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs per cottage welcome for £20 each (may consider 3 small dogs by prior arrangement).
Please do not allow your pets on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property at any time. Please note that dogs are the responsibility of their owner at all times and guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, including in the paddock where guests are welcome to exercise their dogs.
Dog cages are available to borrow.
Outside tap/ hose available to wash-off muddy paws.

Restricted mobility
The property is all on one level apart from two steps down into the bedroom, so it may be suitable for someone with limited mobility.

Exit in case of emergency
This has not been completed by the owner.

Christmas / New Year
Christmas tree and decorations are provided.

The region

Minehead is the largest town on the edge of Exmoor National Park, a welcoming seaside resort on the Somerset coast with stunning views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

The town is best known as the starting point of the South West Coast Path, England's longest National Trail, which stretches 630 miles from the harbour here all the way to Poole Harbour in Dorset. A sculpture marking Mile Zero stands on the seafront near the old harbour. Minehead has been a working port since the 14th century, and the quay area retains much of its historic charm with narrow lanes and fishermen's cottages clustered at the foot of North Hill.

Higher Town, the oldest part of Minehead, sits on the slopes above the harbour and is home to the medieval Church of St Michael, reached by a steep footpath known as Church Steps that winds between thatched cottages with far-reaching views over the rooftops and out to sea. The Parade and The Avenue form the main shopping streets, where you will find independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and takeaways alongside everyday services. Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets are both on the outskirts of town with long opening hours, and there are banks, a Post Office, pharmacies, and petrol stations.

Blenheim Gardens, opened in 1925, provides six acres of green space in the centre of town with a bandstand, putting green, bowling green, and a pleasant cafe. The medieval village of Dunster, with its castle, yarn market, and tea rooms, is barely two miles away. Every May, Minehead's ancient Hobby Horse tradition brings colour and music to the streets -- a centuries-old celebration of the arrival of spring that is unique to this part of Somerset.