Summary:
Nestled away on the historic Ashington Manor Estate, this charming cottage for four is full of character and quirk. You’re surrounded by peaceful countryside and beautiful gardens crafted by acclaimed designers Isabel and Julian Bannerman. The cottage itself is steeped in tradition, yet modernised with Mexican-inspired styling and joyful washes of colour. After long days exploring beautiful Somerset, enjoy a BBQ in the courtyard and stargaze from the comfort of your very own wood-fired hot tub.
The Space:
Dating back to the 15th Century, Garden Cottage is located on the impressive Ashington Manor Estate - a late medieval ham stone house surrounded by an organic dairy farm and award-winning landscape gardens. Enjoy peaceful walks around the grounds (between hours of 10am and 12 pm), which are the product of a four-year-long restoration. When the night turns, head out to your private wood-fired hot tub for a soak under the stars (see notes).
The cottage is not only filled with historic charm but packs a serious punch with its style and design. Having featured in the likes of World of Interiors magazine, you can expect a Mexican themed kitchen and timber lined bothy-style bedrooms. Step through the front door and feel instantly wowed - this is a home whose personality shines through in every nook and cranny.
A buttercup yellow hallway leads through to your country kitchen, with views out over the vegetable garden. Find antique trinkets hanging from the walls, as well as retro-inspired hand painted units and a blue AGA to boot. After rustling up delicious meals, head next door to your cosy living and dining room. After long days, settle on the sofa with a book in hand or a film on the TV while your toes warm by the fire. A lovely writing desk in the corner also provides the perfect spot to tap into your own creativity.
Upstairs, find a spacious king size bed and separate bathroom. The room is lined with timber, giving a cosy bothy-style feel and finished with elegant antique furniture and artwork. Enjoy pretty views over the garden straight from your bed, you’re certainly guaranteed a peaceful night's sleep here. Just across the hall there is an additional double bedroom with pretty garden views.
As well as a family bathroom with a bath on the first floor, there is an additional shower room on the ground floor.
Guest Access:
Garden Cottage is located within Ashington Manor Estate, surrounded by an organic dairy farm and beautiful gardens. The property is part of a working design studio and garden, so there will be Gardeners and designers during the week in the courtyard, however the guest garden is entirely private.
The Neighborhood:
Garden Cottage is tucked away in Ashington Manor Estate, a fine 15th-Century Grade II* listed property in a delightful part of the South Somerset countryside. All that surrounds are landscaped gardens and idyllic countryside, making this the perfect spot if you’re looking for a peaceful, rural getaway.
In the nearby village of Mudford, you will find the Red Barn Farm Shop where you can pick up fresh local produce. There are also a couple of pubs within 10-minutes drive, including The Illchester Arms and The White Post.
The cottage is located on the outskirts of Yeovil, and close to some of the region’s prettiest towns. Sherborne is just a 16-minute drive away, boasting quintessential honey-coloured cottages and a magnificent Abbey with gardens that are open to the public. Castle Cary is 20-minutes, while Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet are within half an hour. Artists will love visiting Bruton, a stylish Somerset village with galleries, boutique shops and stylish restaurants - including the iconic Hauser & Wirth.
More local tips and tricks can be found in our Guest Guide, which is available upon booking.
Getting Around:
Due to the remote nature of the cottage, we would recommend bringing a car for your stay. There is free parking for two vehicles on the driveway.
Other Things to Note:
The hot tub is wood-fired and guests are responsible for maintaining the stove to warm the water during their stay. We provide two bags of complimentary logs - one for the wood burner inside and another for the hot tub. If you need more they can be purchased from the nearby Red Barn Farm Shop which is only 5 minutes drive away. Most local fuel stations also sell logs.
Guests are free to roam the beautiful Bannerman Gardens between 10 am and 12 pm.
This is a working environment with machinery, ditches, ponds and a hot tub. It is therefore not suitable for children (2-12 years old). Babies that are not yet crawling are welcome.
Only guests who have booked to stay at the cottage are permitted on site.
