The Shippon, near Wheddon Cross

Property Summary
The Shippon is a beautifully restored 14th century stone farm building set in a private valley on Exmoor. Sleeps up to 4 guests in 2 bedrooms, plus cot (on request).

Main Description
The Shippon is situated on a farm between Wheddon Cross and Exford, set in a private valley deep in the heart of the Exmoor National Park. If you are looking for peace and quiet in the middle of some of the most beautiful countryside in England, then this is the place for you! The farm has 14th century origins and the property has been carefully converted into comfortable holiday accommodation from an original stone outbuilding; the name shippon means 'cow shed'.

Sleeps up to 4 guests in two bedrooms
One double bedroom (king-sized bed) and one twin bedroom
Open plan kitchen and sitting room with vaulted ceilings and original oak beams
Lovely views across the cobbled yard and duck pond
Carefully converted from stone outbuildings with 14th century origins
Situated in a private valley deep in the heart of the Exmoor National Park
Dogs welcome (2 max) for £25 supplement
Stabling and grazing available
Wifi, heating and electricity included
Bed linen and towels are provided
Approx 2 miles to local villages with pubs and shops
Strictly no smoking
Arrive from 4 pm
Depart by 10 am

Stone steps lead up from the cobbled yard to the front door which take you directly into the open plan kitchen and sitting room. The vaulted ceiling shows off the original beams and give a spacious feel to the property. The large window looks out over the duck pond and across the farmland beyond. The hallway leads away from the other side of the sitting room to the bathroom which has shower over bath, toilet and hand basin, and the two bedrooms. One is a double bedroom with king-sized bed, and the other is a twin bedroom, therefore sleeping up to 4 guests.

The Shippon is adjoined to The Ballroom, another holiday property, which also sleeps 4 guests.

Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement (maximum of 2). A supplementary fee of £25 will be added to your invoice.
Please note: this cottage is situated on a farm therefore you are required to ensure your dog is kept under your control at all times, this includes free-range ducks and chickens in the yard where the cars are parked as well as livestock in the fields.
Furthermore, please do not allow your dogs on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property at any time.

The farm offers turnout and stabling facilities for those wanting to bring their horse on holiday. Charges are £12 per night per horse for stabling and turnout on a DIY basis. Please contact us prior to booking to check availability for horses.

The property will be ready from 4 pm on the day of your arrival. Please depart by 10 am on the last day of your stay. Please leave the property clean and tidy so that we can guarantee it will be ready on time for our next guests.

Indoor Description
The Shippon kitchen is fitted with fridge (with freezer compartment), microwave, electric oven and hob. Other equipment includes toaster, kettle, a variety of kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses.
A television with Freeview, DVD player and DAB radio is provided and wireless broadband is available throughout the property. An iron, ironing board and hair dryer are also provided for your convenience.
A clothes airer can be made available for your use on request.
A travel cot and high chair can be made available for your use. Please request these items at the time of booking so we can make sure they are ready for your arrival.

Electricity and heating costs are included in the price of your accommodation. The Shippon benefits from central heating fueled by biomass boiler, which keeps the property nice and cosy during the cooler months. There is a Wood Burning Stove to add ambiance to cold winter's nights.

Bed linen, duvets, blankets and towels are provided for your convenience, but please bring your own beach towels if you wish to take towels with you on day trips.

Tea, coffee, sugar and milk are provided to ensure you can have a hot drink as soon as you arrive.
There may also be other non-perishable items like a salt, pepper and a few herbs or spices available.
Cleaning materials such as washing up liquid, washing powder and surface cleaner will be present in the property. One or two toilet rolls will be provided.
The water supply comes from a natural spring and is filtered using UV light to negate the use of chemicals.

Outdoor Description
There is a private garden approx 35 metres from the cottage for guests sole use, a table and chairs are provided and it has great views down the valley.
Guests are also welcome to walk in the fields, but please remember that it is a working farm so please keep clear of livestock (a plan of which fields are occupied will be provided in the cottage).

Wheddon Cross (approx 2 miles) has a well-stocked mini-supermarket, Post Office facilities and petrol station with good opening times. The Rest & Be Thankful Inn is the village pub which serves food and is child and dog friendly. Exford is also approx 2 miles (in the other direction), there is a village shop and Post Office and two pubs.

Parking
Parking is available directly outside the property on the cobbled yard, which is shared with The Ballroom (holiday cottage next door). Please park on the cobbled yard at the bottom of the drive adjacent to your cottage.

Pets Description
Dogs
Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement (maximum of 2). A supplementary fee of £25 will be added to your invoice.
Please note: this cottage is situated on a farm therefore you are required to ensure your dog is kept under your control at all times, this includes free-range ducks and chickens in the yard where the cars are parked as well as livestock in the fields.
Furthermore, please do not allow your dogs on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property at any time.

Horses
The farm offers turnout for those wanting to bring their horse on holiday. Charges are £18 per night per horse on a DIY basis. Please contact us prior to booking to check availability for horses.

Restricted mobility
We regret the age of the property and the surrounding farm yard make it unsuitable for those with restricted mobility.

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

Christmas / New Year
This has not been completed by the owner.

The region

Wheddon Cross is often called the 'crossroads of Exmoor' -- a friendly village at the junction of the A396 and B3224, right in the heart of the National Park.

Standing at around 300 metres above sea level, Wheddon Cross is the highest village on Exmoor. It sits in the parish of Cutcombe, with the ancient parish church of St John just a short walk away in the neighbouring hamlet. The village grew up around its important crossroads, where travellers on the old coaching routes between Dulverton, Minehead and Simonsbath would stop to rest.

Village Amenities

The Rest and Be Thankful Inn stands at the centre of the village -- a 19th-century coaching inn serving food, local ales and accommodation. Wheddon Cross also has a well-stocked village shop with post office services, a petrol station with ATM, free public toilets, a children's play park, and an active village hall hosting regular community events.

Nearby Towns

Minehead (8 miles) -- The main town of West Somerset, with larger supermarkets (Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl), high street banks, a sandy beach, and the terminus of the West Somerset Railway.

Dunster (7 miles) -- One of England's best-preserved medieval villages, dominated by its castle and famous yarn market. Excellent independent shops and places to eat.

Dulverton (10 miles) -- Known as the southern gateway to Exmoor, with a National Park Visitor Centre, independent shops, a butcher, and several pubs and restaurants along the River Barle.