Nestled in the picturesque village of Barrington near Ilminster, surrounded by thatched cottages and greenery is the lovely 8 Barrington Mews. This quintessentially British location is perfect for a family looking to explore this scenic part of Somerset, with great walks and fantastic cycling routes. Park up outside and soak in the stunning setting before entering the charming cottage; kick off your shoes in the hallway and admire the deep blue colour scheme. Locate the spacious sitting room, with a sofa bed for flexible sleeping arrangements and a large TV for a snug film night. Moving through the property, find the contemporary kitchen, amply-equipped with all your self-catering needs; cook up a storm in the electric oven, with an extractor fan to keep the kitchen cool. When dinner is ready, settle down around the dining table, pop open a bottle of fizz and toast to a wonderful escape to the countryside. Before the evening ends, take the group and your canine companion to the rear garden to take a leisurely seat and enjoy the tranquillity of the peaceful village. As the evening grows dark, retire upstairs to indulge in a bubble-bath before you hit the sheets, or opt for a refreshing rinse in the shower to prepare for the day ahead. Choose between two sumptuous double bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower to make your mornings easier and tuck the little ones into the bunk bedroom, with giraffes and other wildlife decorations to make this a fun sleepover. In the morning, enjoy some breakfast as a family and plan how to spend the day; venture into the pretty town of Ilminster for a wealth of amenities, where you can rummage around independent shops and enjoy a spot of lunch at a traditional pub before visiting the spectacular Minster; a 15th century church where you can immerse yourself in its history. A little further afield is the village of Montacute, home to an Elizabethan mansion, Montacute House, where you can take a quaint stroll around the luscious gardens or have tea and cake in the café. Situated on the Somerset/ Dorset border is the delightful village of Corton Denham, with a village pub for dining out and independent businesses selling fresh, local produce so you can relish a taste of Somerset. Lace up your walking boots and head off on an adventure to explore the scenic landscape of the Blackdown Hills, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretching ahead there are miles of steep woodland, rolling hills, valleys and villages , boasting a plethora of walking, cycling and hiking trails. Marvel at the remarkable architecture of Barrington Court, a Tudor manor house dating back to 1538, since restored and maintained by the National Trust and home to well-kept and colourful walled gardens, pruned to perfection and offering a lovely spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll, a charming shop stocking handmade goods and a second-hand Book Barn, nestled inside an old milking parlour; explore the generous grounds of the estate and its parkland and indulge in an alfresco picnic in this wonderfully peaceful setting. For an escape to the glorious countryside, stay at 8 Barrington Mews.
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Think rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, great surf and sparkling blue seas, the wild moors of Dartmoor to the Somerset Levels and the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, the South West has plenty to offer. With a lively arts scene, great local food and walking and cycling opportunities galore.