West Huckham Barn, near Wheddon Cross Wheddon Cross, Somerset

Holiday Rental Description

West Huckham Barn is a 200-year-old detached barn that has been converted into a delightfully spacious holiday cottage, featuring an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area with wooden beams and high vaulted ceiling, and an adjoining conservatory that boasts spectacular valley views. It sits deep in the Quarme Valley, 3 miles from Wheddon Cross, at the heart of terrific countryside that overflows with flowers, wildlife, and history.

3 bedrooms (one ground floor double, one ground floor single, and one en-suite first floor double with external doorway and wide outside steps leading down to the garden)
Ground floor bathroom with shower, toilet, and hand basin
Up to two dogs welcome (supplement of £12 per dog)
Child-friendly accommodation
Towels and bed linen provided
Wifi, heating, and electricity included in cost
Utility room with washing machine, dishwasher, and clothes dryer
TV and DVD player provided
Ground floor (with living area and one double bedroom) suitable for those with limited mobility. One step up leads to the shower room and single bedroom, and one step down leads down to the conservatory. All steps have adjacent hand holds, and full views are available through the double doors from the living area level
Spacious and comfortable open-plan living area with high timber ceiling, glazed doors, and log-burning fireplace
Conservatory adjoining the living area provides incredible sunset views of the valley
Oak-fitted kitchen fully equipped with kettle, electric oven/induction hob, larder fridge, freezer, microwave, and toaster
Balcony seating that overlooks the living area
Large enclosed gardens (ideal for dogs!) with sloped lawns, pond, table, chairs, and benches, and far-reaching, west-facing views—sometimes of spectacular sunsets!
Wonderful countryside walks on the very doorstep, starting from the footpath that runs down one side of the garden and then continues on through the lovely Quarme valley, eventually leading to Winsford
Short drive to the nearest village of Wheddon Cross, offering a mini-supermarket, petrol station, and family and dog-friendly pub
Ample parking for two cars on the driveway beside the property

Facilities
There are two entrances to West Huckham Barn on the ground floor; one at the end nearest the bedrooms and the main entrance opening directly into the living area. Floor plans provided below.

We imagine that the open-plan living area is where you'll spend most of your time; the high timber ceiling and glazed doors give a feeling of openness and space. The comfortable seating area is complete with wood-burner. The oak-fitted kitchen has all modern conveniences (dishwasher, microwave, larder fridge, electric oven/induction hob). The west-facing conservatory is a glorious spot for watching the sunset.

For those with restricted mobility, this barn can offer space and easy access to all amenities, though wheelchairs would not be possible. There is one step between bedroom and living area. The conservatory is another step down, but has wide open double doors giving a complete view of the landscape from the living room level.

Also on the ground floor is a utility room, comprising washing machine, freezer and an extra larder fridge. There are two ground-floor bedrooms - one double bedroom and one single room. On the opposite side of the hall to this bedroom is the shower-room (comprising shower, toilet and hand basin).

A narrow staircase leads up from the utility area to a second sitting area which overlooks the downstairs living room. There is a desk available here. This area leads through to a double bedroom (King-size bed) with en-suite bathroom (bath, toilet and hand basin). This bedroom also has an external door, with wider, outside steps down to the garden.

Location
Whatever your particular interests, for an overview of all that Exmoor has to offer, you will find more at https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk. The nearby Quantock Hills AONB area is also described here.
Exmoor is a National Park. https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Wheddon Cross is the nearest village approx 3 miles away. The village is said to be the highest on Exmoor, standing at 980 feet above sea level. The highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon (1704 feet above sea level) is only a short distance beyond. There are fantastic panoramic views from Dunkery; wild moorland to the west, the Bristol Channel and Wales to the north, the rolling Brendon Hills to the east and the Quarme Valley to the south. Some of the best walking on Exmoor (including a trail suitable for those less able) can be found at Webbers Post which lies to the seaward side of Dunkery Beacon.

For the active visitor, walks with fine views are all around, whilst Exmoor's well-known landmarks such as the outstanding Tarr Steps, can be reached by driving across the moorland area which can be seen from West Huckham Barn. Dunkery Beacon, and the valleys of the Exe, Barle and East Lyn (setting for Blackmore's famous novel Lorna Doone) are all easily reached. Wimbleball lake, with a wide range of water and land based activities, is within easy reach. (5 miles) Excellent walks and cafe with outdoor eating area. There is ample information available at the barn to help you in planning your visit.

The medieval village of Dunster is only six miles away, with its 11th century castle, and Mill (National Trust), and old Yarn Market, Tithe barn and interesting shops, pubs and restaurants.

Slightly further afield is the North Devon and Somerset coast with pretty villages in steep combes such as Porlock, Lynton and Lynmouth. For a more traditional seaside experience, you can head to Minehead which is only ten miles away.

Other towns to visit in the area are Tiverton to the south, with plenty of shops, a canal walk, and a National Trust property (Knightshayes) nearby. A visit to the county town of Taunton, to the north, could be combined with a day exploring the beautiful and little-known Quantock Hills.