Hillway Lodge, Withypool

Property Summary Hillway Lodge, near Withypool, perches on the side of the combe above the Barle Valley enjoying stunning views across the countryside and farmland to Withypool Common. Sleeps up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms and welcomes horses and up to 2 dogs. One mile to the village with pub, shop and tea rooms. Main Description Hillway Lodge is a south-facing single storey barn conversion, on a 62 acre hill farm, nestled above the Barle Valley near the rural village of Withypool, within Exmoor National Park. Note, this property is not suitable for work people looking for accommodation in the area, it’s available for guests to book for holiday and leisure purposes. Sleeps up to 6 guests One double bedroom Two twin bedrooms Tranquil location with stunning views Single storey property - all on one level Ideal for walking the Two Moors Way Wifi, heating and electricity included 1 mile to the village with Pub/Shop/Tea Room Up to 2 dogs welcome for £25 supplement per dog Stabling for horses by prior arrangement (you can ride straight out onto the moor from the farm) Fishing available in the Barle at no extra cost Arrive from 4 pm Depart by 10 am Hillway Lodge has stunning views from nearly every room, across the garden and down to the River Barle. One small stone step leads up to the entrance door, into the hallway. The family bathroom is off the hall and a door leads through into the kitchen, which is open into the living-dining area. The double room has a communicating door to the first twin room, through which you have to walk to get to the rest of the cottage. Both of these bedrooms have french doors leading to the south-facing balcony above the garden. The second twin room is situated at the far end of the cottage (the other side of the living area). Indoor Description The fitted kitchen has a fridge, cooker, dishwasher and microwave oven - all the essentials. In the open-plan living room you’ll probably be distracted by the views across the valley and up to Withypool Hill, but there is a modest TV, plus DVD, CD/radio/cassette, books and games. Wifi/broadband is available but please don’t expect ultra-fast fibre speed. The family bathroom has a shower over the bath, a toilet and hand basin. Bed linen and towels are provided. The property is well insulated with double-glazed windows and has night-store heating. Electricity is included. The water supply is from the farm’s own borehole. Guests are requested to refrain from smoking inside the cottage. Outdoor Description A south-facing balcony runs along part of the cottage and there is a small bistro table and two chairs on the balcony – a perfect spot to soak in the view. From the end of the balcony, the lawn slopes down to a level area in front and below the cottage, which falls away to the combe below. The garden is available for guests sole use and is not enclosed. Much of the farmland at Hillway is ancient upland oak woodland. Guests can walk among carpets of bluebells, violets and primroses when they are in flower. Look out for the small herd of roe deer and the buzzards overhead. The River Barle forms the southern boundary of the farm and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, as well as being home to otters, kingfishers and goosander ducks. Withypool is just over a mile from Hillway Lodge, it’s a small village in a truly beautiful setting within Exmoor National Park. Just upstream is Landacre bridge, popular with walkers and for picnics. Downstream is Tarr Steps with its famous clapper bridge. You are spoiled for walking and birding options here. Parking There is parking for up to 3 cars on the drive, adjacent to the cottage. Pets Description Dogs are welcome by arrangement, at £25 per dog. Two dogs maximum per booking, the owner may accept 3 small dogs on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch to let us know the size/breeds of your dogs and we will check this. Stabling is available on site for up to 3 horses. The stables are large individual stables and tack room within a barn, all with concrete floors. A field will be assigned for guests use only. Trailers park in the yard, lorries can park at the top of the drive. Bedding can be supplied or guests can bring their own. Price above is per horse per week (excluding bedding if supplied). The hacking from Hillway Lodge is outstanding. Restricted mobility The property is on one level. The main entrance has a single step but if you enter via the double bedroom, this is step free. There isn’t a huge amount of room for a large wheelchair eg limited turning space in the bathroom. Standard bath with overhead shower only. 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 Withypool is a small moorland village in the heart of Exmoor National Park, set in a beautiful valley where the River Barle flows beneath a handsome six-arched medieval bridge. The village has been a popular destination for countryside lovers for well over a century. The author R.D. Blackmore, who wrote Lorna Doone, stayed here, as did General Eisenhower, who used the area for D-Day training in the 1940s. At the centre of village life is The Royal Oak Inn, a welcoming 18th-century pub serving real ales, local ciders, and hearty food. The village also has a charming tea room and a small shop and post office selling everyday essentials, local honey, handmade soaps, and art. Withypool sits at a natural crossroads in central Exmoor, making it an excellent base for exploring the moor in all directions. The River Barle is one of the finest rivers on Exmoor, and the walks along its banks -- south to the ancient Tarr Steps or north to the medieval Landacre Bridge -- are among the most beautiful in the National Park. The nearest small town is Dulverton (approximately 7 miles), known as the southern gateway to Exmoor, where you will find a mini-supermarket, butcher, post office, chemist, cash machine, and a good selection of independent shops and restaurants. Minehead (approximately 12 miles) has larger supermarkets, petrol stations, and high street facilities.