Chapel Cottage, Ellicombe

Property Summary Chapel Cottage, between Dunster and Minehead, is one of four holiday cottages with a shared outdoor swimming pool and beautiful gardens. Double bedroom upstairs accessed via a spiral staircase. Upstairs shower room. Pet-friendly. Private enclosed South-facing garden. Main Description Tucked just off the lane, this romantic cottage is full of character and charm. The cosy sitting room opens directly onto a private, secure south-facing garden – perfect for relaxing in the sunshine on the sun loungers. Inside, the original 16th-century chapel door remains in place, adding a touch of history. The spacious kitchen comes with a dining table and looks out across the Manor’s lawn. A spiral staircase leads upstairs to a bright master double bedroom with its own en-suite shower room. For added flexibility, the cottage also features a comfortable double sofa bed in the sitting room. Sleeps up to 2 guests One double bedroom on the first floor - access via spiral staircase Please note, not suitable for young children due to the spiral staircase Upstairs shower room (restricted height above the loo) Large kitchen with dining table Private, enclosed garden to the rear of the property Shared outdoor swimming pool (heated May to mid-September - available for cold water swimming the rest of the year) Large shared gardens with Kadai fire-pit, swing set, picnic bench and giant chess set Dogs welcome (2 max) for £20 supplement per dog Wifi, heating and electricity included Bed linen and towels provided Arrive from 4 pm Depart by 10 am Chapel Cottage is equidistant to the medieval village of Dunster and the coastal town of Minehead, approx. 1 mile to each. There are four self-catering holiday cottages on the same site, which all enjoy shared use of the outdoor swimming pool, with its own walled area and poolside furniture, and an acre of magnificent sub tropical gardens and paddock offering views over the West Somerset Steam Railway and across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast. Guests are encouraged to interact with the resident animals including Shetland ponies, sheep and goats. Chapel Cottage has its own grassed, secure back garden with seating for al fresco dining and sun loungers during the summer months. A refundable security deposit of £150 is required for this property, to cover the cost of possible damage during your stay. All things being well, this security deposit will be returned shortly after your departure providing there is no damage to the property or its contents. Two weeks prior to your arrival, you will need to contact the owners to arrange payment of the security deposit. Indoor Description Smart TV and Digital Radio, sofa (which is a sofa-bed for flexible sleeping), and doors leading to the private garden. Two steps down into the kitchen/dining room with electric cooker, Nespresso Coffee machine (pods provided), microwave and fridge freezer. Spiral stairs lead upstairs to the first floor where you will find the bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room, with toilet and hand basin (reduced height ceiling above the toilet). Complimentary "green" toiletries provided. Electricity and heating costs are included in the price of your accommodation. Chapel Cottage is fitted with gas central heating throughout. Bed linen and towels, including large bath sheets, are provided for your convenience. Separate towels are provided for use at the pool and are replenished daily. Local specialty Miles tea, coffee and hot chocolate are provided as well as sugar, salt & pepper and olive oil. A pint of milk is provided to ensure you can have a hot drink as soon as you arrive. Cleaning materials such as washing up liquid, cleaning spray, dishcloths and t-towels will be provided. Three toilet rolls will be provided. For your four legged friends: dog towels, bowls, blankets, poo bags and treats are all provided. There is access to an outside tap for washing off muddy dogs and bikes. Outdoor Description There is a private garden area with garden furniture directly outside the property. Plus the cottages are set in the grounds of a 16th century manor and share an acre of magnificent sub-tropical gardens and 2-acre paddock offering views over the West Somerset Steam Railway and across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast. Guests are encouraged to interact with the animals which include 3 miniature Shetland ponies, two sheep and four goats. Animal feed provided. The gardens are a special feature, filled with mature palm trees, named exotic plants and shrubs and quiet corners with seating. Here, visitors may discover the ‘secret garden’ giant chess set or use the Kadai firepit to BBQ on or enjoy a glass of wine, while toasting marshmallows. The outdoor swimming pool is shared with the other three holiday properties on-site, it’s heated from from May to mid-September. Outside of these times it’s available for cold water swimming as part of the Ellicombe Eiders! The Secret Sauna (www.secretsauna.org) can be arranged during your stay so you can enjoy the experience of hot/ cold emersion therapy during the winter months or blissful relaxation during the warmer months. Guests are welcome to use the paddock at the bottom of the garden to exercise their dogs. Maximum of 2 dogs per cottage, 3 dogs may be permitted on request, please get in touch with the size/breed of your dogs and we will find out if it’s possible to make an exception (i.e. for 3 small dogs). Situated near to Grabbist Hill (National Trust) in the Exmoor National Park, there are many options for walking and exploring Exmoor on foot, whether you fancy the hills or the coast. A mile away, the medieval village of Dunster, with its famous castle and yarn market, offers a selection of pubs, shops, and restaurants. Minehead and Dunster beach are approx. 1 mile way, whether you opt for the sandy beach or coastal path walks. Also, one mile to the start of South West Coast Path. Excellent location for cyclists, dog walkers and wild swimmers. Parking There is off-road parking available in front of your cottage. Pets Description Dog towels, water bowl, blankets, biscuits and poo bags will be provided in the cottage. Maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs per cottage welcome for £20 each (may consider 3 small dogs by prior arrangement). Please do not allow your pets on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property at any time. Please note that dogs are the responsibility of their owner at all times and guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, including in the paddock where guests are welcome to exercise their dogs. Dog cages are available to borrow. Outside tap/ hose available to wash-off muddy paws. Restricted mobility Not suitable for anyone with limited mobility due to the spiral staircase for accessing the first floor. Exit in case of emergency There are three exits - main front door that leads onto lane. Door to back garden - exit point from garden through wooden gate into main courtyard. Backdoor leading onto Manor’s garden - fire exit only. Christmas / New Year The Cottage will be decorated for Christmas. The region Minehead is the largest town on the edge of Exmoor National Park, a welcoming seaside resort on the Somerset coast with stunning views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The town is best known as the starting point of the South West Coast Path, England’s longest National Trail, which stretches 630 miles from the harbour here all the way to Poole Harbour in Dorset. A sculpture marking Mile Zero stands on the seafront near the old harbour. Minehead has been a working port since the 14th century, and the quay area retains much of its historic charm with narrow lanes and fishermen’s cottages clustered at the foot of North Hill. Higher Town, the oldest part of Minehead, sits on the slopes above the harbour and is home to the medieval Church of St Michael, reached by a steep footpath known as Church Steps that winds between thatched cottages with far-reaching views over the rooftops and out to sea. The Parade and The Avenue form the main shopping streets, where you will find independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and takeaways alongside everyday services. Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets are both on the outskirts of town with long opening hours, and there are banks, a Post Office, pharmacies, and petrol stations. Blenheim Gardens, opened in 1925, provides six acres of green space in the centre of town with a bandstand, putting green, bowling green, and a pleasant cafe. The medieval village of Dunster, with its castle, yarn market, and tea rooms, is barely two miles away. Every May, Minehead’s ancient Hobby Horse tradition brings colour and music to the streets -- a centuries-old celebration of the arrival of spring that is unique to this part of Somerset.