Sleeping 12 with room for 2 more children under 12 at no extra cost, Big Thatch is an absolute gem for idyllic large group holidays in the country. The house is tucked away in the Blackdown Hills AONB, with peace and quiet, big open skies and birdsong all around. The accommodation comprises a beautifully renovated thatched farmhouse for 8 and a separate annexe for 4, linked by a courtyard, and set in glorious grounds with huge lawns and an orchard that’s billowing with apple blossom in springtime.
Step into the games room at the front of the house and to the left is the living room, traditional country house style, with original features adding to the character. This leads to a rear hallway which also has access from the parking area. Straight ahead of the games room is a utility room and to the right there’s a snug, perfect for catching up on your favourite soap or for stories with the little ones before bedtime. Step up from the snug to the dining room and continue through to the well-equipped kitchen which has a big electric Aga.
Big Thatch is the perfect rambling country cottage, with rooms on different levels and two staircases, both hidden away behind doors. From the snug stairs lead to Bedroom 1 which has an ensuite bathroom and opens onto a landing that takes you to Bedroom 2, the family bathroom and the Children’s Room* (also be reached from the stairs in the games room).
Through the Childrens Room there’s another landing where you’ll find Bedrooms 3 and Bedroom 4, with its own shower room. Interiors at Big Thatch are professionally designed throughout and are so in keeping with this charming old house; much of the original character has been retained in the bumpy walls, exposed stonework, chunky supporting timbers, and in Bedroom 2 part of the centuries old cobb wall visible behind glass.
Across the courtyard at the back of the house is the former dairy, now completely transformed to provide a light and airy annexe sleeping 4. There are solid oak floors and doors that complement the theme of country checks. Off the open plan kitchen/dining/living room are 2 ensuite bedrooms (a twin and a double).
Outside you can gather on the patio for barbecues and pizzas, play table tennis, and relax in the hot tub. There are so many ways to while away the days and nights, and even if it’s raining, it doesn’t matter because you can all snuggle in the Nordic style BBQ lodge, sizzle sausages, toast marshmallows and swap stories.
The gardens are a dream, with statues and birdbaths, and several seating areas where you can hide away with your head in a book or just sit and contemplate. Life slows down here and it’s so quiet; wander around to your heart’s content, take afternoon tea in the hideaway, watch the sheep grazing in the orchard. Happy days and restful nights await you at Big Thatch, come and make memories to treasure.
The Childrens room has 2 extra beds available for children aged 12 years and under, at no extra charge.