DUSTINGS - Somerset

Dustings used to be the stable block for the racehorses that ran in the Point-to-Point in the field across the lane. Following a sympathetic transformation it's now a luxury large group holiday house sleeping 16 in a glorious setting on an arable farm in the foothills of the Quantocks. There's a huge farmhouse style kitchen, a cosy movie room, and upstairs, a fabulous living room and games room, both with far-reaching rural views. Outside in a private courtyard is a hot tub, to the side and front of the house are lawns with a play area for children. There's plenty to see and do in the local area, with family attractions, activities, walks and good places to eat within easy reach. Dustings is perfect for large group holidays, midweek and weekend breaks; for families, friends, hen weekends, celebrations, and corporate team building or hospitality.

The nearby village of Kingston St Mary is nice for a stroll around and lunch at The Swan Inn; a little further is Bishops Lydeard where there are local shops, a cafe, a pub, a working flour mill and museum, and an excellent restaurant. It's also where the West Somerset Railway starts; hop on board and take a trip on an old-fashioned steam train to the seaside. Alight at Blue Anchor for a day on the sands, or at the ancient harbour town of Watchet; stop at Dunster to see the medieval castle on the hill.

If you don't fancy driving anywhere, you can step out from the door at Dustings and walk through private farmland into the Quantock Hills; a 5 minute stroll from the house there's a pond* where you can have a lazy summer picnic and feed the ducks - just what holidays are made of. Venture deep into Quantock country; walk from Cothelstone Hill to Wills Neck, the highest point in the hills where the views are spectacular, climb up through the woods at Holford Combe and walk the ridge where wild ponies contentedly graze.

The Somerset coast is within easy reach; have family fun on the beach at Minehead, walk the dog at Doniford, brave the elements at the rugged bays of East Quantoxhead and St Audries, or go to Kilve rockpooling and fossil hunting. Take the kids to Tropiquaria Wildlife Park or to explore Hestercombe House and Gardens. If shopping's your thing you'll love Clarks Village; otherwise, the county town of Taunton isn't far, and you can tie it in with afternoon tea at The Castle Hotel and a stroll around Vivary Park. Have a day out discovering Exmoor National Park, see Tarr Steps, Porlock Weir and Selworthy Green, ride the Victorian Cliff Railway at Lynton and Lynmouth. If you like cycling, Dustings is more or less on the Taunton Cycle Trail, if there's a group of you booking up for a shoot at one of the local estates, Dustings is the perfect accommodation, being just a very short drive away from all of them.

You'll find several places to eat nearby; The Farmers Arms at Combe Florey, The Rising Sun at West Bagborough and The New Inn at Halse are all good. Hire one of our recommended caterers to come and cook for you, guests often do that for special occasions. Come and enjoy the luxury of being together, anytime of year.

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*The pond is not safe for swimming and is not fenced, so children must always be supervised.