FROG STREET - Somerset

Close to the quiet village of Hatch Beauchamp, Frog Street is a rambling Somerset longhouse tucked away down the lanes, surrounded by beautiful countryside, yet not far from the M5 motorway (J25) and only a couple of miles off the A358. Country character oozes from every corner; it's homely and inviting, and despite the low ceilings and small windows, the house is spacious, light and airy. There's snooze space for 12 (2 more beds available at an extra charge per person), a good-sized living room, dining room, farmhouse kitchen and games room. Outside thick wisteria scrambles up the walls, a fig tree grows by the kitchen window, and cottage garden flowers tumble together just outside the door. A leafy archway leads to a large patio and the main garden where there's a spa lodge with a 5m swim spa, a hot tub, and a seating area on the veranda overlooking the fields. On the patio a pergola gives you shelter from the heat of the sun and a wonderful place to sit for drinks beneath the fairy lights on balmy evenings. There's a BBQ lodge with its own kitchenette, and for the children, a play area. This large group holiday house has all you need for holidays and short breaks with family and friends.

You'll probably be more than happy to while away the whole of your stay here, with no care for going out anywhere. But maybe you should explore what's on the doorstep - the beautiful countryside, footpaths to follow, wildlife to watch. From the house you can stroll through the fields to the village of Beercrocombe and then on to Curry Mallet where you can grab a takeaway coffee and cake from the little village shop. Wander along the lanes to the Hatch Inn for a bite to eat; go on a Wednesday when the fish and chip cart is parked up, put in your order, have a drink while you wait.

Have a browse round Taunton; there's a mix of big name and independent shops, and excellent places to eat. Walk around Vivary Park, have family fun at Vivary Golf and Adventure Centre, make new discoveries at The Museum of Somerset where you can see a giant's shoe and find out about the grisly Pitchfork Rebellion. There are some very appealing smaller towns too, like Ilminster and Langport, both only a short drive away. Just a couple of miles from Langport is Muchelney where you can visit the abbey ruins; pootle round the lanes to Burrow Hill Cider Company, or venture out onto the magical Somerset Levels where you can wander along the banks of the River Tone to Burrow Mump; in the winter, watch the incredible starling murmurations at Ham Wall or Shapwick Heath Nature Reserves.

Take a day trip to Wells, see the magnificent cathedral and moated Bishop's Palace; take the kids to Wookey Hole or Cheddar Gorge, or down to Crealy Theme Park where there are rides and entertainment galore. Visit the beautiful historic houses and gardens in the area - Montacute House, Barrington Court, Forde Abbey and Hestercombe House are all within easy reach. Pack a picnic and have a day exploring the wilds of the Quantock Hills, the Blackdown Hills or Exmoor National Park where you can amble along the lush river valleys at Tarr Steps and Watersmeet, or make a summit bid at Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on the moors with panoramic views across the landscape. Under an hour away is the Jurassic Coast; spend days by the sea at Lyme Regis, stroll along the harbour to the Marine Aquarium and go out on a mackerel fishing trip to catch your supper. Charmouth is good for fossil hunting and rockpooling, at Beer you can tuck into crab sandwiches at Ducky's Beach Café down by the shore.

But like we said, if you want to stay put, we understand because Frog Street isn't just a place to stay, it's a place to enjoy.

NB: Due to insurance restrictions this property is available for a maximum of 14 guests including babies and toddlers.

Book today!