Last summer we added this gorgeous holiday cottage for 14 with a hot tub to our portfolio – and what a gem! Otterhead House is hidden away in the Blackdown Hills of Somerset and offers secluded self catering group accommodation for family holidays, refined hen weekends, celebrations and corporate breaks. Up behind the house is a tranquil nature reserve, to the front are views over a valley of gently tumbling hills, open fields and copses.
Otterhead House makes an idyllic escape from the constant hubbub of life, away from the traffic, the crowds and the pressures of work. You might notice the occasional car pootle down the hill but the chances are you won’t see a soul; it’s a very peaceful spot where you can hear owls hooting at night, foxes yapping in the field, and during the day, the constant twittering of birds. It’s not very often you find such a stunning holiday cottage for 14 with a hot tub in such a glorious location!
This is a big country cottage that's huge on wow factor, combining quirky rustic character with sumptuous interiors. It’s gorgeous both inside and out, and you’ll notice that as soon as you step in through the huge double doors to the kitchen. Feast your eyes on the huge oak timbers, the exquisite burnished brass worktops and all the little touches that work so well. This part of the house is a new extension, two storey, floor to ceiling glass walls on both floors, yet it blends to perfection with the rest of the 300 year old cottage. The kitchen is equipped with everything you could possibly need to cater for your large group stay; there’s an ample utility room off to the right, and straight ahead is the dining area with a chunky bespoke table that sets the scene nicely for those special celebrations. There’s a cosy sitting room with a projector and a huge screen to watch movies and unmissable matches, big fat sofas you can curl up on, and a wood-burner to keep you toasty after a walk round the lakes on chillier days.
Also on the ground floor at Otterhead House is Bedroom 5, with an en suite shower room and snooze space for 3. A kooky staircase of almighty hunks of oak takes you to a long landing; off to the left are Bedrooms 1 and 2 and a seriously awesome bathroom with a roll top bath and a massive walk-in shower. Bedroom 1 will stun you with its jaw-dropping incredibleness – colossal soaring timbers, those breathtaking views, a super comfy double bed and an absolute corker of a marble bathroom. Bedroom 2 is another one with a double bed, and next door, Bedroom 3 sleeps 3 in zip and links (super king or twins) and a single. Right down the end of the landing is Bedroom 4; room for 3 and adorned with enormous wooden A-frames. These were salvaged from an old chicken shed but then lay unwanted in the woods for yonks before being put to good use at Otterhead House.
What you’ll love about this place is the décor – it's tasteful, it's unique, it's very stylish, and the effect is one that makes you feel so welcome, so content, and do you know, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if you don’t want to leave. Ah, but you can come back, you know you can! Come back to your hideaway in the hills where you can laze away the summer days on the patio, feasting on local delights alfresco, soaking in the hot tub whilst you take in those amazing views. The hot tub sits on the patio and you can use it anytime of year, though you might need to be brave to do so in the thick of winter. Oh, and by the way, there’s a sauna too, one of those lovely barrel saunas, so you get an extra big helping of relaxation at Otterhead House – isn’t that what holidays are all about? Take the little ones by the hand and lead them through the wild flower meadow spotting butterflies and bees gathering pollen; have a little paddle in the stream that babbles along the edge of the garden, do handstands on the lawn, lie back on the grass and watch cotton wool clouds drift by in a sky the colour of cornflowers. Ah, such utter bliss, and think what wonderful memories you’ll be making.
You’ll probably want to stay put at Otterhead House for the whole of your stay, after all, you've got a holiday cottage for 13 with a hot tub, just what you wanted, so naturally you should make the most of it. Oh, but please, go across the lane and stroll around Otterhead Lakes, you must! You’ll see ducks and moorhens busy on the water, maybe swans, and the occasional splash of a trout leaping for a fly. Spot dippers bobbing in the stream, the dart of a kingfisher, take a jam jar and have a spuddle, catch minnows and bullheads. Dream days, special times indeed. If you fancy a walk take one of the waymarked footpaths through the fields or amble up to Churchinford and pick up bits and bobs at the community run shop, then stop by for a pint at the York Inn. There’s a very good pub just down the road too, The Candlelight at Bishopswood, book a table for dinner, or try the Holman Clavel, which is another one that's just a few miles away. The young ‘uns might want a day out so take them to Wildwood Escot, Axe Valley Wildlife Park or Ferne Animal Sanctuary. There are beaches within easy reach too; have a ride on the tram and a prehistoric adventure at Seaton Jurassic, take to the seas on a mackerel fishing trip at Beer and see the awe-inspiring caves or ride the miniature train at Pecorama. Head to Lyme Regis to play crazy golf, visit the Marine Aquarium and Dinosaurland Fossil Museum. Fun, fun, fun.
Ah, it's Lovely! Lovely with a capital L, Perfect with a very big P! Don’t miss it. Book your stay at Otterhead House today!