In its previous existence Coat Barn was a collection of Hamstone barns that formed part of a Somerset farmyard; wind forward several decades and it’s all been considerately converted into one huge holiday house that sleeps 18 people in 8 ensuite bedrooms and has its own indoor pool and a large games room.
Think of how Roman Villas were laid out and that’s pretty much how it is at Coat Barn, with the accommodation and the pool house set around a paved and lawned courtyard. It makes for magical family holidays and celebration weekends with your loved ones, because it’s all so very sociable; get together in the dining hall for a scrumptious slap-up dinner, or have summer cocktails and canapes on the patio. Make it extra special by hiring one of our dependable private caterers to come and cook for you (see Extras).
You might be perfectly content to while away the time at Coat Barn, after all, there’s plenty here to keep all ages happy. But if you want to see what’s around in this little corner of the West Country you won’t be disappointed; you can stride out into the beautiful Somerset countryside right from the doorstep. Walk along the river and through apple orchards frothy with blossom in the springtime, stroll into Martock for lunch at The Nags Head Inn, swing by the shops for provisions, see the Treasurer’s House (NT).
Head over to Ham Hill Country Park to explore the ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort, feast your eyes on the panoramic views, and your belly at The Prince of Wales pub. Pootle around the lanes to Burrow Hill Cider and have a guided tour of the farm and orchards, go and discover the Somerset Levels where narrow waterways criss-cross the landscape and pollarded willows stand like ancient creatures at the roadside. Amble around one of the tranquil nature reserves – if you’re here in the winter the starling murmurations at Shapwick Heath are incredible.
Go to Glastonbury, take in the quirkiness and the happy-hippy vibe, climb the Tor for staggering views; spend a day in Wells seeing the sights – the majestic cathedral, the moated Bishop’s Palace and the medieval Vicar’s Close. If shopping appeals go to Clarks Village and bag bargains galore, if history is more your thing then Muchelney Abbey is a must, if you like nothing better than to potter round a gorgeous garden, East Lambrook Manor and Barrington Court should delight.
For days by sea the Jurassic Coast is less than an hour’s drive, so plan it well and head over to spend time in Lyme Regis before moving onto one of the quieter coastal villages like Beer or Branscombe. There is so much to see and do round here, great places to visit and stacks of good places to eat. Make Coat Barn your big happy place, book today!