Dustings used to be the stable block for the racehorses that ran in the Point-to-Point in the field across the lane; following an extensive transformation it's now an absolute gem of a large group holiday home sleeping 16, in a glorious setting on a working arable farm in the Somerset countryside. There’s a games room, movie room, hot tub and play area, making this a large group holiday house for all ages all through the year.
Step out from the door at Dustings and you can walk for miles through private farmland and into the Quantock Hills; the chances are you won’t see a soul and you’ll feel like it’s a world of your own. A five minute stroll from the house there’s a pond* where you can go for a lazy summer picnic and feed the ducks - just what holidays are made of.
Venture a little further into Quantock country for a stroll from Cothelstone Hill to Wills Neck, the highest point in the hills, with spectacular views across Somerset, into Devon and across to Wales. Climb up through the woods at Holford Combe to the ridge where wild ponies contentedly graze.
The village of Kingston St Mary is a very short drive away, nice for a stroll around and lunch at The Swan Inn. Bishops Lydeard is close too, with a cafe, a pub and restaurants, and a working flour mill and museum. 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. Spend the day on the sands at Minehead or Blue Anchor, walk the dog at Watchet Harbour, or go to Kilve rockpooling and fossil hunting.
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 on Exmoor, see Tarr Steps, Porlock Weir and Selworthy Green; take the kids to Tropiquaria Zoo Animals and Fun or to Dunster Castle. If you like cycling, Dustings is more or less on the Taunton Cycle Trail, or you can go mountain biking in the hills. If you country pursuits are your thing, book up for a shoot at one of the local estates; all of them are quite close to Dustings.
If you want to go out to eat, there are several good pubs nearby, like the Farmers Arms at Combe Florey, the Rising Sun at West Bagborough and the New Inn at Halse. If you’re here for a special occasion, hire one of the recommended caterers from our Extras list to come and cook for you.
You’ll have a wonderful time at Dustings, and if you get stuck with anything, don’t fret because the owners live on site and they’ll be happy to help. Come and stay, come and play!
*The pond isn't safe for swimming and is unfenced so children must be supervised at all times.