Deep in the Somerset countryside yet only a short drive from the M5 motorway, Ortensia is a wonderful place to stay for big happy holidays and family celebrations. Unseen from the road, the setting is secluded and entirely surrounded by glorious fields and woods and hills that roll on and on for miles. Set in a horseshoe shape around a Tuscan inspired courtyard and lawned garden, this luscious large group holiday house sleeps 20 in 10 bedrooms; there’s a private spring fed indoor pool, a games room/movie room, a tennis court, and 100 acres of verdant farmland to explore.
Most of the bedrooms have direct access to the lawned courtyard so whether you’re early to bed or early to rise this will suit you well; be as much a part of the crowd as you like, have your own space if you feel the need. Ortensia is for all ages, all together, relaxed and happy-happy; it’s a big fat slice of country living, with wholesome fresh air, big open skies and birdsong.
We’d bet your bottom dollar you’ll be content to while away the hours here, but if you fancy venturing out go take a wander round the fields. Amble along the ancient holloway in a tunnel of trees, look out for the little fairy doors along the way, hunt for lucky 4 leafed clovers in the field at the top. Just up the lane is Stawley Village Shop & Tearoom and The Globe Inn, a few miles away is Wellington where you can fill your baskets with local delights at the Farmer’s Market and stop for afternoon tea at Odette’s Tea Room. Stretch your legs with a walk up to Wellington Monument, be astounded by the panoramic views, go for a mystery tour in The Blackdown Hills.
Have an Exmoor adventure, a day spent discovering the heather-clad heaths, the steep wooded hillsides and towering clifftops. Find all those tucked away places, the picturesque villages with centuries old cottages, potter along the lush river valleys, stop for a proper job cream tea; take your binoculars because you might well spot red deer and wild ponies contentedly grazing.
Pootle over to the Jurassic Coast for days by the sea; see the marine life in the little Aquarium at Lyme Regis then catch your supper on a mackerel fishing trip. Laze on the sands, join a guided fossil hunt, take the little ones to Dinosaurland Fossil Museum. Chomp on crab sandwiches down on the beach at Beer or Branscombe, and while you’re over this way go and say hello to all the happy donks at The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth. You'll find plenty more family attractions and a great choice of places to eat within an easy drive.
But like we say, you might well decide to stay put at Wydler because there’s something quite magical about this place; it’s a different world far, far away from the push and shove. It’s so laid back, so idyllic; how are you ever going to leave?