The House
The star attraction at Whimbrels Barton is the enormous open plan living/entertaining space, packing a mighty punch when it comes to wow factor. To one end there’s a fully equipped kitchen, in the middle plump sofas beckon, and at the other end, there’s a big handcrafted dining table which converts for ping-pong – fun for the grown-ups as well as the kids. This is a fantastic room for peaceful family gatherings; tuck into a celebration feast, raise a toast to that special birthday, start each day with a cheerful breakfast, enjoy a big fat Sunday roast. Off the kitchen there’s a utility room and loo.
The bedrooms are arranged over 3 adjoining barns, super stylish, homely and welcoming. Bedrooms 1 and 2 are on the ground floor in Snipes Rest and share a shower room. Upstairs there’s an open plan kitchen and living room.
On the ground floor in Curlews Halt are Bedrooms 3 and 4, sharing a shower room. Again, there’s an upstairs open plan kitchen and living room.
Bedrooms 5 and 6 are on the ground floor in Bean Goose Barn, along with a shower room and refreshment area with air hockey. Upstairs are Bedrooms 7 and 8, a shared bathroom and a living room.
The main garden is outside of Bean Goose Barn, with a wood fired hot tub, outdoor furniture and two barbecues. A short path leads to the living/entertaining room and a private courtyard, and continues to the smaller gardens by Curlews Halt and Snipes Rest, both with kooky outdoor baths. Just across the path is a further area of lawned garden with a trampoline.
Local Area
There’s a lot to see and do near Whimbrels Barton; walkers will love it - you can stride out from the doorstep and within minutes you’ll find a footpath taking you deep into unspoilt countryside on the Somerset Levels. Stroll along the River Tone to Burrow Mump, where the panoramic views roll on forever across fields and moors, then wander back down for a glass of local cider at the King Alfred Inn.
Up the road at Stoke St Gregory is Coates English Willow Visitor Centre – go and find out about the basket making trade that the Levels are famous for; watch a demonstration, browse the museum, stop for cake in the tea room.
Browse the shops in Taunton, play on the high ropes at Vivary Golf & Adventure Centre, go bowling or see the curiosities in the Museum of Somerset. In the other direction is Langport, with independent shops, regular markets and riverside walks that take you to the village of Muchelney with its fascinating abbey ruins and The Priest’s House (NT). Hire bikes from Parret Trail Bikes on the edge of town and explore the Levels at your leisure.
There are family attractions within easy reach, like Haynes Motor Museum and Fleet Air Arm Museum. Take a trip to Glastonbury to climb the famous Tor and see the enchanting Chalice Well. Wells is good too, with its glorious Cathedral and moated Bishop’s Palace.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, the days will be good, the memories will be for keeps.