Property Summary
Hare and Hounds is in a quiet yet accessible corner of the National Park, perched on the side of a steep hill, with beautiful countryside views from nearly every room, offering an idyllic peaceful retreat. The large sunny garden, complete with stream, pond and orchard, is a particular highlight.
Main Description
Once the village Inn and accommodation to miners working in the Brendon Hills, Hare & Hounds is steeped in history and character. The property has recently been extensively refurbished to provide modern spacious accommodation, whilst retaining a wealth of original features including inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams. An original auction notice from 1902 even hangs in the hall!
The detached property is accessed via a sunny cobbled courtyard, which is shared with the owners' other property next door. The front door opens into an internal porch, which has been fitted with coir matting - perfect for muddy boots and dogs! A utility room with a bench seat, hooks and shelf is accessed directly from the internal porch and provides ample hanging and storage space for coats, boots, walking poles etc. The utility room also houses a washing machine and tumble dryer. A downstairs WC is also accessed from the internal porch.
The porch opens out into a spacious hall, from which there is access to the conservatory and garden, as well as the kitchen and living room. The kitchen is a large light room with dining table and small sofa, and includes all the appliances and equipment you would expect back home. Underfloor heating and views out across the hills means you might just spend your whole stay in here!
The lounge is a large room with two huge sofas, a 50 inch smart TV, desk and chair and a beautiful inglenook fireplace complete with a whopping 10kW log burner.
On the first floor are a large king bedroom and a double bedroom, both with ample storage space. There is also a modern shower room and separate WC. The property is on mains water, meaning excellent water pressure for that much needed hot shower at the end of a wet and muddy walk! Note, there are two rooms that are kept private by the owners, please do not try to force the doors.
Sleeps up to 4 guests - sorry, no children under the age of 14 years
One double bedroom with king-sized bed
One double bedroom with double bed
Modern shower room
Upstairs and downstairs WCs
Large kitchen with dining table and sofa
Large lounge with log burner
Beautiful large garden with orchard, stream and pond
Off-road parking for 2 cars
Secure bike storage
Outside tap for muddy boots, bikes and dogs
Bed linen and towels provided
Wifi, heating and electricity included
Dogs welcome (maximum of 3) for supplement of £15 each
Small market town of Dulverton only 6 miles
Arrive from 3 pm
Depart by 10 am
Indoor Description
The kitchen has recently been renovated and fitted with new appliances to include induction range cooker and hob, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle, filter coffee machine and toaster.
There is a 50" Smart TV in the sitting room area, with two huge sofas from which to enjoy it. Unlimited logs are available for the impressive 10kW modern wood burning stove.
The property benefits from ultrafast fibre broadband. There is no phone signal on most mobile networks, though Wi-Fi calling is possible.
Electricity and heating costs are included in the price of your accommodation. Underfloor heating in the kitchen, a modern central heating system and a large log burner ensure cosy evenings in the winter. The house is double glazed throughout. In the summer months, the thick external walls keep the house deliciously cool.
Bed linen and towels are provided for your convenience.
Dogs are welcome (maximum of 3 dogs per booking), for a supplement of £15 per dog. Please do not leave your dog/s alone in the property at any time or allow them on the furniture or in the bedrooms.
Outdoor Description
The deceptively large garden is a particular feature of the property.
A door from the conservatory leads out onto a patio area, where there is an outdoor dining table and chairs, which benefits from sun throughout the day and evening, and a small sunny seating area in front of the kitchen, perfect for a pre-dinner glass of fizz.
Beyond the patio is a flat lawned area, with Adirondack chairs offering countryside views and an excellent bird spotting vantage point. Paths lead from here to a stream-fed pond and orchard, both with bench seating. There is also a large vegetable garden.
The garden is enclosed, though particularly adventurous dogs would be able to jump over the wall in front of the conservatory, or crawl through the thick beech hedge.
The garden can also be accessed from the entrance courtyard.
The cobbled courtyard is shared with the owners' other property next door which is also let for holidays, The Old Malt House (sleeps 4), which has its own separate enclosed garden.
Parking
Off-road parking for two cars parked in tandem is available on the drive, which is shared with the owners' other property next door. Parking is also possible on the quiet lane outside the property. Bicycles can be stored securely indoors.
Electric vehicles can be charged for an additional fee using the 13A plug socket in the garage, with pre-approval from the owner.
Pets Description
Well behaved dogs are welcome for £15 each. Sorry, no cats.
Restricted mobility
The property's location, on a steep hillside, with access via an uneven cobbled courtyard, makes it unsuitable for those with restricted mobility.
Exit in case of emergency
The property has a number of exits in case of an emergency. External doors from the hall lead onto the courtyard and garden respectively. All windows open wide enough for exit in an emergency.
Christmas / New Year
The house will be decorated for Christmas from early December. The large oven and extremely well equipped kitchen make it a perfect place to enjoy a Christmas away from home.
For dogs who hate fireworks, the location of the house is perfect. The semi-rural location and presence of a farm opposite the cottage means it's unlikely that a single firework will be heard on New Year's Eve. Guests would not be permitted to use fireworks.
The region
The Hare and Hounds is located in the tiny village of Exton, in a quiet but accessible corner of Exmoor National Park.
The village, which comprises around 20 houses, is located on a steep hillside and is accessed via a quiet single track road. The Hare and Hounds lies around half way up the hill. This is a truly peaceful location, with the only noise coming from the pheasants that frequently meander through the village and from the sheep and cows that graze on the nearby farm.
Below Exton, 400m down the (steep!) hill, lies Bridgetown, which has a pub (serving very good home cooked food) and a campsite, with a well equipped shop for everyday essentials. There is also a bus stop, with services to Dulverton, Exford, Winsford, Wheddon Cross, Dunster and Minehead. This opens up a wealth of point to point walks as well as day trips.
There are excellent walks and cycling (road, mountain and gravel rides) from the doorstep and the house is also well placed for exploring further afield. The coastal town of Minehead with its sandy beach and many amenities is a 25 minute drive away, whilst the dog friendly beach at Dunster is 20 minutes away. Dunkery Beacon and Tarr Steps are within a 15 minute drive.
The delightful small market town of Dulverton lies within easy reach of the cottage (7 miles; 15 minutes drive) and has a range of independent shops, including greengrocer, butcher, bakery, art gallery, craft and gift shops and a number of tea rooms, pubs and restaurants.
