My husband and I travelled from Boston, USA to come to the glorious county of Somerset and walk the moors, little lanes, woods, pubs, and villages of Exmoor. After a lifetime of reading Thomas Hardy, the Bronte sisters, and of course, R.D. Blackmore's 'Lorna Doone,' it was a dream fulfilled for me. This little thatched roof cottage has been the perfect place for me to feel as if I'm back in time. The grounds and garden are so peaceful and tranquil. Little Staunton lane was within walking distance (we didn't have a car) to Alcombe where right down the street we could get great food and conversation every time we were there. I've never met such friendly and intelligent people as the people of Somerset County! We were able to walk to Dunster and Minehead, but must give a shout out to Mark from Ava Cab Co, who took us out to Lynton/Lynmouth, Withypool (where we had lunch at The Royal Oak Inn where Dwight Eisenhower stayed after D-Day and Blackmore wrote "Lorna Doone"), the Tarr Steps, and the much photographed Allerford packhorse bridge. Jenny next door is the loveliest woman who really enjoys meeting all the neighbours who come and go. Do make an effort to visit her if she doesn't come by with a bouquet of flowers first to greet you! Also want to give a shout out to the housekeeper who came out to dry our clothes, as the listing shows the cottage has a dryer and the directions left in the appliance booklet also gave instructions on how to use it, but turns out there isn't one, so we ended up with a load of wet clothes! Thanks, Emma, for coordinating the drying.
My only suggestions would be to dust a bit better and get rid of all the cobwebs in the little corners and windows. Also, two small things that make life easier is to put a little towel rack by the upstairs bedroom sink, and get one of those wire shelves for the shower that hook over it to put soaps and shampoos in. Otherwise, it was perfect!
