Toads Breech, Dulverton, Somerset self catering holiday cottage accommodation

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Toads Breech, Dulverton, Somerset Dulverton, Somerset self catering holiday cottages




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Both these two self catering cottages in the Exmoor National Park, UK, offer special, spacious and immaculately presented holiday accommodation. They are in a converted old barn and finished and equipped to a high standard, combining old character with modern comfort: oak beams and uneven walls with high quality fixtures and furnishings, including a log burner. Set high in the Little Exe Valley above the small Exmoor town of Dulverton offering a peaceful retreat for a holiday, or short break, at any time of the year. Being little known, Exmoor is unspoilt and uncrowded with great walking, fishing, riding and space in which to relax and "do your own thing". Contact by telephone 01398 371303, e-mail, or fax as shown at bottom of page

TOADS BREECH sleeps 4 - 5 + cot in 2 large bedrooms; suitable for a family or two couples or luxury for two! A spacious Exmoor holiday cottage offering high comfort accommodation in all weathers with conventional room layout. We have converted and equipped this Exmoor cottage as if we were going to live in it ourselves, taking care to retain its old features and marry them with modern comforts. It has full central heating and a log burner.

The sitting room's main features are: massive old oak beam, oak floor with rug, log burner, logs are provided, two good sofas, colour TV, video, cd player, various small tables, oil fired central heating . The separate kitchen/dining room is across the entrance hall.

Upstairs: 2 large bedrooms, spacious landing, bathroom: -- with bath + power shower over, toilet and wash basin, shaver point. Wide, two-turn carpeted staircase from entrance hallway, off which is a second w.c.

Both Bedrooms are: spacious, carpeted; can take additional single bed, or cot -- still leaving walk round space. The main bedroom, (right photo): king size double bed, colour TV, large built in cupboard, airing cupboard. Window faces south looking up an old cattle walkway, to our largest field, from which this cottage takes its name. Second bedroom: twin single beds, can easily take third. Cotton sheets, polycotton duvet covers, all towels, soap, basics included in the rental.

Kitchen/dining Room: separate to living room, off other side of terracotta tiled entrance hall, has easy clean cushion flooring, old oak beams, good range of kitchen units and appliances: -- electric cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer + dining table with four chairs and two spare portable chairs. Electricity, cleaning materials and welcome basket are included

Self catering holiday cottage for up to 5 people, non smoking, dogs by arrangement: conventional and spacious room layout on 2 floors, separate kitchen/dining room and sitting room, 2 toilets. Rural location in England's little known and unspoilt Exmoor National Park.

Toads Breech self catering holiday cottage has its own private garden area for its guests' enjoyment.

The main area faces west and has mown lawn with garden furniture and movable barbecue. On one side it is screened by an old barn, (in the right side of this photo), whose near part is available to cottage, (e.g. for cycle or fishing rod storage). Its other main, right hand side, boundary is a "seasonal pond", with tall beech trees on a bank behind it. This pond may have up to 2 -3 feet of water -- care with very young children. Because of our rural location within the unspoiled Exmoor National Park and its un-manicured style, the garden is visited by an interesting variety of birds and animals. If you sit quietly, for long enough, you might even see the beast of Exmoor!!

A rough stone walkway leaves from the garden up into our largest field, (whose name on the 1850 tythe map has been used for this cottage). Guests are welcome to walk and picnic in this field when it is not being grazed by neighbours, sheep or cattle. Wild red deer are sometimes seen in this field and there are fine views west and north west towards Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor's highest point. Part way along this walkway is an entrance to our Orchard Field which is dedicated to the enjoyment of the guests from both cottages e.g. quiet relaxation, maybe with a pair of binoculars, a book or some appropriate "sustenance", for children's ball games, or gentle strolling.

Weatherham Farm is set high above the valley of the Little Exe river about 4 miles, (6km) from the UK's small Exmoor National park town of Dulverton -- our two self catering holiday cottages are well placed for your own exploring of peaceful unspoilt countryside and old villages and hamlets.

This is the softer, eastern, side of Exmoor -- an area of wooded valleys hiding sparkling streams and rivers, (the Little Exe and the Barle), open hills with heather moorland and gentle farming pastures. It, and its ancient villages, hamlets, old churches and pubs, invite gentle exploration or more energetic expeditions. Its landscape is varied, little touched by man and undiscovered -- "Exmoor -- still England but another world".

We are one mile outside the village of Brompton Regis, with its welcoming pub, the George: good food and local real ales. 4 miles away is the friendly "town" of Dulverton with shops for everyday needs including: excellent butcher, chemist, small supermarket with video hire, the famous Lewis' tea rooms, fishing tackle country clothing and cycle hire and a good visitor and heritage centre. Some of Exmoor's famous places such as Dunster, with its medieval yarn market, castle and working water mill, and Tarr Steps with its impressive ancient clapper bridge, (like very large continuous stepping stones), are about 20 minutes by car. Dogs also like Exmoor!

Round and about there is a range of more organized "things to see and do", which cater for all ages and tastes -- including "wet-day" family activities: e.g. West Somerset Railway, Aquashsplash, Quince Honey Farm, Cider Farms, high quality craft centres. Don't forget Exmoor has fine produce. You don't have to bring your supermarket bags with you -- we have superb locally, and non intensively, produced meat, (also organic meat), local cheeses, game, smoked (and fresh) fish, two local breweries and even an Exmoor vineyard. You can eat out very well, at a choice of places near us, without spending a fortune! Most local pubs welcome children and controlled dogs.

The coast, at the sweeping pebbly Porlock bay, below right, is about 35 minutes car drive from us

Exmoor is made for walking! -- it has over 600 miles of way marked paths and superb, unspoilt and very varied landscape, conserved by the Exmoor National Park extending from sea level to just over 500 metres.

Because Exmoor is a little known area it is very free from crowds, both on the roads, footpaths and open moors. Exmoor's three types of landscapes: dramatic coastal hills and cliffs, wide open moorland and sheltered valleys, ("combes"), invite walks by all ages and fitness levels -

- from a gentle stroll along a level path to take in the view and wildlife, to a planned day-long trek over open moorland, down sheep-grazed slopes and along rushing rivers.

Its famous areas, such as the ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge across the River Barle and the Valley of the Rocks near Lynton are busier, but still worth a visit if you haven't seen them.

A variety of leaflets and books with suggested walks is produced. We have some for our guests. Visitor centres and other local shops also stock them. Our nearest visitor centre is in Dulverton, phone: 01398 323841. The Exmoor National Park has a programme of guided walks throughout the year, (website: Exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk, e.g. under "events"). Very close to us are numerous paths, e.g. round Wimbleball Lake, over the open moor of Haddon Hill and in the valley of the River Hadeo. We have produced a set of notes on local walks and we are pleased to suggest other routes.

Our two cottages offer high comfort bases whatever the weather or season -- if you come home hot, then sit outside and admire the sunset with a cool drink, if you get wet, then a hot shower or bath and a coffee, or more, by the wood burner may be better!

Around us on Exmoor there is a variety of easily accessible fishing , mainly fly fishing for both trout and salmon, also some grayling, and, a little further away, sea trout. Trout are both wild brown trout and rainbows in scenic rivers, streams and large and small lakes. We can arrange permits for several waters very close to us. Exmoor fishing is in superb scenery and for fishing holidays, Exmoor offers more than just fishing.

Within under 10 minutes by car we have the rivers: Exe, Little Exe, Hadeo and Barle, (trout, salmon, and some grayling), Wimbleball Lake, (rainbows and wild browns), Exebridge Fishery and a private trout lake. It is possible to gain permits for each of these. Permits for those in red are readily available.

A 20 minute car drive also brings in Clatworthy Reservoir, shown left, (rainbows and some browns), and Bellbrook still water trout fishery with large rainbows.

45 minutes drive brings in the dramatic East Lyn River: salmon, sea trout and trout. One hour's drive brings in the River Taw, (salmon, good sea trout), the River Mole, (ditto), a good stillwater: Blakewell, (rainbows, some brownies) and Wistland Pound and Hawkridge reservoirs, and also some small streams. Andrew is a keen fly fisherman and can help with advice, local knowledge and permits.

Exmoor fishing offers something for most fishing tastes at very affordable prices, e.g. a day's permit for the River Little Exe, (mainly small wild brownies, with 10oz being a good fish, some grayling and, later on with the right water, a chance of a salmon), 3 permit options, e.g. £10 for about 5 miles of fishing. A shorter beat costs £6.00. Through the Dulverton Angling Association, totally wild fishing on both the Litte Exe and River Hadeo is available free to members after paying their £20 season membership, (membership via Lance Nicholson Tackle, Dulverton, contact details below). The Association also has access to some excellent salmon beats on the main river Exe, through the "Fish the Exe Scheme". Clatworthy from the bank is £16.00 per day for 5 fish; (in early May 2002 my bag averaged 3.3lbs!), boats cost £15. Wimbleball Lake bank is £18.50 for 6 fish, average 1.75 - 2lbs, with a few larger fish, (boats: plus £11 and 2 more fish); catch and release £16, one of its arms has a mayfly hatch!. See the fishing news page for full price details for 2005 for Clatworthy and Wimbleball. About 3 miles of the East Lyn costs £13.50 for salmon. Salmon permits on the main Exe, Mole and Taw are around £30. Apart from the smaller stillwaters, fishing is very uncrowded, even solitary if you wish to go exploring! There is a wealth of very affordable fly fishing opportunities to suit all tastes. Two put and trout lakes have recently opened again in Combe Sydenham Country Park, just on the eastern edge of Exmoor about 25 minutes car from us. The owner, Jim Laver describes them as "Somerset's newest fly fishing venue! The fishery is situated in a beautiful country park. There are three small lakes, just over an acre each, stocked with rainbow, blue and tiger trout from 2lbs - 16lbs. the Lodge Pond is ideal for beginners with easy access from open, grassy banks. Sir George's and Lady Elizabeth's ponds are set in the peaceful seclusion of a wooded valley, just a stroll from the free car park" -- and there is a good pub close by, the Notely Arms in Monksliver! More details via the link at the bottom of the page. The Dulverton tackle and clothing shop, see link below, also sells permits for other local waters and has tickets for Angling 2000, from West country rivers Trust,

Exmoor produces fine quality naturally produced food and drink: it has its own vineyard and there are two real ale breweries, very close to Exmoor: "Exmoor Ales" and "Cotleigh", both at Wiviliscombe. Our self-catering cottages give you flexibility to choose between preparing your own meals from local produce and eating out. Dulverton, 4 miles away, is a good shopping centre -- excellent butcher, and at Exebridge we are fortunate to have a smokery for excellent smoked food; fish and some smoked meat: (it also offers mail order hampers):

We have superb meat, especially lamb and beef from non-intensive grass based production and game in season. On, and around, Exmoor there are some local cheese makers, cider is produced in the Vale of Taunton and there are the two local real ale breweries. When you eat out, you are likely to be enjoying local produce, some of which is organic.

We take an interest in local food and produce and can provide further information. You don't have to come to Exmoor armed with bags of supermarket food!

Exmoor National Park is one of the UK's best places for horse riding because of the varied scenery and open, unspoilt countryside, over and through, which you can ride -- over open moorland and through valleys and rivers. There are around 400 miles of bridleways, most of which are marked. Exmoor riding gives the choice of letting riding stables take you through their favourite corners of Exmoor or hiring to go out and make your own discoveries without fear of loosing the paths. On horseback you can enjoy different countryside and often get closer to wildlife, such as Exmoor's wild red deer and wild ponies. You have probably heard of Exmoor's wild ponies but you may not know that they are classed as an endangered species, since, globally, they are unique and few in number. Our two self catering holiday cottages are well placed for a riding holiday.

The Exmoor National Park Authority has its own mounted rangers and helps to maintain bridleways. (The two of them in the left hand photo are actually on two mounts!).

Our two self catering cottages provide an excellent base for riding holidays, (which you will need to book with one of the local stables)

Around us there are various places providing trekking, livery and riding stables to suit all ages, abilities and requirements -- from those wanting pony trekking to those wishing to ride a larger horse or to hire hunters.

We have a list of various such establishments and are pleased to help with information and contacts, especially those staying, or about to stay with us!.

With the increasing pressures of everyday business life and the hassle of commuting, it's becoming increasingly necessary to get away and switch-off, or chill out, more often -- to find somewhere where you can slow down and relax -- somewhere quiet, comfortable and in unspoilt scenery and countryside, more reminiscent of an area that has been bypassed by most of the rest of the country. Exmoor is such a place and Toads Breech and Buzzards offer the bolt holes. With our two cottages we aim to offer a package of escape for a short break, or longer, in any season.

Our guests don't have to worry about what they are coming to, ("will it be clean?"- "will it be comfortable?"), nor do they have to bring much with them, because we try to provide most things within our rental fee and because you can still eat out fairly cheaply around us and enjoy excellent quality seasonal food.

A wide choice of quality, and locally produced, ingredients is available close by. If you enjoy cooking and preparing your own dinners, we provide all the "equipment" for this and also the ambience to increase the enjoyment of your success.

Currently. We have had a number of weeks of superb dry weather. Although rivers and steams are running low, the countryside is still very green and is looking fantastic.

We are now starting the weather for this sort of external relaxation in Toads Breech' garden, on Buzzard's terrace or in our Orchard Field:

Spring starts early near the coast and in the lower sheltered combes but late higher upon the moor. This means you can notice the seasonal progression as you drive about - the wild snowdrops and daffodils are hardly gone from higher areas before bluebells start appearing in the lower level woods. The leaves on the trees will have been fully out in the coastal areas before the dramatic flush of soft new beech leaves colours the valley bottoms and their steep hillsides higher up on the Moor in early May. Here primroses flower through April into early May.

Because the Exmoor National Park is a little known part of the country, even though it's not far away from the home counties and Birmingham, it never becomes crowded. Certainly its famous locations and villages, such Tarr Steps, the Valley of the Rocks, Dunster, etc, will be busy, but it is easy to find your own quiet areas. With the possible exception of the coast road along the north of Exmoor, the roads and lanes are still very quiet and its hundreds of miles of footpaths and bridleways can never become crowded! Summer is a very beautiful time on Exmoor, especially latter on when flowering heather starts to colour the open moors - but it's not the only beautiful time!

Although Exmoor does have large areas of open moorland, it also has a maze of hidden wooded valleys so autumn leaves are a vivid site. If the memory of an exotic summer holiday abroad is fading, why not plan an autumn short break with us? -- if you enjoy fishing, make it before the end of September and you may have a good chance of a salmon!, (the salmon seasons finishes at the end of this month, the trout season continues for another 3 - 4 weeks). You are probably aware of Exmoor's herds of wild red deer -- autumn is the time of the rut, so even when you don't see the deer you may hear them. It is also the time for pheasant and partridge on the menu.

When was the last time you had a break in an area remiscent of a bygone age - where you could really relax and have time for yourself and each other?

Toads Breech, Dulverton, Somerset self catering holiday cottages

Dulverton, Somerset self catering holiday cottages