Sleeping four in the sleepy village of Stogursey, this thatched former gatehouse is pure I Capture the Castle … Photograph: PR
Standing sentry over a bridge across a moat, the building and the island behind it (with ruined castle) are yours alone. A huge open fireplace and a window seat add to the romance.
• 01628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk. From £762 a week Photograph: PR
This luxury cottage for eight has an open fire and a walled garden. It’s handy for strolls in the Mendips, and a recommended three-hour walk to Wells with a pub lunch on the way … Photograph: PR
But the real selling point is a 15m ozone-filtered indoor pool with garden, which can be booked for exclusive use.
• 01761 241080, lilycombe.co.uk. From £1,300 a week (£162pp) Photograph: PR
Worth splashing out on if you have older children, this cottage sleeps four and has a cinema room, tennis court and pool … Photograph: PR
Flagstone floors, antique mirrors and expensive blankets add country chic. It’s also close to Bruton for posh pizza at At The Chapel and Batcombe for The Three Horseshoes.
• 01637 881183, uniquehomestays.com. From £975 a week Photograph: PR
The facilities in this chalet for four are basic, but it has lovely views across dunes and Blue Anchor bay. Kitchen, shower, living room and bedroom have been recently renovated (bring sheets and towels) … Photograph: PR
Most guests don’t stray far from the beach but Dunster Castle, Exmoor and the South West Coast Path are on the doorstep, and the Luttrell Arms is walking distance.
• 07966 557540, exmoorgetaway.co.uk. From £280 a week Photograph: PR
Big holiday homes are often either shabby piles or blingtastic party pads. Not this one, sleeping 29. A Victorian country house with a mix of grandeur and eccentric homeliness, it’s stylish but not stuffy (the owner’s passion for patchwork is evident from sofas to sun loungers) … Photograph: PR
The outdoor pool is a winner in summer, while the location in Easton-in-Gordano, near Bristol, means an easy escape into the city.
• 01237 426777, thebigdomain.com. From £4,000 a week (138pp) Photograph: PR
