Hurstone House, Waterrow, Taunton, Somerset, Exmoor National Park

Hurstone House – Spacious Self-Catering Country House in Somerset

Dating back to the 14th century, Hurstone House is a stunning country property offering spacious self-catering accommodation with breathtaking views. Nestled on a hillside surrounded by fields, orchards, and woodland, Hurstone lies on the edge of the village of Waterrow and is within easy reach of Exmoor National Park. This self-catering property is ideal for large groups or families and offers easy access to the town of Taunton.

Accommodation

Hurstone House offers seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, making it the perfect place for a getaway at any time of year—whether for a family holiday in the summer or a winter weekend break with friends. Warm, comfortable rooms with open fires, central heating, and an outdoor Jacuzzi provide a cosy retreat. In warmer months, guests can laze in the garden, stroll through the meadows, or discover nearby villages tucked away along country lanes.

Visiting Waterrow & Exploring Somerset

Much of the surrounding land is a recognised County Wildlife Site, with traditional meadows, ancient hedgerows, and native woodland bordered by the River Tone. Otters frequent the river, wild deer can be spotted in the woodland, and buzzards soar above the pastures.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Hurstone is ideally situated for walking, mountain biking, horse riding, and fishing. For those preferring a more leisurely pace, there are numerous National Trust houses and gardens to visit, scenic drives over Exmoor, and the beautiful North Devon coast to explore.

Just a short walk from the house is The Rock Inn, a traditional village pub serving a range of local Cotleigh and Exmoor ales alongside fantastic food.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/somerset/2890

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Old Great House Farmhouse, Llandeilo, Builth Wells, Powys

Old Great House Farmhouse in Llandeilo Graban offers spacious self-catering accommodation surrounded by the breathtaking countryside of Powys. Just a short drive from Builth Wells, the farmhouse is perfectly located for exploring the region’s rolling hills, scenic walking trails, and historic attractions, making it an excellent base for discovering the beauty and adventure of Powys.

Accommodation

Inside, guests will find a welcoming sitting room with a large wood burner for cosy evenings and a smart TV. A library/games room provides the perfect space to relax or enjoy some entertainment. The well-equipped kitchen comes with a range of appliances, including a range cooker, microwave, kettle, toaster, and fridge freezer, while meals can be shared in the elegant dining room.

Bedrooms include a master room with a comfortable seating area, two doubles, and one twin on the second floor. On the third floor, an open-plan bedroom also features a separate room with a sofa and coffee table. The lower floor offers an en suite shower room and a family bathroom complete with a roll-top bath and shower. All bedrooms are furnished with luxurious bedding for a restful night’s sleep.

Outside, a spacious patio is furnished with comfortable seating and a luxurious hot tub, perfect for unwinding with a glass of bubbly. Guests can also enjoy a garden area with decking and a fabulous fire pit with a cooking grill.

In addition to the farmhouse, glamping pods are also available for those seeking a different style of accommodation.

Visiting Llandeilo Graban & Exploring Powys

The property is only 25 miles from the Elan Valley, renowned for its reservoirs and countryside. Other nearby attractions include Llyn Brianne Dam and Pen Y Fan, the second highest peak in Wales. History enthusiasts can visit Dinefwr Castle or Castle Woods, while Aberglasney Gardens offers a stunning blend of landscaped grounds and a historic mansion.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/powys/17450

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Clyn Glas Holiday Cottages, Cwmhiraeth, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire

Clyn Glas Holiday Cottages – Cwmhiraeth, Carmarthenshire

Clyn Glas Holiday Cottages provide high-quality self-catering accommodation in the picturesque village of Cwmhiraeth, near Newcastle Emlyn. Set in a peaceful location overlooking the valley where the Hiraeth stream flows, these beautifully refurbished cottages offer the perfect retreat for a relaxing countryside escape. Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking scenery, Clyn Glas is an idyllic base for exploring the charm, history, and natural beauty of West Wales.

Accommodation

Two charming cottages, each with its own garden, provide guests with a homely and tranquil setting. Both cottages are fitted with wood-burning stoves and an immersion heater, ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the year.

Upper Cottage (Y Bwthyn Uchaf)

A-frame bedroom with a double bed and full furniture suite

Ground floor with fully equipped kitchen

Lounge/diner

Bathroom with bath, shower, hand basin, and WC

Lower Cottage (Y Bwthyn Isaf)

Stunning valley views

Spacious kitchen/breakfast room

Lounge/dining room

Additional lounge with sofa bed

Ground floor cloakroom with WC

Facilities in Both Cottages

Electric cooker, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and automatic washing machine

Microwave oven, toaster, sandwich toaster, and kettle

TV, DVD player, and radio alarm in each bedroom

Visiting Cwmhiraeth & Exploring Carmarthenshire

The cottages sit on a hillside, overlooking the tranquil pastoral valley where the Hiraeth stream flows to join the River Teifi. The setting is excellent for birdwatching and offers direct walking opportunities from the cottages, as well as in the wider countryside.

Coast & Beaches: The nearest beach is at Aberporth on Cardigan Bay, just 20 minutes’ drive away. Cardigan Bay is well known for its dolphin and seal populations, which can often be spotted from the shore or on boat trips from Newquay.

Outdoor Activities: The local area offers fishing (both game and coarse), golf, and scenic walking routes.

Culture & Heritage: The village of Drefach Felindre is home to the Welsh Woollen Museum, currently undergoing a £2 million refurbishment. Visitors can also enjoy steam railways, historic sites such as Castell Henllys, and family attractions including Oakwood Theme Park.

Nearby Towns: Larger towns such as Cardigan (Aberteifi), Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin), and Lampeter (Llanbedr Pont Steffan) are all within easy reach, offering excellent shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

With its tranquil valley views, well-equipped cottages, and excellent location for exploring both coast and countryside, Clyn Glas Holiday Cottages make an ideal choice for couples, families, and nature lovers visiting West Wales.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/carmarthenshire/104

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Colliston Castle, Arbroath, Angus

Colliston Castle – Majestic Self-Catering Stay in a Historic Scottish Castle

Located near Arbroath in the heart of Angus, Colliston Castle offers a truly unique self-catering experience within a magnificent 16th-century Scottish castle. Surrounded by 10 acres of mature woodland and manicured lawns, this striking property provides an enchanting countryside escape for large groups, special occasions, or memorable family holidays.

Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort

Sleeping up to 16 guests, Colliston Castle seamlessly combines its rich historical character with high-quality modern amenities. Guests enter through a vaulted entrance hall, setting the tone for a memorable stay amid turrets, towers, and original architectural features.

The first floor boasts four impressive reception rooms, including:

A formal drawing room

A turret library for quiet reading

A cosy lounge with comfortable seating and a television

Additional elegant spaces ideal for socialising or relaxing

The spacious, well-equipped kitchen features:

A traditional range cooker

Separate electric ovens

Two dishwashers

Two fridge freezers

Microwave, washing machine, and tumble dryer (outside kitchen area)

Guests can enjoy meals in the formal dining room, which seats 16 or more, or opt for more casual dining in the garden room, which opens onto a patio perfect for al fresco dining.

Elegant Bedrooms and Ample Facilities

The castle offers seven beautifully appointed bedrooms, including:

A four-poster bedroom

A mix of double, twin, and single rooms

Two en-suite bedrooms

An additional four bathrooms, providing comfort and convenience for all guests

Outdoor Leisure and Relaxation

The extensive grounds offer a peaceful retreat with:

A patio area with outdoor seating

A luxurious hot tub for unwinding after a day of exploring

An electric sauna

Table tennis for added entertainment

Explore Arbroath and Angus

Perfectly located for coastal and countryside adventures, Colliston Castle is:

Just 5 miles from Arbroath, where guests can explore the harbour, shops, and local dining

Only 4 miles from the sandy shores of Lunan Bay

Around 20 miles northeast of Dundee

A 2-hour drive from Edinburgh, making day trips to the capital a possibility

Whether relaxing in regal surroundings or discovering the natural beauty of Angus, Colliston Castle offers a truly memorable stay steeped in history and Highland charm.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/angus/17401

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Morndyke, Busby Stoop, Thirsk, North Yorkshire

Morndyke at Busby Stoop – Unique Farm Accommodation in North Yorkshire

Morndyke at Busby Stoop offers a distinctive countryside escape, providing self-catering accommodation on a working farm complete with a parrot sanctuary and a scenic fishing lake. Located near the bustling market town of Thirsk, this peaceful retreat is perfectly positioned for exploring the beauty of North Yorkshire.

Morndyke Cottage

Morndyke Cottage is a luxurious ground-level holiday home, situated adjacent to the owners’ farmhouse and close to the charming parrot sanctuary nestled at the bottom of the garden. Boasting stunning views across the Hambleton Hills, this beautifully renovated property has been finished to the highest standards, featuring top-quality furnishings and cosy underfloor heating.

The well-equipped kitchen offers everything needed for home cooking, including a cooker, fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, dishwasher, and Emma Bridgewater crockery and kitchenware. After a day of exploring, guests can unwind in the elegant living room, tastefully furnished with Barker and Stonehouse pieces and complete with a TV, Netflix, DVD player, electric wood-burning stove, and comfortable seating.

Additional conveniences include a dedicated utility and drying room. Outdoors, a patio area with a table and chairs provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining while enjoying the views.

The cottage accommodates up to three guests across two stylish bedrooms, both featuring Laura Ashley soft furnishings and tranquil views over the garden and fields. The master bedroom offers a king-size bed, while the second bedroom includes a single bed. A modern bathroom with a spacious shower and complimentary Duck Island toiletries completes the accommodation.

Morndyke Shepherds’ Huts

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the farm beside a picturesque 2-acre coarse fishing lake, the Morndyke Shepherds’ Huts offer a cosy, rustic retreat. Each hut features comfortable bunk beds, a dining space, wood-burning stove, and compact seating area. A private bathroom is also included for convenience.

Outside, guests can relax on the paved area with a table and chairs—an ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee while taking in the tranquil surroundings. Linen and towels are available for hire.

On-Site Features

Morndyke’s unique Parrot Sanctuary provides rescue, rehoming, and rehabilitation services for parrots in need from across the UK. For anglers, the farm’s lake is stocked with a variety of coarse fish, offering a peaceful setting for a day of fishing.

Exploring Busby Stoop & Beyond

Ideally situated for outdoor enthusiasts, the area surrounding Morndyke boasts a wealth of cycling and walking routes. Just under a mile away, visitors will find Busby Stoop Garage for essentials, along with an award-winning Indian restaurant located opposite.

The historic town of Thirsk lies just 3 miles away and offers a range of amenities, including pubs, restaurants, cafés, and the Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Course for keen golfers. With the natural beauty of North Yorkshire on the doorstep, Morndyke provides an exceptional base for a memorable countryside getaway.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/NorthYorkshire/17397

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Marabou Safari Glamping Sibbertoft, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

Marabou Safari Glamping – Tranquil Lakeside Retreat in Rural Northamptonshire

Nestled just beyond the picturesque village of Sibbertoft and close to Market Harborough, Marabou Safari Glamping offers self-catering accommodation in a peaceful, lakeside setting. Surrounded by rolling countryside, it's the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty and attractions of the area.

Accommodation

Marabou Safari Glamping features a distinctive two-storey safari lodge, accessed by a charming footbridge over a stream and tucked away in a secluded location. Positioned next to the Sunbird Safari bell tent, both offer uninterrupted views across west-facing lakes. The spacious safari tent sleeps up to eight guests and includes everything needed for a comfortable and memorable stay. Guests can also enjoy a private glamping area outdoors, complete with a BBQ and fire pit.

Inspired by the film Out of Africa, the colonial-style safari lodge is elevated on timber stilts to make the most of the spectacular lake views from the deck. Inside, the ambiance is cosy and inviting, with a wood-burning stove providing warmth on cooler evenings. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, featuring a gas hob and a wood-burning stove, along with indoor and outdoor dining and lounging spaces.

The lodge includes a stylish bathroom with a shower over a slipper bath and WC. Additional washroom facilities are available just 250 metres away. The sleeping arrangements are thoughtfully designed: a master bedroom with a king-size four-poster bed, an upper level with another king-size bed and two single beds, a snug cabin bed, and charming tent-style beds on the mezzanine floor – perfect for children. All beds are dressed with high-quality cotton and linen bedding.

Facilities & Fishing

Guests staying in the lodge have access to a 5-acre coarse fishing lake, home to carp, tench, and perch. Fishing is included in the stay, adding an extra element of relaxation and recreation to the glamping experience.

Exploring the Area

The surrounding region is ideal for those who love the outdoors. Scenic walks are available nearby, including a lovely route just a mile south of Welford leading to the historic grounds of Hemploe Hall. The famous canal walks at Foxton Locks offer a peaceful day out, while garden lovers can explore the ten-acre grounds at Coton Manor. History enthusiasts may also enjoy a visit to the grand Althorp House.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/leicestershire/17234

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Maengwynedd Log Cabins, Maengwynedd, Oswestry, Shropshire

Maengwynedd Log Cabins – Tranquil Retreats in the Heart of the Berwyn Mountains

Maengwynedd Log Cabins provide high-quality self-catering accommodation nestled in the serene countryside of Maengwynedd, near Llanrhaeadr and Oswestry. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Berwyn Mountain range in Mid Wales, this peaceful retreat offers an idyllic base for discovering the natural beauty and cultural treasures of the surrounding area. With easy access to Oswestry (Shropshire), Llangollen, Chester (Cheshire), Snowdonia, and the sweeping beaches of North Wales, guests can explore the wonders of Wales directly from their doorstep.

Accommodation

Three beautifully appointed traditional pine lodges—Caban Haf, Caban Berwyn, and Caban Iwrch—provide stylish and spacious accommodation, each designed to sleep up to six guests in comfort. Furnished to a high standard with embellished fabrics and solid oak and pine furniture, the cabins combine rustic charm with modern luxury.

Each centrally heated lodge features:

One double bedroom and two flexible twin/double rooms (one with en-suite and power shower)

A fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, and cooker

A lounge with TV, Sky, DVD player, Wi-Fi, and a full-sized memory foam sofa bed

A private veranda with BBQ facilities and ample parking

A personal hot tub with panoramic views over the untouched Welsh countryside—perfect for peaceful evenings under the stars

Caban Haf offers a slightly different setup from the other two cabins, providing both self-catering and optional catered stays. Designed with larger families or group bookings in mind, it also includes conference-style facilities when all three cabins are reserved together.

Guests are provided with all linen and towels at no extra charge, and electricity and heating are included in the cost of both short breaks and week-long stays.

Exploring Maengwynedd and Shropshire

Perched high within the Berwyn Mountains—reaching heights of 827 metres (2710 feet) at Cadair Berwyn—Maengwynedd is perfectly positioned for lovers of the outdoors. The surrounding area, celebrated for its raw natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, is ideal for:

Hill walking and mountain hikes

Bird watching across vast open skies

Mountain biking on rugged trails

Horse riding through scenic valleys and forested paths

This hidden corner of Wales offers an authentic experience of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with adventures that begin the moment guests step outside their cabin door.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/shropshire/10526

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Mallard Cottage, Grosmont, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Mallard Cottage – Scenic Retreat in the North York Moors

Mallard Cottage is a much-loved, well-equipped character terraced cottage nestled within the North York Moors National Park. Set in the peaceful hamlet of Esk Valley near Grosmont, the property overlooks the famous Heritage Steam Railway, offering guests the unforgettable experience of watching steam locomotives power up the line. Surrounded by open countryside made famous by the TV series Heartbeat, the cottage offers scenic views from every window and is a haven for local wildlife. With countryside walks from the doorstep and the heritage coastline—including the seaside town of Whitby—just a short drive away, it’s an ideal base for a relaxing rural getaway. The location is safe and tranquil, perfect for families with children.

Accommodation Highlights

Mallard Cottage comfortably sleeps four guests across two bedrooms, with additional space for two more on the lounge sofas. The master bedroom features a charming pine four-poster double bed and offers spectacular views of passing steam trains. A second bedroom includes full-size adult bunk beds, perfect for families or friends travelling together. The bathroom features a WC, vanity unit, and a shower over the bath.

The cosy lounge and dining area boasts exposed beams, a feature fireplace with an electric stove-style fire, two comfortable sofas, a dining table and chairs, and a TV with DVD player—ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. The large kitchen is fully equipped with all the essential electric appliances for convenient self-catering.

Outside, a private garden provides panoramic countryside views and includes a sun house with comfortable seating—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Private parking is available directly behind the cottage.

All linen and electricity are included. Please note that pets are not permitted.

Discover Grosmont & North Yorkshire

Grosmont, once a bustling hub of ironstone mining in the 19th century, is now best known for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This heritage railway shares its station with the Esk Valley Railway, and both services bring the charm of steam travel right to the village. Visitors can walk to the nearby engine shed to watch steam engines undergoing maintenance—a treat for rail enthusiasts.

Nearby Whitby offers traditional seaside delights including Blue Flag beaches, independent shops, and award-winning fish and chips. The surrounding area provides a wide range of activities such as walking, horse riding, golfing, and boating—ensuring something for every guest to enjoy.

For more information please visit our website:

https://theholidaycottages.co.uk/northyorkshire/12602

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below: