West Huckham Barn, near Wheddon Cross

Property Summary
West Huckham Barn near Wheddon Cross sits deep in the Quarme Valley in Exmoor with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside - full of flowers, wildlife and history. The property sleeps up to 5 guests in three bedrooms; two doubles, and one single bedroom.

Main Description
West Huckham Barn near Wheddon Cross is a 200-year-old detached barn, with an open linhay barn with prominent stone pillars, adjacent to the main building. The barn has been converted into comfortable holiday accommodation for up to 5 guests. The property has a lovely spacious feel to it, the open-plan living/dining/kitchen area is a great space with high vaulted ceiling and wooden beams. The adjoining conservatory is the perfect spot to enjoy the views, especially when the sun is setting; or when the weather does not allow you to enjoy it al fresco!

Sleeps up to 5 guests in three bedrooms
Ground floor double and single bedrooms and shower room
First floor double bedroom with en-suite
Balcony seating area overlooking living area
(balcony can provide one individual bunk bed if required for alternative sleeping arrangements)
Spacious open plan living area, with adjoining conservatory
Wood burning stove
Large garden with pond (pond is not fenced, children must be supervised)
Stunning countryside views
Wonderful walks from the door (Public footpath)
Towels and bed linen provided
Wi fi, heating and electricity included
Arrive from 4 pm
Depart by 10 am

For those with restricted mobility, the living area and one double bedroom are on the ground level. There is one step up from here to access the shower room and a single bedroom. There is level access from here through the entrance door. The conservatory is one step down from the main living area. Full views through the double doors from the living area level. All steps have a hand hold adjacent to the step.

The nearby village of Wheddon Cross is approx 3 miles, so just a short drive in the car to the nearest shop (mini-supermarket), petrol station and a family and dog-friendly pub which serves food too. (good carvery Wednesdays and Sundays!).

The property is approached by a private and gated drive (hardcore track) which is shared with two other dwellings, the last four hundred yards is steep, as the drive drops down into the valley to give the wonderful views enjoyed from the back of the barn.

A good supply of logs will be provided. Additional logs are available in the adjoining barn, for which there will be a charge of £20.

Up to two well behaved dogs are welcome by prior arrangement and for a supplementary fee of £12 per dog (strict maximum of 2 dogs).
The garden is enclosed with stock fencing but an adventurous dog could get out. There is likely to be livestock in nearby fields, so please keep dogs under control.

Please do not pre-order groceries online for delivery, the access lane is not suitable for delivery lorries. There is an excellent, well stocked, mini-supermarket (petrol also available) 3 miles away at Wheddon Cross, and a Co-op in Dulverton (6 miles), both of which are open exceptionally long hours.



Indoor Description
There are two entrances to West Huckham Barn on the ground floor; one at the end nearest the bedrooms and the main entrance opening directly into the living area. Floor plans provided below.


We imagine that the open-plan living area is where you'll spend most of your time; the high timber ceiling and glazed doors give a feeling of openness and space. The comfortable seating area is complete with wood-burner. The oak-fitted kitchen has all modern conveniences (dishwasher, microwave, larder fridge, electric oven/induction hob). The west-facing conservatory is a glorious spot for watching the sunset.

For those with restricted mobility, this barn can offer space and easy access to all amenities, though wheelchairs would not be possible. There is one step between bedroom and living area. The conservatory is another step down, but has wide open double doors giving a complete view of the landscape from the living room level.

Also on the ground floor is a utility room, comprising washing machine, freezer and an extra larder fridge. There are two ground-floor bedrooms - one double bedroom and one single room. On the opposite side of the hall to this bedroom is the shower-room (comprising shower, toilet and hand basin).

A narrow staircase leads up from the utility area to a second sitting area which overlooks the downstairs living room. There is a desk available here. This area leads through to a double bedroom (King-size bed) with en-suite bathroom (bath, toilet and hand basin). This bedroom also has an external door, with wider, outside steps down to the garden.





Outdoor Description
The outside space at West Huckham Barn is sure to delight! The sloping lawn to the rear of the property is large, with far reaching, west facing views, an ideal place to enjoy the sometimes spectacular sunsets. The land here is complete with pond (unfenced, so children must be supervised). There are two areas of wild flower meadow within the garden. In springtime, bluebells can be seen on the steep bracken covered hillside beyond the gate, to side of parking area.
(Please do not use online grocery shopping services to be delivered to the cottage, the lane is not suitable to allow access for delivery lorries).
There is an excellent, well stocked, mini-supermarket at Wheddon Cross, also in Dulverton in the other direction, both of which are open long hours.

There are outside chairs, plus benches near the pond, and on the far side of the garden. A public footpath runs down one side of the garden under the hedge. This leads to Winsford, via the river Quarme valley; a lovely walk. The village of Exton can also be reached via a branch of this public footpath across the bracken hillside to the left.

The garden is enclosed with stock fencing but an adventurous dog could get out. There is likely to be livestock in nearby fields, so please be vigilant.



Parking
There is ample parking for two cars beside the property on the drive. Beyond the outside steps, there is an electric vehicle charging point in parking area. The gateway into the adjoining field should (if possible) be left clear for access.
There is an electric vehicle charging point which is charged at £10. Please add this to the booking when you make your reservation. Further charging sessions can be paid using the honesty box on site.

Pets Description
Up to two well behaved dogs are welcome by prior arrangement and for a supplementary fee of £12 per dog. If there was a trophy chosen by pets for the best garden and most freedom, then Huckham is in the running so we’re told! Sorry, it's a strict maximum of 2 dogs please, no exceptions.


Restricted mobility
There is one step between the two ground floor bedrooms and the main living area. There is a 'hand hold' alongside. There is one step from here into the conservatory area. No step into property from main entrance door.

Exit in case of emergency
Fire exits.
Three exits on ground floor. Leave keys in the each lock.
First floor. There is door to outside steps. You should always have the key in place in the door, to unlock if necessary.

Safety in area close to pond.
There is no fence in place. Please note that children/disabled should always be supervised on the uneven banks of this pond. (from the comfortable seat located close by perhaps)

Christmas / New Year
We provide a decorated Christmas tree for our visitors

The region
Whatever your particular interests, for an overview of all that Exmoor has to offer, you will find more at https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk. The nearby Quantock Hills AONB area is also described here.
Exmoor is a National Park. https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Wheddon Cross is the nearest village approx 3 miles away. The village is said to be the highest on Exmoor, standing at 980 feet above sea level. The highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon (1704 feet above sea level) is only a short distance beyond. There are fantastic panoramic views from Dunkery; wild moorland to the west, the Bristol Channel and Wales to the north, the rolling Brendon Hills to the east and the Quarme Valley to the south. Some of the best walking on Exmoor (including a trail suitable for those less able) can be found at Webbers Post which lies to the seaward side of Dunkery Beacon.

For the active visitor, walks with fine views are all around, whilst Exmoor's well-known landmarks such as the outstanding Tarr Steps, can be reached by driving across the moorland area which can be seen from West Huckham Barn. Dunkery Beacon, and the valleys of the Exe, Barle and East Lyn (setting for Blackmore's famous novel Lorna Doone) are all easily reached. Wimbleball lake, with a wide range of water and land based activities, is within easy reach. (5 miles) Excellent walks and cafe with outdoor eating area. There is ample information available at the barn to help you in planning your visit.

The medieval village of Dunster is only six miles away, with its 11th century castle, and Mill (National Trust), and old Yarn Market, Tithe barn and interesting shops, pubs and restaurants.

Slightly further afield is the North Devon and Somerset coast with pretty villages in steep combes such as Porlock, Lynton and Lynmouth. For a more traditional seaside experience, you can head to Minehead which is only ten miles away.

Other towns to visit in the area are Tiverton to the south, with plenty of shops, a canal walk, and a National Trust property (Knightshayes) nearby. A visit to the county town of Taunton, to the north, could be combined with a day exploring the beautiful and little-known Quantock Hills.