Apple Cottage - Minehead

Apple Cottage takes no children or babies, because its double bedroom is up an open spindled spiral staircase from the kitchen and diner. It sleeps two. The en-suite has a shower and WC, and the headroom there is limited for taller guests. The Grade II-listed cottage stands in the grounds of a 16th-century manor house at Ellicombe, near Minehead, with Dunster half a mile away.

Inside, the lounge has a Smart TV, a DVD player and a DAB radio, and a door leads to the private enclosed garden. Two steps go down to the kitchen and diner, which looks over the lawn of the manor house. It has an electric hob and oven, a microwave and a fridge with an ice compartment. Wi-Fi covers the cottage, and local toiletries, tea, coffee and hot chocolate are provided.

The private garden has seating and a charcoal barbecue is available. Guests can also use the shared 2-acre sub-tropical garden with its secret garden and giant chess set, the communal fire pit with unlimited logs, and the paddock with goats, sheep and a miniature Shetland pony. The shared heated pool has its own walled area and is open 10am to 6pm from May to September. Cold-water swimming is available by appointment from October to April. The pool has steps at the shallow end but no ladder or handrail. Booking the sauna and ice bath is done separately, directly with the homeowner.

One parking space sits directly outside, and bikes can be stored and washed down. Dogs are limited to two, with additional charges possible, and a crate, bowls, towels, treats and a wash-off area are supplied. The beach is 1.5 miles away and the shops a mile. Good for a couple, with or without a dog, who are comfortable with a spiral staircase.