Blue Ball Inn

The Blue Ball Inn is a thatched cottage at Triscombe, near Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe, in the Quantock Hills National Landscape. It sleeps ten, and guests get private access to the pub, which is separate from the cottage, including the bar, where they pour their own pints. The long-distance Coleridge Way passes nearby, with Cothelstone Hill and Wills Neck within 5 miles. Taunton is within 10 miles; the shop is 2 miles and the beach 10 miles away.

The five bedrooms are all super-king-size, with zip-and-link beds that can be made into twins on request. Each has its own en-suite: three have walk-in showers, and two add a free-standing bath. Exposed beams, deep-set panelled windows and ornamental fireplaces run through the cottage. In the pub, the fully fitted kitchen has electric ovens, a microwave, a fridge/freezer, a coffee machine, a washing machine and a dishwasher. The dining room has a large Viking-style table, and a media room has a Smart TV and soft seating.

The pub garden is on several levels, with lawns, outdoor games, shaded spots, an outdoor kitchen with two BBQs and a private hot tub. Private parking is ample. A concierge meets guests on arrival and will arrange drinks packages, a private chef, a catered BBQ and staff for an additional charge. The water supply is private. Because the pub is a working one, there is CCTV in the pub and outside the pub building, but none in or outside the accommodation.

Dogs are not allowed. Check-in is from 4pm and departure before 10am. It suits a group of friends or a large family who want to take over a pub for a stay.