The Forge

The Forge is a Grade II-listed 18th-century barn conversion in Alhampton, a village near Castle Cary and not far from Sticklinch. It sleeps two. The lounge, kitchen and dining area share one open room with exposed stonework, and a wood burner and a Smart TV sit in the lounge end.

The kitchen has a microwave oven, a hob, a fridge and a dishwasher. The bedroom is on the mezzanine, up the stairs, with a super-king-size bed under the eaves. The ceilings in the bedroom are low and sloping, so taller guests should note that. Downstairs, the shower room has a double shower and a WC.

There is a small garden with outdoor furniture. Parking works differently here: you unload by the barn, then park at the pub next door, which is allocated for the length of your stay. The pub is 50 metres away. The nearest shop is five miles off and the beach is 28 miles away.

Castle Cary, a market town, is two miles from the barn, and Shepton Mallet Lido is four miles away. Glastonbury is about 11 miles off. Walkers can pick up the Leland Trail, the Macmillan Way or Monarch's Way.

One dog is allowed, and extra charges may apply. Arrival is from 15:00 and departure before 11:00. It suits a couple, with or without a dog, who are happy to park at the pub.