Virginia Cottage - Minehead

Two bedrooms sit upstairs at Virginia Cottage, a double and a twin, so it sleeps four and they share a single shower room with a power shower. Ceilings on the first floor are low and sloping. The Grade II-listed cottage is in a secluded spot at Ellicombe, on the edge of Exmoor, with Minehead half a mile away and the medieval village of Dunster also half a mile away.

You enter up a couple of steps into the kitchen, which has an electric hob and oven, a microwave and a fridge with an ice compartment. It opens to a lounge and dining area with a Smart TV, a DVD player and a wooden dining table. Wi-Fi is included, and a highchair, travel cot and stairgate can be requested. There is a hairdryer, and local tea, coffee and hot chocolate are left for arrival. A shared utility room has a freezer and a clothes airer.

A private courtyard seating area has a charcoal barbecue. Beyond it is a shared 2-acre sub-tropical garden with a secret garden, a giant chess set, a children's swing and a communal fire pit with unlimited logs. A 2-acre paddock holds goats, sheep and a miniature Shetland pony, and oats for the goats are provided. The shared heated outdoor pool is walled in and open 10am to 6pm from May to September. Between October and April it is open for cold-water swimming by appointment. Its shallow end has steps only, with no ladder or handrail. The sauna and ice bath beside it are booked separately with the homeowner.

Up to two dogs are allowed, with additional charges possible, and the owner provides a crate, bowls, towels, treats and a wash-off area. Parking is for one car, bikes can be stored securely, and the pub is 0.5 miles off, the shop a mile and the beach 1.5 miles. Ideal for a family or two couples bringing a dog and happy to share a garden with goats, sheep and a pony.