Royal Oak Farm, Winsford

Property Summary
Royal Oak Farm in Winsford (Somerset) is a fabulous thatched cottage set in the pretty village of Winsford in the heart of Exmoor. It has spacious living space for 9 people, a large enclosed pretty garden (excellent for children and dogs) and is situated next to a beautiful thatched village pub.

Main Description
Royal Oak Farm is a distinctive pink thatched cottage set in the heart of Winsford, in Somerset, one of Exmoor’s most picturesque and celebrated villages. Full of charm and rich in history, parts of the cottage date back to the 14th century, offering guests a rare chance to experience a truly traditional Exmoor home. With generous living spaces, five bedrooms and a large enclosed garden, it’s an ideal setting for families or groups seeking a comfortable rural retreat with plenty of character.

Sleeps up to 9 guests
Five bedrooms
Two king-size double beds, two twin bedrooms and one single
Large beamed living room with wood-burner (starter logs provided)
Plus a second sitting room
Spacious dining room
Well-equipped kitchen with tiled floor and two ovens
Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
Ground-floor shower room
Two bathrooms upstairs
Enclosed garden ideal for dogs
Village pub next door
The village shop is a short walk away
Wifi, electricity and heating included
Bed linen and towels provided
Arrive from 4 pm
Depart by 10 am

Inside, the cottage blends original features with modern comforts. The beamed living room offers a warm and inviting space to relax, while the additional sitting room provides extra room for reading, games or quiet time. The large dining room easily accommodates group meals, and the well-proportioned kitchen makes preparing family feasts a simple task. There is a ground-floor shower room with a toilet. Upstairs, five bedrooms provide flexible sleeping arrangements, ensuring comfort for larger parties. There are two bathrooms upstairs, one with a bath and shower overhead, and one with a shower, both with toilets.

Outside, the enclosed garden offers a safe and peaceful spot for dogs and children, and a lovely place to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening drink. With the village pub just next door and a shop within walking distance, essentials and good food are always close at hand.

Winsford sits at the heart of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by stunning countryside and extensive footpaths. From the door, guests can explore beautiful walking routes across moorland, woodland and river valleys. Nearby highlights include Dulverton’s independent shops and eateries, the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, and panoramic views from Dunkery Beacon. Days out could also include Wimbleball Lake, Dunster Castle, the West Somerset Railway, and the harbours at Porlock Weir, Lynton and Lynmouth.

Indoor Description
The house can accommodate up to 9 guests, and it is one of these lovely houses that has a cottage feel, but is incredibly spacious so if you have 9 people staying there is plenty of room for everyone. However, if you are a smaller group, it still feels cosy too!

As you access the house, there is an area for boots and outdoor clothes. There are two sitting rooms - one large and one smaller one - both have TVs, and there is a DVD player with a good selection of DVD's provided. The larger sitting room is spacious, cosy and comfortable and has a wood-burner (starter supply of logs is provided).

The kitchen has a breakfast table, with the dining room next door, with plenty of seating. There is a high chair and a booster seat for children.

The kitchen is well-equipped with two electric ovens, a hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and a good selection of cookware. There is a washing machine and a tumble dryer in the utility.

There is plenty of hot water and powerful showers. All linen and towels are supplied with the cottage.

Please note that there is limited mobile phone reception at the property (it is in a valley), though mobile reception can be found in the village. Texts, calls and emails can be received through the Wifi. Incoming calls can be received on the house phone, and emergency calls can be made on the house phone.

Outdoor Description
In the summer, the evenings are glorious with the BBQ, birds singing and evening sun. Also, you can pop across to the pub next door to get some drinks and have them in the comfort of the cottage. The garden is large, and everyone loves it. There is a good-sized rectangle for ball games, and it is enclosed for children and dogs. The evening light is especially delightful. There is a small mound at one end, which children love rolling around. There is steam in the village, which children love exploring (under supervision), and there are swings on the green opposite.
There are stunning walks from the door and village tennis courts for use.


Parking
There is parking on the drive for 3 cars beside the house. There is further public parking close by in the village if needed.
There are no electric charging points at the property.

Pets Description
Well behaved dogs are welcome for £30 supplement per dog. Please ensure dogs are kept downstairs, not left alone in the property and the garden is cleaned of mess before your departure.

Restricted mobility
There is a downstairs bathroom/shower room, with loo (but no downstairs bedroom). The corridors and rooms are wide and some have hand rails, so it may be suitable for someone with limited mobility.

Exit in case of emergency
Please make your way outside via either the back door, patio doors in the large sitting room or front door. Keys to all doors can be found on the main key ring, which is hanging on a hook to the right as you go through the back door.

Christmas / New Year
The Royal Oak Farm is a magical place to spend Christmas and the New Year. The village and neighbouring areas and nearby towns come alight with carol singing, festive walks, lights, decorations and celebrations. The pub is always welcoming, with log fires, for food and a festive drink. In the main sitting room, a tree is decorated with fairy lights, and there is a welcome festive hamper for your arrival.

The region

Winsford is one of the prettiest villages in the Exmoor National Park, nestled in the heart of the moor where the River Exe meets the Winn Brook. Eight ancient bridges and a cobbled ford cross the streams here.

The village is centred around The Royal Oak Inn, a thatched 12th-century country pub featured in the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide, serving seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients. The Royal Oak also houses a small village shop and post office selling newspapers, bread, milk, and basic supplies.

Wheddon Cross, approximately 4 miles away, has a mini-supermarket (open 7am to 8pm), post office, ATM, and petrol station. Dulverton, around 7 miles south, is a handsome small town known as the southern gateway to Exmoor, with a mini-supermarket, butcher, post office, National Park Visitor Centre, and a good selection of independent shops and restaurants.

Minehead is the main town in West Somerset, approximately 12 miles away. Here you will find larger supermarkets (Tesco, Morrisons, and Lidl), most major high street banks with cash machines, and a range of other shops. The nearest sandy beach is also at Minehead.