Notes from the host
Royal Oak Cottage Withypool
Property Summary
Royal Oak Cottage, Withypool is a very well appointed four bedroomed property for up to 7 guests. Quintessentially English, it has plenty of space yet is cosy and welcoming, with features nodding to the historic origins but with all mod cons. Situated on a quiet lane, the peace and quiet is abundant
Main Description
Royal Oak Cottage was once the local Ale House and then the original village pub before being converted to a house approx 200 years ago. The main part of the house is over 350 years old, housing lots of its original features including 2 large fireplaces, a bread oven and plenty of oak beams, including a few low ones! The property is nestled in the heart of Withypool, just a couple of minutes walk from the well-stocked village shop, the local tea rooms (serving delicious cream teas) and as well as the pub.
Sleeps up to 7 guests in 4 bedrooms
Three double bedrooms; two king-sized beds (5') and one standard double (4'6)
One single bedroom
Large open-plan living area with dining table for 7/8
Well-equipped kitchen with modern facilities
Large fireplace and wood-burner in the lounge
Two bathrooms upstairs (one is an en-suite)
Plus a downstairs cloakroom
Central heating throughout
Newly renovated throughout to a very high standard
Private and enclosed garden with outside furniture
EV charge point
Enclosed paddock nearby for guests to exercise dogs if they wish to
Bed linen and towels are provided
Wifi, heating and electricity is included
Up to 2 well-behaved dogs welcome (strictly a maximum of 2)
Arrive from 4 pm
Depart by 10 am
On Exmoor any property with the wealth of character and of a similar age Royal Oak Cottage, you will find that the floors are not always level, the walls aren't necessarily flat, not all door ways are the same size and ceilings vary in height, for example, there are a few low beams in one downstairs room (living room).
Exmoor is famous for many things and one of which is it's hunting heritage so there are pictures and memorabilia relating to this ancient sport amongst others throughout the property.
Indoor Description
Royal Oak Cottage has 4 bedrooms; 2 king sized beds (5'), 1 standard double (4'6) and 1 single bedroom. There are two bathrooms upstairs, one is a large en-suite, both with bath, shower and bidet. There is also a small cloakrooms room downstairs, comprising toilet and hand basin. The kitchen is a good size and open to the dining room, with a table that easily seats 7-8 people. In the lounge you will find 3 sofas (2 x 3-seaters and 1 x 2-seater). There is also a games area for you to play a variety of games, including cards or scrabble or even a jigsaw puzzle or two! The lounge is where you will find the TV (with freeview) and large fire place with a log burner. There is a good selection of books to read, which you are welcome to indulge in during your stay.
This cottage is quite spacious (compared to traditional Exmoor cottages) and so if you have family members that prefer a quiet corner to read or perhaps a snooze, there are plenty of places to take yourself off to!
The kitchen is well equipped with a large electric Aga, combination oven (microwave/conventional oven), Nespresso coffee machine, kettle, toaster, fridge-freezer and dishwasher. A small supply of coffee (instant and a few Nespresso capsules), tea, decaf tea, milk and sugar will be provided to get your through your first day or two.
There is a good sized entrance hall to hang your coats, keys and shoes and right next to this the laundry room, where you will find the washing machine, a clothes airer and an iron and ironing board should you need it.
Electricity and heating costs are included in the price of your accommodation. Central heating is fitted throughout the property and can be adjusted to suit your preferences and the seasons. There is a large fireplace with wood-burner in the living room; a starter basket of logs and fire lighters will be provided for the wood-burner in the cooler months. More logs can be purchased ahead of your stay if required.
Bed linen, duvets, pillows and towels are provided for your convenience, but please bring your own beach towels if you wish to take towels with you on day trips.
Wi-Fi is included. Please note, there is limited mobile signal in Withypool village and so Wi-Fi calling is the best means of making a call.
Cleaning materials such as washing up liquid, and surface cleaner will be present in the property. Four or five toilet rolls will be provided per toilet.
Each bed is fitted with an anti-bac covid mattress cover and sterile quilted pillow protectors. In between guest stays, the entire house is cleaned and the air sprayed with an anti-bac spray.
Outside main door is a hands free anti-bac dispenser.
Dogs are welcome on the condition that the following guidelines are adhered to:
- Strictly a maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome per booking; supplement of £15 per dog is payable.
- Dogs are not permitted on the furniture or upstairs in the property.
- Dogs are welcome in the carpeted areas of the property when they are clean and dry. There are two tiled/heated utility/entrance areas which are ideal for dog beds and using to allow dogs to dry off. There's an outside tap and hosepipe if your dogs manage to find some Exmoor mud or bogs!
- The garden borders and flower beds are not to be damaged. Dog mess must be cleared up, bagged (please bring your own pooh bags) and put into the pooh bin provided at the property.
- Dogs are not to be left unattended in the property at any time.
- Dog crates will be provided for any visiting dogs (please bring your own bedding)
There is a private field not far from the property where you are very welcome to exercise your dog and location details can be found on your arrival and Royal Oak Cottage.
Outdoor Description
The gardens to the rear of the property are private and enclosed, with mature borders and raised beds.
There are 3 separate outside seating areas:
One table with 6 chairs
One table with 4 chairs
Plus a 'love seat'.
There is also an enclosed private field nearby which guests are welcome to use to exercise their dogs. Further details about the location of the field will be provided in the property.
Royal Oak Cottage is located in the heart of Withypool, it's just a couple of minutes on foot to the well-stocked village shop, a delicious cream tea at the local tea rooms, as well as the quiet and convenient pub which serves food and is dog and family friendly.
There are numerous walks straight from the front door - it's not far to the open moorland and there's a myriad of footpaths crossing all over Exmoor if walking or cycling takes your interest.
There is secure location for bicycles.
There is also an electric car charging point for your convenience.
Parking
Off-road parking for 3-4 cars (depending on size) is available on the drive beside the property and an electric car charging point is available for your convenience.
Pets Description
The owners appreciate that your dogs are family members, and therefore important to ensure that 4-legged guests are as welcomed as you are. Royal Oak Cottage has cream carpets throughout and pale furniture so please help the owners to look after the property. Dogs will be welcomed if the following guidelines will be adhered to:
A maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome per booking. Dogs are not permitted on the furniture or upstairs in the property. Dogs are welcome in the carpeted areas of the property when they are clean and dry. There are two tiled/heated utility/entrance areas which are ideal for dog beds and using to allow dogs to dry off. There's an outside tap and hosepipe if your dogs manage to find some Exmoor mud or bogs! There are also specific dog towels provided for your use.
The garden area is enclosed and has well stocked boarders and flower beds which are not to be damaged. There is an enclosed private field nearby (dog mess to be bagged and put into the pooh bin provided at the property) and also numerous walks straight from the property to exercise your 4-legged family members.
Dogs are not to be left in the property unattended at any time.
Dog crates will be provided for any visiting dogs (please bring your own bedding).
Restricted mobility
This has not been completed by the owner.
Exit in case of emergency
There are three external doors on the ground floor:
1. Door from kitchen to patio
2. Door from Hall to garden
3. Door out of cloakroom to outside back of house.
Christmas / New Year
For Christmas and New Year, the cottage will be traditionally decorated. However, if you prefer to have no decorations just let us know at time of booking and we will make the appropriate arrangements.
The region
Withypool is a small village in Somerset near the centre of the Exmoor National Park. Interestingly the name Withy means Willow of which many can be seen along the riverbank.
Withypool is situated within the Barle Valley with the River Barle running through the middle. The Two Moors Way also passed through the village. To the southwest of the Village lies Withypool Common and Withypool Hill.
The area of Withypool has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and a stone circle can still be seen on top of Withypool Hill. Withypool is mentioned in the Domesday Book and in the 14th century Geoffrey Chaucer was in charge of the village in his duties as forester of North Petherton. Other such notable connections are that the artist Alfred Munnings had a studio in the loft of the Royal Oak (the village pub) and R.D Blackmore wrote part of Lorna Doone in the bar.
There is also a local shop, post office and tea rooms within the village.
