Dorlcote

Dorlcote: Somerset

Secluded in the idyllic Somerset countryside on the outskirts of Bath, this luxurious garden apartment was once part of a working 19th-century watermill. It's a great mix of modern and industrial, with exposed timber beams under high ceilings and ladders as lampstands harking back to the building's watermill days. The kitchen and living room have been converted into an open space blessed with heaps of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. We loved how cosy this place feels, with tons of books, a good selection of board games, a piano, and lots of personal touches that will instantly make any family feel at home. A classic Aga Stove provides warmth in the kitchen, and a picture-frame window shows off the rolling hills. There's plenty of prep space for cooking, so pour yourself a glass of wine, put a vinyl on the record player and let your culinary skills run wild. Outside, the sunny terrace and manicured garden are perfect for unwinding on sunnier days. Historic, vibrant Bath is a ten-minute drive away, so you're not far from restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques, but if you want to feel the oasis of a real countryside escape, rural walks and cycles through green fields, bluebell forests and single track cowslip strewn country have you covered.

Home truths:
*This is a lived-in home so you should expect to find some wear and tear from everyday life – such as scuffed walls and carpets
*The Aga stove is easy to use but there's also a portable electric cooker if you want to stick to the familiar
*This quiet spot offers tranquillity and lush views but you'll have to hop in the car to go to the shops or into town
*The decorations in the second and third bedrooms are better suited to kids and teenagers
*We recommend a car to make getting around a little easier – there’s allocated parking spaces for two cars
*Because this home is in a residential area, music is not allowed after 10pm
*This property has its own outdoor area – the nearby communal garden is not for use