Royal Oak Cottage, Withypool

Withypool's Royal Oak Cottage is a charming and spacious property that accommodates up to 7 guests across its four bedrooms. This quintessentially English cottage features historic origins with modern conveniences, and is located on a quiet lane providing a tranquil escape.

Royal Oak Cottage was once a local Ale House, and later the village pub before being converted into a house approximately 200 years ago. With over 350 years of history, the cottage boasts original features such as two large fireplaces, a bread oven, and oak beams, including a few low ones. The cottage is situated in the heart of Withypool, just a couple of minutes' walk from the village shop, tea rooms, and local pub.

The property features:

Three double bedrooms with two king-sized beds (5') and one standard double (4'6), and 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) and a downstairs cloakroom.
Central heating throughout and newly renovated to a high standard.
Private and enclosed garden with outside furniture and EV charge point.
Enclosed paddock nearby for guests to exercise dogs if they wish to.
Bed linen and towels are provided, and wifi, heating, and electricity are included.
Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome (strictly a maximum of 2).
Arrival is from 4 pm and departure by 10 am.
Due to its historic character, guests should be aware that the floors are not always level, the walls aren't necessarily flat, and some doorways and ceilings vary in height. One example is a few low beams in the living room. The property also features pictures and memorabilia relating to Exmoor's hunting heritage and other ancient sports.

Facilities
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.

Location
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.