Waterrow: hamlet with good pub in a wooded stream valley at the foot of the Brendon Hills and start of the Exmoor National Park. Wiveliscombe, 2 miles (outdoor public swimming pool can be privately hired). Rolling, wooded farming country all round; unspoilt, untouristy. Sailing and good reservoir trout fishing at Wimbleball or Clatworthy, both about 7 miles or little fish in the stream. Riding/pony trekking locally; sports centre, 8 miles. Taunton (county capital) and M5, 13 miles; the sea (beach) at Blue Anchor, 14 miles.

... 1/4 mile from Waterrow is Hurstone, a fine house (originally 14th cent., largely rebuilt in the 1920s). It’s beautifully situated, with magnificent long valley/farmland views from the main reception rooms and all bedrooms (except one). Outside, a long terrace with tables/chairs and lawns (croquet, outdoor trampoline) overlooking 60 acres of farmland with ponds and water meadows (sheep).

Inside, the house is spacious, comfortable and personal. The hall leads into large dining room (woodburner) with half-size snooker table, and beyond, an efficient commercial kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, gas cooker, combination oven, two fridge-freezers) and utility room (washing machine, tumble drier). On the other side of the hall, a beamed ‘snug’ sitting room with inglenook fireplace (woodburner, tuned piano) and then a much bigger slate-floored sitting room (open fire) with door to garden and the jacuzzi and barbecue area. Downstairs cloakroom with loo and washbasin.

Upstairs, off a long corridor are six spacious bedrooms, all with lovely views. Three doubles and one twin all have en suite bathrooms (suites plus bath-showers). Another small double (4’ bed) and twin bedroom, at the front, share a bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) with another twin bedroom (low ceiling) at the back of the house (no views). That’s 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms in all. Two folding beds are available (extra).

Exmoor ‘safaris’, hot air ballooning, clay pigeon shooting, all subject to availability. A chef is available for any number or standard by arrangement. Small wedding receptions possible by arrangement with the owner.

Phone and Broadband. A good house for family gatherings or celebrations, weekend or mid-week breaks (M5 in easy reach).

Extra cots/high chairs arrangeable (extra).

The friendly owner lives in a cottage close by and the farm buildings nearby are used as artists’ studios. Cautionary Deposit £250. Logs included.