Sleeps 10 | 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Dogs welcome | Stabling | Exmoor views

Overview of Holmbush

Holmbush is a spacious country house in one of those Exmoor settings where the landscape becomes a major part of the holiday. Standing alone above the wooded River Barle Valley, the house enjoys wide views across Exmoor and a sense of peace that is difficult to find in busier holiday destinations.

Sleeping ten across five bedrooms, it is particularly well suited to families and groups of friends who enjoy walking, riding and spending time outdoors. Paths lead away towards Withypool, the river and open moorland, so excellent days out can begin from the house without getting into the car.

Inside, Holmbush has a relaxed, traditional feel rather than the polished atmosphere of a modern luxury rental. There is a main sitting room with an open fire, a separate sitting and playroom, a dining room and a large country kitchen centred around an oil-fired Aga. It is an easy house for families to settle into, with plenty of space for muddy boots, walking gear and relaxed evenings after a day on the moor.

The outdoor space is another strong reason to stay. Large informal gardens look across the valley, with lawns, a barbecue area and plenty of room to sit outside and enjoy the surroundings. Four stables and a grazing paddock can also be arranged for guests bringing their own horses.

Withypool is less than half a mile away, putting the village pub, shop and tearoom within walking distance. Tarr Steps, Dulverton, Porlock and Exmoor's high moorland add plenty of variety with Minehead being the closest major town with all of its attractions. You can fine more large cottages near Minehead here.

For groups looking for a traditional large holiday home with exceptional walking, real privacy and Exmoor scenery from the doorstep, Holmbush has a character and setting all of its own.

Holmbush at a Glance

Who is Holmbush Best For?

Holmbush is particularly appealing to families who want an active countryside holiday rather than a property where the main attraction is a long list of luxury extras.

Walkers can leave from the house for the River Barle, Withypool and the surrounding moorland, while families have plenty of space inside and out when they return.

The private stables and grazing also make Holmbush unusual among large holiday cottages. Guests bringing horses can arrange facilities directly with the owner and enjoy some exceptional riding country across Exmoor.

It also works well for dog owners, although dogs must be kept within the kitchen area of the house.

Why is Holmbush a Great Large Holiday Home?

• Outstanding views across the River Barle Valley
• Secluded position in the heart of Exmoor
• Five bedrooms sleeping ten
• Two separate sitting areas
• Large gardens and barbecue area
• Four stables and grazing by arrangement
• Walking and riding directly from the property
• Withypool less than half a mile away

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does Holmbush sleep?

Holmbush sleeps up to ten guests across five bedrooms.

Is Holmbush dog friendly?

Yes. Dogs are welcome, although they must be kept in the kitchen area of the house.

Can guests bring horses to Holmbush?

Yes. Four stables and a paddock of just under one acre are available by prior arrangement with the owner.

Can you walk into Withypool?

Yes. Withypool is less than half a mile away and can be reached on foot, with the village pub, shop and tearoom close at hand.

Are there walks from the house?

Yes. Holmbush is exceptionally well placed for walking, with routes towards Withypool, the River Barle, high moorland and the wider Exmoor path network.

How far is Tarr Steps?

Tarr Steps is approximately 3.5 miles away and can also form part of longer walking routes from the Withypool area.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms at Holmbush

Holmbush has five bedrooms on the first floor, sleeping ten guests in permanent single beds.

The arrangement is particularly well suited to family groups, children and friends who are happy with twin and shared rooms rather than conventional double bedrooms.

Group Accommodation Layout

Bedroom 5 works particularly well as a children's room, with three beds together.

Several bedrooms have their own wash basins, useful when the house is occupied by the full group.

How does the layout work for a group of 10?

Holmbush is different from many large cottages because the bedroom arrangement is based almost entirely around single beds.

Three twin rooms provide six beds, the single room provides another and the larger three-bed room accommodates the remaining guests.

That makes the house especially suitable for families with children, walking groups and groups of friends who prefer separate beds.

Bathroom Layout

Holmbush has three bathroom areas.

• Private bathroom adjoining Bedroom 1 with a bath, but no WC
• Main family bathroom with original roll-top bath, separate shower, basin and WC
• Additional family bathroom with bath, basin and WC

Because of the property's water pressure, all three baths should not be filled at the same time, although there is plenty of hot water.

Facilities & Information at Holmbush

Holmbush has the feel of a traditional Exmoor family house, with plenty of space for a group to spread out rather than highly styled contemporary interiors.

The sitting room has comfortable seating, an open fire, television, basic Sky package and DVD player. A separate sitting and playroom gives children or another part of the group their own place to relax.

The dining room has a table seating eight together with an additional table and chairs, allowing the full group to eat in the same room.

The large kitchen is centred around an oil-fired four-oven Aga and also includes an electric cooker, two fridges, microwave and dishwasher. A walk-in larder, pantry and utility area provide additional storage, freezer space and laundry facilities.

Outside, wide lawns overlook the Exmoor countryside, with garden furniture and a separate barbecue area. Guests bringing horses can arrange use of the four stables and paddock.

Facilities

Category	Facilities
Kitchen	4-oven oil Aga, electric cooker, microwave, dishwasher and 2 fridges
Storage	Walk-in larder and pantry
Dining	Main table for 8 plus additional table and chairs
Living	Sitting room plus separate sitting and playroom
Entertainment	TV, basic Sky and DVD
Fire	Open fire
Laundry	Washing machine and tumble dryer
Outdoor	Large lawns, garden furniture and barbecue area
Horses	4 stables and grazing paddock by arrangement
Children	Travel cot and highchair
Parking	Ample private parking
Connectivity	WiFi

Important Information

Information	Details
Maximum Occupancy	10
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3
Dogs	Welcome
Dog Restrictions	Kitchen area only
Parking	Ample
Stabling	Available by prior arrangement
Private Water	UV-filtered supply
Bath Use	All 3 baths should not be filled simultaneously
Village	Less than half a mile
Smoking	Not permitted
Short Breaks	Available in low and mid season

Location & Things to Do Near Holmbush

Holmbush sits above Withypool in the heart of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by the River Barle Valley, wooded hillsides and open moorland. It is an outstanding location for groups who want to spend their holiday walking, riding and exploring rather than driving between attractions every day.

Withypool itself is less than half a mile away and sits beside the River Barle. The village has a traditional pub, shop and tearoom, while its stone bridge and riverside setting make it a lovely starting point for gentle walks. From the village, paths head north towards Landacre Bridge and Simonsbath or climb onto the surrounding moorland for much wider views.

The Two Moors Way also passes through Withypool. One of the area's classic longer walks links the village with Tarr Steps, combining high moorland scenery with a return beside the River Barle.

Tarr Steps is approximately 3.5 miles from Holmbush and is one of Exmoor's best-known landmarks. The 17-span stone clapper bridge crosses the River Barle in a wooded National Nature Reserve, with riverside paths providing opportunities to spot woodland birds and, with luck, otters and other wildlife.

The open moor above Withypool is equally rewarding. Withypool Hill rises to more than 1,300 feet and gives wide views across the surrounding National Park, while the countryside around Winsford Hill is known for Exmoor ponies.

Dulverton is around seven to eight miles away and provides a larger choice of shops, cafés and places to eat. For a day on the coast, Porlock is approximately 12 miles away, while Minehead, Lynton and Lynmouth broaden the choice of Exmoor days out.

After dark, the lack of major towns nearby also makes this an excellent area for stargazing, with Exmoor renowned for its exceptionally dark night skies.

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