Company information
The Best of Exmoor is a small, independent letting agent based in Porlock Weir. We love Exmoor and take great pleasure in sharing it with our guests. Our aim is to help you find your dream holiday - we have a great selection of holiday cottages on Exmoor, so we can help you to find your perfect break. Having grown the business slowly from scratch, we know all our properties and their owners well - so please get in touch if you have any queries and we will be happy to help.
Property information
Once the village Inn and accommodation to miners working in the Brendon Hills, Hare & Hounds is steeped in history and character. The property has recently been extensively refurbished to provide modern spacious accommodation, whilst retaining a wealth of original features including inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams. An original auction notice from 1902 even hangs in the hall!
The detached property is accessed via a sunny cobbled courtyard, which is shared with the owners' other property next door. The front door opens into an internal porch, which has been fitted with coir matting - perfect for muddy boots and dogs! A utility room with a bench seat, hooks and shelf is accessed directly from the internal porch and provides ample hanging and storage space for coats, boots, walking poles etc. The utility room also houses a washing machine and tumble dryer. A downstairs WC is also accessed from the internal porch.
The porch opens out into a spacious hall, from which there is access to the conservatory and garden, as well as the kitchen and living room. The kitchen is a large light room with dining table and small sofa, and includes all the appliances and equipment you would expect back home. Underfloor heating and views out across the hills means you might just spend your whole stay in here!
The lounge is a large room with two huge sofas, a 50 inch smart TV, desk and chair and a beautiful inglenook fireplace complete with a whopping 10kW log burner.
On the first floor are a large king bedroom and a double bedroom, both with ample storage space. There is also a modern shower room and separate WC. The property is on mains water, meaning excellent water pressure for that much needed hot shower at the end of a wet and muddy walk! Note, there are two rooms that are kept private by the owners, please do not try to force the doors.
Sleeps up to 4 guests - sorry, no children under the age of 14 years
Dogs welcome (max 3) for supplement of 15 GBP each
Neighbourhood information
The Hare and Hounds is located in the tiny village of Exton, in a quiet but accessible corner of Exmoor National Park.
The village, which comprises around 20 houses, is located on a steep hillside and is accessed via a quiet single track road. The Hare and Hounds lies around half way up the hill. This is a truly peaceful location, with the only noise coming from the pheasants that frequently meander through the village and from the sheep and cows that graze on the nearby farm.
Below Exton, 400m down the (steep!) hill, lies Bridgetown, which has a pub (serving very good home cooked food) and a campsite, with a well equipped shop for everyday essentials. There is also a bus stop, with services to Dulverton, Exford, Winsford, Wheddon Cross, Dunster and Minehead. This opens up a wealth of point to point walks as well as day trips.
There are excellent walks and cycling (road, mountain and gravel rides) from the doorstep and the house is also well placed for exploring further afield. The coastal town of Minehead with its sandy beach and many amenities is a 25 minute drive away, whilst the dog friendly beach at Dunster is 20 minutes away. Dunkery Beacon and Tarr Steps are within a 15 minute drive.
The delightful small market town of Dulverton lies within easy reach of the cottage (7 miles; 15 minutes drive) and has a range of independent shops, including greengrocer, butcher, bakery, art gallery, craft and gift shops and a number of tea rooms, pubs and restaurants.