Raleigh Lodge is a luxurious and spacious property with stunning views, located in a beautiful spot at the head of the Avill valley in the heart of Somerset’s Exmoor National Park. With direct access to footpaths crossing the open slopes of the moor towards Dunkery Beacon, or the wooded Avill Valley below, famous for its snowdrops, Raleigh Lodge is particularly well-suited to walkers or cyclists. Just a short distance from the village of Wheddon Cross, it is perfectly situated to take advantage of such outdoors-oriented Exmoor pursuits as well as conveniently close to the local pub and mini-supermarket. Originally built as stables for the Manor house next door, the building has been converted to a living space that offers bright and spectacularly scenic single-level holiday accommodation in one of the very finest settings on Exmoor.
3 bedrooms (one king-sized en-suite master bedroom with with roll-top bath and shower room, one super-king sized en-suite bedroom that can be converted to twins upon request, and a third king-sized bed room with adjacent shower room)
Large sitting room with sliding doors overlooking the garden, two comfortable sofas, and efficient wood-burner, plus separate ‘snug’ with TV and DVD player
Kitchen/dining room features wonderfully high ceilings and exposed beams, and is well fitted with fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, electric oven with hob, as well as toaster, kettle, cafetiere, a variety of cookware, saucepans, kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses
Kitchen also contains an Aga, ensuring a warm and cosy atmosphere
Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
Bed linen, duvets, blankets, and towels (including tea towels) provided. (Please note outdoor/beach towels not provided; please bring own)
Wifi, electricity, and adjustable central heating included in cost, plus basket of logs, kindling and matches provided
Up to three dogs welcome (supplement of £15 per dog)
Outstanding terraced garden accessible from the patio or car parking area
Cobbled courtyard at rear with seating and barbecue for cooking and dining al fresco
Walking distance (approx 0.75 mile via footpath) of Wheddon Cross, with mini-supermarket, post office, petrol station, and dog-friendly The Rest & Be Thankful Inn which serves food, and 10 miles from comprehensive amenities of Minehead
Paddock with field shelter beside property can be available for guests’ horses by prior arrangement
Available for week-long bookings as well as short breaks
Iron, ironing board, and hairdryers provided
Tea, coffee, milk, and biscuits provided to welcome guests upon arrival
Non-perishable items including salt, pepper, and oil provided, as well as cleaning materials such as washing-up liquid and surface cleaner
Ample car parking beside property
LocationWheddon Cross is often called the 'crossroads of Exmoor' - a friendly village at the junction of the B3224 and B3358, right in the heart of the National Park.
Standing at around 300 metres above sea level, Wheddon Cross is the highest village on Exmoor. It sits in the parish of Cutcombe, with the ancient parish church of St Andrew just a short walk away in the neighbouring hamlet. The village grew up around its important crossroads, where travellers on the old coaching routes between Dulverton, Minehead and Simonsbath would stop to rest.
Village Amenities
The Rest and Be Thankful Inn stands at the centre of the village -- a 19th-century coaching inn serving food, local ales and accommodation. Wheddon Cross also has a well-stocked village shop with post office services, a petrol station with ATM, free public toilets, a children's play park, and an active village hall hosting regular community events.
Nearby Towns
Minehead (8 miles) -- The main town of West Somerset, with larger supermarkets (Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl), high street banks, a sandy beach, and the terminus of the West Somerset Railway.
Dunster (7 miles) -- One of England's best-preserved medieval villages, dominated by its castle and famous yarn market. Excellent independent shops and places to eat.
Dulverton (10 miles) -- Known as the southern gateway to Exmoor, with a National Park Visitor Centre, independent shops, a butcher, and several pubs and restaurants along the River Barle.
