Property Summary
Church Farm is a National Trust farmhouse tucked away in an idyllic rural location near Dunkery Beacon in a beautiful part of Exmoor National Park. It is situated at the head of the East Water and is surrounded by open moorland where wild red deer and Exmoor ponies roam freely.
Main Description
Church Farm is set in a beautiful spot beside a quiet road, literally on the edge of the moor. Red deer, sheep and Exmoor ponies roam freely beside the farmhouse and there is fabulous walking from the doorstep.
The property sleeps up to 4 guests in 3 bedrooms and comprises:
Large living-dining room with Laura Ashley curtains and furnishings
Large stone fireplace and wood burning stove
Oak beams are a feature of this farmhouse
Wonderful moorland views from the windows and the walls are adorned with hunting and moorland prints
Kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, washing machine, gas cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer
One double, one single and the third bedroom can be used as double or twin (comprising a double and single bed)
Laura Ashley linen and curtains
Upstairs bathroom with bath, separate shower toilet and hand basin
Plus downstairs toilet with band basin
The Farmhouse has full central heating and plenty of hot water, all included in the price
Saturday changeover during the summer season
Friday changeover during late September and October
Well behaved dogs allowed by prior agreement (£20 supplement per dog, strictly 2 max)
Please note, mobile phone signal cannot be obtained at the property, but some networks will work a short distance away (the best coverage is for Orange/EE but other networks will work in places on Exmoor). Wifi is included (but it's not high speed internet in rural Exmoor! i.e. unable to stream tv programmes)
The water is supplied by a natural spring (UV treated).
A small part of the farmhouse has been made into a one-bedroom apartment which is used by the owners with separate access. They will be on hand to answer any questions you may have during your stay but will otherwise leave you to your own devices. The adjacent farm buildings house the owners horses, dogs, chickens and sheep.
Indoor Description
The three bedrooms are all on the first floor. The largest bedroom has a double bed and a single bed, so it can be used as a double or a twin. There is a further double bedroom and single bedroom also.
Note, the capacity of this cottage is now a maximum of 4 guests in 3 bedrooms.
Outdoor Description
Church Farm is ideally suited for those wishing to explore Exmoor, it literally sits on the edge of the moor with fantastic walking direct from the door. The farmhouse is just below the little 13th century church at Stoke Pero. There is an attractive front garden with seating.
Stoke Pero is a tiny hamlet set high on the moor above Porlock. Stoke is Old English for 'outlying farmstead or hamlet', which sums up Stoke Pero perfectly! The Pero probably comes from the Landowners in the middle ages. The views from the common across Exmoor and to the Bristol Channel are quite outstanding on a clear day.
Stoke Pero Church (next door to Chruch Farm) is reputedly the highest church in Somerset, at 300m above sea-level. It is high up on the side of the moor. The church is only Victorian, although it looks quite old. It's alleged that all the material for it was carried up from Porlock by one donkey (at first you probably exclaim "that's some donkey!''? But it turns out that the donkey made several trips!)
As Stoke Pero is located on the top of Exmoor, if you are unhappy about driving up steep hills or through fords, it is recommended that you approach from Exford, following the Porlock / Luccombe roads.
Parking
Parking is on the roadside beside the cottage (it's a very quiet road).
Pets Description
Well behaved dogs welcome BUT they must not be left unattended in the cottage at any time. Dogs are not allowed upstairs nor on the furniture.
Restricted mobility
This has not been completed by the owner.
Exit in case of emergency
This has not been completed by the owner.
Christmas / New Year
This has not been completed by the owner.
The region
High on the moor above Porlock is the tiny hamlet of Stoke Pero. Stoke is Old English for 'outlying farmstead or hamlet', which sums up Stoke Pero perfectly! The Pero probably comes from the Landowners in the middle ages. The views from the common across Exmoor and to the Bristol Channel are quite outstanding on a clear day. Stoke Pero Church is reputedly the highest church in Somerset, at 300m above sea-level. it is high up on the side of the moor. The Church itself is, as you might expect, quite small and primitive. Until recently there was no electricity on this part of Exmoor, and the church still relies on candles and fuel-stoves in the winter.
There are many rural villages and hamlet a short drive from Stoke Pero. Porlock is not far, it's a popular working Exmoor village and boasts three pubs, two grocery shops, a traditional local butcher, chemist, cash machine, petrol station, hardware shop, visitor centre, several art galleries and a range of independent restaurants, shops and tea rooms. Porlock Weir is approximately 1.5 miles on from Porlock and is well worth a visit.
Exford is in the opposite direction, is a small rural village based around a traditional village green with children play area, beside it sits the village shop and post office. Exford and the surrounding area is famous for its beautiful and unspoiled countryside making it ideal for hiking, biking, riding and fishing.