Beach Cottages in Somerset

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Heather - Verified booking

  We've just had a fabulous stay at The Old Thatch over Christmas with our two dogs.

  The cottage is perfect, and larger than it appears in the photos. Has a well equipped kitchen and powerful shower. The fridge is a little small if you were planning to do a lot of cooking during your stay, but it was fine for our needs. We also loved the glass surrounded roof terrace where you could sit and enjoy the sound of the stream running past the back of the cottage. And to watch the nesting crows in the evening. Quite magical. We parked right outside the door for our stay, but there was other space opposite at the Rec entrance. Incidentally, if you have dogs, take them through the Rec, behind the tennis courts to the right and you will find an enclosed dog walking area with benches and poo bins so you can safely let your dogs off lead without issue. This was invaluable for us as we have one deaf dog and a new puppy with very little recall. The cottage's location is truly excellent, within a few metres of the High Street's shops, cafes and pubs and local hotel. All do food and are dog friendly. The local butchers are really good, with locally sourced produce. And if you love antiques and pets, the Pets and Ossibilities shop is a must! We noted a previous review from October mentioned the cottage wasn't ideal for dogs owners in wet weather due to the cream carpets throughout. That was actually a really helpful comment as we then came equipped. We took a plastic dust sheet with us*, which we spread from the inside steps across the first part of the carpet. And then used a couple of dog travel panels to fence that area in, effectively making a small paw drying / muddy boots space right inside the front door. Worked a treat for the entire break. Also having travel barrier helped as the door opens straight onto the lane (albeit a very quiet one) but for peace of mind, we found it really helped. *There is a very good home and hardware shop in the village where you can purchase a dust sheet if you didn't bring one. Great dogs walks in the immediate area down to The Saltmarshes and Porlock Weir, with more dog friendly businesses including the sister pub to The Top Ship in the village; The Bottom Ship, which also does food. Only slight issue was the wifi signal wasn't the best so was quite slow at times. However, that wasn't an issue for us as we were on a break from the real world! But if you were working online you may find it frustrating. But overall, we loved every minute of our stay at The Old Thatch, and the people of Porlock are incredibly friendly and helpful, so we would highly recommend at stay there.

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• Delyth - Verified booking

  It exceeded our wildest expectations in every respect from the moment we stepped in !

  Owners had spared no expense refurbishing it to the highest standards ! Exquisite furnishings, new sparkling kitchen appliances, cutlery, crockery, saucepans, frying pans, ultra modern induction hob, oven, toilet downstairs with wash hand basin, a very comfortable double bedroom upstairs with clean linen, towels etc., nice and cosy everywhere! From the bedroom upstairs, a most luxurious, spacious bathroom with a fantastic shower, separate wash hand basin, fitted electric toothbrush charger, if that is not enough, open another to door to a veranda protected by a secure railings to relax listening to sound of a clean, fast running stream! Very generous supply of toilet paper, paper towels, etc etc. Even clean towels for the two house trained pet dogs ! Step outside, a recreation ground with footpaths to walk the dogs. Owners Mr Alan and wife, Carolin McKay were easily contactable and helpful to answer any queries. Local people are very cultured, friendly and helpful and so are the motorists, never did anyone toot at me when I was hesitant wondering which way to turn to guide ourselves unlike the South East of England or where we live in Llandysul, Carmarthenshire ! I bet the Police have a relaxed time not having to worry about crime or accidents! I shared it with our Police Officer who would be envious! Local village centre is walking distance with a magnificent church, beautifully lit up with Christmas lights! Fancy a Chinese takeaway/restaurant ? Just 5 miles in Minehead at Golden House which we enjoyed thoroughly! We would stay at the Old Thatch again and again !

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• Cheryl - Verified booking

  A lovely little cottage full of character.

  A cosy lounge with wood burner and two big double bedrooms, we enjoyed a very comfortable stay. Parking wasn’t a problem and the helpful pointers from the owners meant we could always park close to the cottage. The church bells do ring regularly and throughout the night but they didn’t bother us and we were sleeping in the back bedroom with the window open, this didn’t stop us from enjoying many a good nights sleep. We very much appreciated all of the guidance provided by the owners on local walks, things to do and places to eat. Dunster Castle is approx 5 mins walks from the cottage and Dunster beach about 25 mins. The little utility room was great to hang wetsuits after a trip to Wimbleball Lake for a spot of Paddle boarding, as was the washing machine after getting wet on a walk back from Dunster beach. The cottage was furnished to a high standard throughout, the bathroom is downstairs but that didn’t bother us, shower over bath nice and powerful and always lots of hot water. Both bedrooms were a great size, bedding and extra soft blankets were plentiful. Thanks for a great week.

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• Judith - Verified booking

  Exactly as advertised and even better equipped.

  We had a lovely weekend. The cottage was spotlessly clean, had everything we needed (and more) with lovely touches. We decided the beds were "magic" as we slept so well, once accustomed to the regular church chimes (suggest ear plugs if that might bother you), superbly comfortable, as was the living room furniture. The weather was changeable but we managed to get out for a couple of walks around the picturesque village and up to the folly for wonderful views in every direction, the hills one side and the coast, from the Bristol channel over to Wales in the other. Close to many beaches and easy distance from Minehead if you require more than the quaint shops in Dunster village can provide. (Lovely deli but could we find toothpaste anywhere? Maybe when lockdown fully eases there is a more general store but was a good excuse to pop into Minehead). Would recommend this charming accommodation.

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• Rosalind - Verified booking

  Great place to stay, within walking distance of the village (fab deli, newsagent, cafes, pubs, restaurants but no general store) and amazing coastal paths.

  The cottage itself was cosy, very comfortable indeed, lovely beds, crisp, clean linen, plenty of towels, big sofas for relaxing on in the evening, wi fi, television, well equipped kitchen and so peaceful. Two, very minor, points worth mentioning: 1. I couldn't get any mobile signal inside the cottage - because the walls were so thick probably. It might bother others more - I just turned off my phone and forgot that the rest of the world existed for a week. 2. There's no general store - no Spar hidden behind a mediaeval façade so although the deli sells milk , bread and some toiletries (as well as an amazing selection of cheeses and other delicious things), we had to go to Minehead for the boring every day stuff. Just bear it in mind if, like us, you're not coming by car. All the arrangements through Sykes and with the owner were easy and clear. Can't wait to go back again.

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