On days like these when we’re sweltering beneath the summer sun it’s hard to believe it will ever end. But end it will, and that’s why this is the time to be thinking ahead to autumn countryside breaks for groups. If you want a large country cottage for November 2024, come to Hurstone; 7 bedrooms sleep 14 and there’s an annexe for 2 extra guests; all yours are a hot tub, a games room, the peaceful hours, and breathtaking views over a Somerset valley.
Escape, relax, unwind...
It’s lovely at Hurstone, it really is, you’d be hard pushed to find a better large country cottage for November 2024 in this part of the UK. This is such a special place to stay any time of year - idyllic for cosy winter weekends, on fresh spring days, or carefree summer holidays, but in the autumn, a certain ambience pervades and it’s magical. The mists rise in the valley where the River Tone slips by, the turning of the season is captured in all the colours on the hillsides; the ripened fruit is heavy on the boughs, blackberries speckle the hedges, and that smell – the loamy, earthy smell of autumn.
Autumn at Hurstone is bliss, even if it’s not a glorious Indian summer. Because isn’t part of the appeal of autumn that wrapping up in warm coats and scarves, the first wearing of the woollens after what seems like months of wandering round in shorts and tees? Here it’s about striding out across a changing landscape, following the footpaths through the fields, taking the time to connect with nature almost on the doorstep at Hurstone Nature Reserve.
Never mind the mists and the mizzle – just imagine coming back all rosy-cheeked to this rambling old house, so warm, so welcoming, like it’s been waiting for you to return. Curl up by the fireside in the lamplight glow, thick winter socks on, chunky jumpers; share a tray of hot buttery toast, mugs of steaming coffee, just love those slow-mo moments of being with the people you love most in the world.
You see, this is a house for people who love being together, who enjoy each other’s company. A big family, a group of close friends, babies, toddlers, even the pet pooch. Maybe someone’s got a significant birthday to celebrate, or an anniversary that’s too momentous to pass you by. Maybe it’s just time you all got together because you haven’t for ages, and wouldn’t a late autumn weekend in the country be perfect?
It would, because the busy-busy of summer is long gone - the roads were hectic then, but they’re not now, and it’s so much quieter everywhere, it’s more peaceful. And if you suffer a little, adjusting to the seasons, well, being tucked away, deep in the countryside on the borders of Somerset and Devon is the perfect antidote to the November blues.
There are 7 bedrooms at Hurstone, giving you snooze space for 14, and an adjacent self-contained annexe sleeps 2 more for a small extra charge. There’s a games room with a half size snooker table, a big drawing room where you can all gather together for fun and hi jinks, and if you’re here for a family celebration, there’s a long dining table for a scrumptious feast. The views from the front of the house are incredible, rolling on for miles to the heaths of Exmoor – an absolute joy to wake up to. Interiors are so in step with this centuries old house, a little eclectic, like your favourite great aunt has lent you her house for a while; period furniture, original artworks by local artists, florals and velvets, but it works and there’s all the modern convenience you need.
Amble down the lane to the local pub, and a very good one at that; charm, country character and excellent food are a winning combination at The Rock Inn. Choose something hearty from the menu, made with things fresh, local and seasonal; wash it down with a pint of local brew or a gutsy glass of red. Stroll home to Hurstone, sit up late chatting before turning in for the night, soft pillows for your head, comfy beds to dream in.
Because you don’t want just any large country cottage for November 2024. You want something unique, something special, a place you’ll never forget. Like Hurstone ❤️