Shillings Cottage

General information

Shillings Cottage is the perfect holiday hideaway for two nestling within the folds of the Blackdown Hills. These picturesque hills are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are a haven for wildlife, including heron, wild duck, woodpeckers, badgers, foxes, roe deer, kingfishers, pheasants, buzzards and sparrow hawks.
Hidden at the end of a secluded drive, Shillings Cottage holds an idyllic position within six acres. Surrounded by pretty, sheltered gardens and an orchard, it looks out over the peaceful Culm Valley and towards the Brendon hills.
Just outside the cottage there is a wide balcony, entwined with scented roses, clematis and honeysuckle, with a table and chairs, for alfresco dining This allows you to enjoy the views from under the leaves of a walnut tree. Steps from the balcony take you to a paved terrace, where raised borders of flowers surround the outdoor heated swimming pool. In a sheltered corner is a perfect suntrap with a glass topped table, parasol for shade and with reclining chairs. Here you can sit back, soak up the sun and enjoy watching white doves fly in and out of their dovecote. Teak recliners with soft cushions are also ready for you to relax upon under the orchard trees or on the surrounding lawns.
A short walk from Shillings Cottage lies the historic village of Hemyock with its Castle, shops, excellent pub, with ex River Cottage chef, Post Office, bowling green, tennis courts, dispensing surgery and garage. There are many traditional country pubs in the local villages nearby, many within walking distance, serving excellent food, local beers and ciders and fine wines.
The Blackdown Hills offer the perfect destination for those who enjoy cycling, walking, horse-riding or simply unspoilt countryside with abundant wildlife. The beautiful rolling landscape has much to offer. You may stroll from the door of the cottage along footpaths beside streams and through grassy fields where you can look out for rare wildflowers, see butterflies dance and listen to bird song.
You could explore the beauty of the landscape on horseback - treks and lessons can be arranged nearby. Safe grazing can also be provided should you wish to bring your own horse. Bring your bike or borrow one of the owner's and cycle the lanes, over the hills and through the valleys, or simply relax in this beautiful setting.
For those who want to explore the area further, to the south, the world famous Jurassic coast is within sixteen miles. Here you will find both many quiet pebble and sandy beaches between Lyme Regis and Exmouth. The North coast is within an hour's drive and offers wonderful long, sandy beaches famous for surf. Exmoor, Dartmoor, Lundy Island, the Eden Project, Rosemoor and Clovelly are all within reach.

Accommodation comprises of :
Downstairs : The kitchen has a dining table with chairs and a vase of flowers, an armchair, a cooker, hob and sink set into beech worktops, a microwave and a fridge. If you are with us for a week, we provide a free cream tea with scones, homemade jam and clotted cream on your arrival.
Upstairs : The living room/bedroom area will also have fresh flowers. There is a comfortable sofa where you can sit and take in the wonderful views through French windows. The television can be watched from here and also from the brass super king bed.
The shower room has a WC, Mira power shower and wash basin.
Outside: Guests are welcome to use the 10m x 4.5m heated outdoor swimming pool, with exclusive use in the afternoons. The pool has a Roman end step and the depth of approximately 1 to 1.5m throughout. It is in use between May and September. Guests are welcome to wander through the beautiful orchards and the gardens and the owner hopes you will consider this as your home throughout your stay.
Additional information: A cot with bedding and a high chair can be provided. The cottage has good mobile phone reception and free Wi-Fi broadband internet. There is no smoking inside the cottage. Full central heating makes the cottage ideal all year round. There is secure off road parking.