Notes from the host
Coastal Home with Panoramic Sea Views
Owlscombe is perfectly positioned on the coastal slopes of Exmoor with uninterrupted, panoramic sea views across the Bristol channel within a short stroll of the pretty harbour village of Porlock Weir and its amenities.
Owlscombe is a very special holiday home which is perfect for large family gatherings or friends getting together to relax or celebrate a memorable occasion.
The house is a magnificent, modern, 6 bedroom property with 6 bathrooms that sleeps up to 12 people and accepts pets. It makes the most of its unique, coastal position with floor to ceiling windows allowing light to flood in to the main “super room” where you will find a modern kitchen, large dining table and seating area to soak up the views. Recently renovated, the house boasts many eco friendly features; the underfloor heating and hot water is powered by the Ground Source Heat Pump and water comes straight from the depths of Exmoor via our own modern, filtered well.
Guests enter the house from the private, gated parking area. Inside the reception hallway you will find plenty of hanging space for jackets and a large oak bench where you can comfortably remove your shoes after those long, muddy walks.. Immediately off of the hall you will find a large utility room with sink, washing machine and tumble dryer. A further door will lead you into the main, open plan living area with glorious double aspect views across the channel and gardens. The kitchen boasts a large Range cooker with double oven and induction hob, huge American style fridge freezer, walk-in larder, wine fridge and 2 dishwashers. The sociable kitchen has bar stool seating at the island and a further seating area with two sofas. The contemporary dining table comfortably seats 12 and sits adjacent to the double sided wood burner for those cosy, winter suppers. Beyond the intersecting fireplace you will find the TV room with two very large comfortable sofas and occasional chairs. Watch sports on the Sky TV package, choose a DVD from the library or settle down for a family game together. Enjoy the spotting scope for birdwatching, tracking boats up and down the channel or simply gaze into the night sky and appreciate why Exmoor has been named as Europe’s first Dark Sky reserve. The first of the double bedrooms is located on the ground floor which can be helpful for any guests who prefer this and is near to the separate downstairs WC and shower room.
On the first floor you will find 4 further bedrooms each with their own en-suites. A double aspect, King Size Master bedroom with shower room, balcony and floor to ceiling bay window enjoys spectacular views across Porlock Bay to Selworthy Beacon. A further King Size Bedroom and shower room with private balcony and views across the garden and bay to Hurlstone Point. A third double with large bathroom including a walk-in shower and double ended bath with views from the tub across to Gore point and finally the fourth double with garden views and ensuite round out the accommodation on this floor.
Stairs head up to the top floor via the glass roofed turret with further views across the bay and beyond. Here you will find a very large, open plan space ideal for teenagers or kids to hide away. A 7x4 foot pool and snooker table, PS4, games, dolls house, toys, comfy sofa and bean bags makes this the ideal den. Two single beds are tucked away at one end of the room next to the bathroom with a large shower cubicle and a further bath.
The gardens and grounds extend to nearly an acre and offer a variety of spaces to relax and enjoy. Immediately accessed from the house is the patio, with circular table and chairs comfortably seating 12, a Weber BBQ and a firepit for those night time marshmallow roasts. The main lawn is next to the patio where croquet and boules can be played under the magnificent, mature Magnolia trees. Here you will also find two paths leading into the woodland garden which is a delight for anyone with a passion for plants or a game of hind and seek. The paths continue on through the garden where you will find both a formal and wildlife pond, a woodland rill, a lawned glade and several quiet benches for you to hide away on with a book or maybe a glass.
A few minutes stroll down the quiet lane will find you in the pretty 15th century harbour village of Porlock Weir. Enjoy a pub meal at the family friendly local "The Bottom Ship" with its open fires, local ales and ciders, head over to Locanda at the Weir for their Italian inspired restaurant or enjoy South East Asian dishes from Exmoor’s best kept foodie secret at Ziang’s. Porlock Weir is also home to Exmoor Adventures who run a vast array of activities including kayaking, coasteering, mountain biking to name but a few. Arrange to be picked up from Owlscombe by one of the local Safari companies who will take you across the moor to see the ponies and deer that the area is famous for or head to the West Somerset railway for a journey back in time on their famous steam locomotive.
