History
The farmhouse was built in the 1930s as the Chauffeur's Cottage for the Burnells Estate; the present owner has owned the farm for over 25 years and has developed the farm to what it is today gradually over the years.
The locality is full of history including the Castle and Yarn Market in Dunster, the encampments and historical deer park behind the Castle grounds, the lovely Norman Church and the
pretty Pack Horse Bridge. "Giant's Chair" is also close by - traditional lore says that the local Giant used to sit here and cool his feet by dipping them in the River Aville! It is also reputed to be the place where the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" was penned. A short drive away you will find the highest point on Exmoor - Dunkery Beacon with fabulous views over the Holnicote estate and out across the Bristol Channel to Wales; the lovely old cottages of Selworthy are well worth a visit and a traditional Exmoor Clotted Cream Tea
is virtually obligatory!
There are also many museums and historical buildings to see and explore - and, of course, an excursion on the Steam Railway takes you right back in time for a leisurely trip; in part this rail line runs right next to the sea so you get to experience the beauty of Somerset's coast-line.
A little further away is Tarr Steps, the ancient clapper bridge pictured at the top right of this page - a tranquil setting on the banks of the River Barle; well worth a visit too is the lovely coastal town of Lynmouth, scene of the flood tragedy of 1952 but today a pretty town and home to the famous Cliff Railway
with takes you up to Lynton - wonderful views across the bay
towards Countisbury.
On Minehead's North Hill you can see the "Camp Ground" where in the war years the Americans had a large training base - the roads and loading bays are still preserved for all to see.
The National Trust and The Exmoor National Park have done much to preserve the charm of the area and evidence of this can be seen as you travel around through the picture post-card villages of Wootton Courtenay, Selworthy and Horner, all within a few miles of Burnells Gardens. Don't forget to stop and have that traditional Exmoor Cream Tea - delicious!
