Deerleap

The highlights

• You’ll find Deerleap tucked away on a farm in the Mendip Hills and, as the name suggests, you might be lucky enough to spot some deer in the wooded valley below the cottage.
• Put your feet up in front of the log burner in the cosy, open-plan living space after a long walk in the Mendips.
• On sunny afternoons, soak up the stunning views towards Bath while you BBQ in the garden.
• Enjoy days out exploring the enchanting cathedral city of Wells or delving into Glastonbury’s fascinating history.
• Go for a dip in the heated indoor pool or watch a film in the cinema before booking yourself in for a massage, all on your doorstep.

You should know

• The indoor swimming pool, cinema and therapy room are shared with other guests at the farm, however, they can all be booked for private sessions.

The detail

This charming stone cottage can be found tucked away on Lilycombe Farm in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As you arrive at Deerleap, you’ll be able to see the wooded valley the farm is named after and early risers might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the deer. The cottage is a cosy hideaway, perfect for couples or families looking to slow down the pace surrounded by some beautiful scenery. Enjoy long walks in the Mendips, stopping off at one of the local pubs for lunch along the way, before returning to Lilycombe for a dip in the pool and a massage in the therapy room. In the evenings, snuggle up in front of the log burner in the cottage and plan the next day’s adventures.

Step inside and you’ll find the downstairs of the cottage feels bright and spacious thanks to the open plan design and the natural light coming in through big French doors. To one side, there’s the lounge area with comfy sofas gathered around the log burner, the ideal spot to put your feet up in the evenings. To the other side, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen and dining area with everything you’ll need to rustle up the family favourites and room for six around the table. When the sun is shining, step out into the garden and get a BBQ going while soaking up the stunning views towards Bath and Bristol.

Head upstairs to find the two ensuite bedrooms. They can both be made up as doubles or twin rooms to suit you and they’ll be waiting with crisp white sheets. Both rooms are beautifully decorated in warm oranges and reds and the larger room has an ensuite with a bath while the other has a shower.

You’ll also have access to a heated indoor swimming pool during your stay. This is shared with other guests on the farm, however, you’ll be able to book private sessions. There’s also a therapy room where you can choose from a wide range of treatments, from massages to hypnotherapy to gel nails and make-up. While you’re relaxing in the therapy room, the kids can put a film on in the cinema with its big-screen projector.

There’s plenty of exploring to do in the area whether you prefer to stride out into the countryside for a long walk in the hills or explore the enchanting Glastonbury and Wells. Try one of the circular walks right from the front door, stopping off at one of the four local pubs along the way. For a more ambitious route, follow the West Mendip Way or walk over the hills and down to Wells. For a change of scene and perhaps a bit of retail therapy, Bath and Bristol are both within easy reach. Both have bustling centres with plenty of great cafes and restaurants. For an evening at the theatre, head to the Theatre Royal in Bath or, if live music is more your thing, Bristol has dozens of venues putting on shows throughout the year.

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