The snug living room radiates warmth. Soft-tones, primary-coloured accents and a selection of armchairs and sofas – each more inviting than the next – make this a natural gravitation point. Switch on the lamps and fire up the log burner to accentuate the restful atmosphere further. Attention to detail is exquisite, from the handmade blinds to the plush upholstered ottoman and a proudly displayed ceramics collection. Overhead preserved beams speak of the building’s heritage, as does the cobbled courtyard, visible just beyond the window.
Step into this cosy four-bedroom Somerset cottage to rent, complete with wellness amenities and a spa
Some 35-acres of rolling countryside unravel just beyond the front door at Ford Cottage. Rooted in its surrounding, this is the place to lace up walking boots or unwind in the state-of-the-art sauna.
If there was ever a picture-book Somerset cottage, this is it. All honeyed stone, a Blue Lias cobblestone courtyard entrance and timeworn timber beams, it presides over a rural landscape that’s moves at an unhurried pace, much like it has done for centuries.
The rustic meets the refined here, with discreet modern-day interventions designed for ultimate comfort. From sumptuous fabrics and finishes by Upstairs Downstairs Interiors to dedicated yoga and treatment barns, escapism comes with the territory. Hunker down with friends and family, or request the services of an on-site housekeeper, chef and therapists to finesse every detail of your stay.
What’s included?
- Option to rent an additional annex, ideal for children or staff
- Housekeeping services and private chef by arrangement
- Customisable wellness packages and activities
7-night weekly price: From £4,200 to £6,600
3-night weekend price: From £3,000
The living spaces
Kitchen & dining
The separate eat-in kitchen takes a farmhouse turn. Vaulted ceilings mimic the proportions of the old barn beyond while modern flagstones cover the floors. Matt black surfaces, coral-painted units and herringbone tiles create a bold design flourish, while integrated appliances ensure the space is functional, too. A cushioned seat lines the window: a charming corner to watch the world go slowly by.
If the occasion calls, the banqueting barn next door can seat 30 under its lofty vaulted ceiling. Old oak beams and exposed brick dial up the ambiance, while an adjoining professional kitchen is specially designed for private chefs to cater for a crowd.
Back at the cottage, a boot room area with a butler sink lines the entrance hall, perfectly placed to disrobe after any muddy walks.
Bedrooms & bathrooms
Bedrooms each have their own theme and tonal palette. A principal suite tucked away on the ground floor is wrapped in leafy green, from the delicate patterned wallpaper to the handmade curtains, headboards and wicker chest of drawers. Its en suite continues the theme with verdant subway tiles and a walk-in shower.
Other rooms rove around the colour chart – a double features red accented headboards and wall lamps; a twin is finished with white-and-blue pelmets and headboards, while another suite offers buttery yellow walls and red paisley fabrics. Zip-linked beds mean each space can easily be configured as a twin or double depending on requirements.
In the family bathroom, a gingham shower curtain with a frilly valance conceals a roll top bath.
Outside space
With Dorset horn sheep grazing in the fields, the wider estate paints a picture-perfect pastoral scene. Majestic spreading Holm oaks and a castellated yew hedge add natural structure to abundant grounds landscaped by Keith Anderson. Ramble through the long-grassed orchard and wild gardens or unwind with a few laps of the heated swimming pool tucked within its own walled garden.
Just opposite the cottage, there’s an outdoor dining area for al fresco nights. The treatment barn and spa are a few steps further away and well positioned for padding over in a robe and slippers.
Wellness & leisure
Restorative wellness rituals are an integral part of the experience here. Inspired by the rejuvenating setting, a team of therapists, longevity specialists and trainers applies a holistic approach to health and fitness.
On request, begin and end the day with invigorating fire and ice routines, dipping between traditional Japanese onsen baths and a spectacular sauna. Ease tension and restore balance with a massage in the dedicated spa or unlock a detailed health profile with a comprehensive blood analysis. Meanwhile, a soaring barn provides an underfloor-heated hub for matt-based and aerial yoga, gym classes, breath workshops, sound healing or meditation in front of the roaring fire.
The surroundings
The county of Somerset is on your doorstep here. Follow the hiking trails from the estate to the picturesque town of Somerton, the former capital of Wessex. This is a place of epic history, first mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 773. Make a pitstop at family-run Alfredo’s for venetian cicchetti. Brave cold-water swimming at Lulworth Cove, trace the Jurassic coastline, or ramble up the ramparts of Maiden Castle, an expansive Iron Age hillfort dating from the 1st century BC. If you tire of the estate’s 35 acres, jump in the car to Exmoor National Park, where some 265 square miles of open moorland and ancient woodland await. Come evening, book a table at Osip in nearby Bruton, a gastronomic destination that’s put Somerset on the culinary map.
Glastonbury is just up the road, which is music to the ears of festival goers who want to forego camping. When the city calls, London is only one hour 30 minutes away by train, while the Jurassic Coast and Bath are both a 60-minute drive in either direction.
Guest Services - The Cotswolds & Country
At your service
With a helping hand from our concierge team, our rural homes are made for switching off. Think horse-riding through unspoilt countryside followed by restorative massages, chef-cooked feasts and curling up by a roaring fire with an expertly mixed cocktail. Fireworks displays on the grounds or milestone celebrations: we make things happen both within and beyond the walls of your estate.
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Ford Cottage
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