The Old Flax Shop

Ancient beams, some wonderful original flooring and wonky walls are perfectly matched with calming colours, good lighting and upcycled, repurposed furniture and fittings – you’ll feel happy even if you’re stuck indoors. Watch a film, read a book or play games by the warming wood-burner; eat at a long wooden table by glass doors to your terrace area, or take it all outside on balmy days and have a barbecue.

The charming kitchen has all the kit you need and you’re left a generous basket with either scones (clotted cream will be in the fridge) or a cake to welcome you. Upstairs are two bedrooms (one, with a gorgeous Hobbit door, can be a twin) both with smartly dressed beds and sloping ceilings.

It’s a three quarters of an hour hearty climb to the top of Colmer’s Hill for panoramic views of the countryside and coast, then head to Symondsbury with its pretty sandstone buildings and slake your thirst with a pint at The Ilchester Arms.