Swincombe Mill - Challacombe

This detached stone barn stands on a working 1,500-acre beef and sheep farm within Exmoor National Park, reached along a private tarmacked lane. It has been converted into a two-bedroom holiday home with a full-height living and dining area, exposed timber beams and a wood burner for cooler evenings, with logs included.

Both bedrooms are reached down two steps from the lounge. Bedroom one has a super-king bed, while bedroom two is a zip-and-link super-king that can be configured as twins if requested at the time of booking, and has its own Juliette balcony. The family bathroom includes a wide walk-in power shower and a separate bath, with an additional WC off the utility room. The kitchen has a gas range cooker, integrated fridge, freezer, coffee machine and dishwasher, and the adjoining utility room holds a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Outside, a south-facing, enclosed lawned garden opens from the lounge onto a decking area with outdoor seating, a gas barbecue and an outdoor wood burner with cooking facilities. A private wood-fired hot tub, logs included, sits on the decking. Private off-road parking is provided for two cars, and oil-fired central heating serves the whole property.

The barn is within walking distance of a shop and pub in Challacombe, though a torch is worth packing for the walk back after dark. A travel cot and highchair are available for younger guests, and up to two dogs are welcome, with additional charges possibly applying. Internet access is provided at the property.