The Old Sweet Shop is a 17th-century thatched cottage, located in the quietest and prettiest part of Minehead, known as the gateway to Exmoor. The owners have completed an extensive and sympathetic restoration, which maximises the cottage’s space, light and historical features. These include thick stone walls, a fabulous fireplace that now houses a large wood burner, exposed beams, a semi-circular staircase and original mullioned windows. There are numerous scorch marks made by the tips of a hot poker on the large wooden mantelpiece. In West Somerset, this is where people made hot toddies, stirring a tankard of cider with a red-hot poker to warm it up. They sit perfectly alongside the high quality fabrics and furnishings, kitchen with large dining table and modern appliances to offer guests every comfort.
The Old Sweet Shop served as the local grocery store and sweet shop for many years and some of the older neighbours can still remember buying sweets and ice creams on the way to and from school. One of the original wooden shop signs hangs in the hallway. The deeds for the sale of The Old Sweet Shop were signed by George Fownes Luttrell in 1947, and he was forced to sell the majority of his estate because of high death taxes following World War II. The property sold for the sum of £48.
The cottage was originally two properties, with the shop, living area and bedroom as one cottage, and the second slightly larger cottage to the left hand side. The owners found sheep bones and oyster shells when they were restoring the garden, suggesting that past residents took what they could from the land and coast. The cottage has a very tall chimney that you can see from the garden, and many cottages in the area are like this.
The Old Sweet Shop is suitable for families with children and groups of adults. Your four-legged friends are also more than welcome. The cottage also benefits from a sunny enclosed garden with lawn and seating area, and a large hot tub, just perfect for a relaxing soak after exploring this beautiful part of the world.
The Old Sweet Shop is in a fantastic central location, within easy walking distance of Minehead’s town centre, shop, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms, sandy beach and quayside. In addition, the coast and moorland countryside is within easy driving distance. For steam enthusiasts and day trippers alike there’s the West Somerset Steam Railway, the country’s longest restored line. Also nearby are the Victorian villages of Lynmouth and Lynton famous for Watersmeet Gorge (National Trust), the Valley of the Rocks, and the Funicular Cliff Railway with spectacular views of the coastline. A visit to Dunster Castle (National Trust) is a must-see for its terraced gardens, mill and deer park. A short distance away is the charming Porlock village and Porlock Weir. Beach within 1 mile. Shops, pub and restaurant 800 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 22 guests.
Ground Floor:
Living room: With wood burner, 50" HD Sky Q TV (basic package) with Netflix, Blu-ray player and beams.
Kitchen/dining room: With electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine.
Utility room: With fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Step to...
Bedroom 1 (Refresher): With four poster kingsize bed and en-suite with shower cubicle and toilet.
Bedroom 2 (Strawberry Sherbet): With double bed.
Shower room: With shower cubicle and toilet.
First Floor:
Bedroom 3 (Lemon Drop): With twin beds, beams and en-suite with shower cubicle and toilet.
Bedroom 4 (Marshmallow): With kingsize bed, beams and en-suite with roll top bath, toilet and low ceiling.
Gas central heating included, electricity, bed linen,towels and Wi-fi included.Travel cot, Highchair and stairgate. Welcome pack and doggy extras. Enclosed lawned garden with patio and gartden furniture. Hot tub for 7 (private), for use up until 10pm. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: Couples, family bookings and holiday makers only. Sorry no hen or stag parties.There are 5 steps in the garden. Barbecues are not allowed in the garden/grounds of this property due to neighbouring thatched properties. Please bring your own towels for the hot tub. Please leave the hot tub by 10pm. This property has a security deposit of £250.
All properties: Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot, highchair and stairgate. Welcome pack and doggy extras. Enclosed lawned garden with patio and garden furniture. No smoking. Please note: Couples, family bookings and holidaymakers only. Sorry, no hen or stag parties. Barbecues are not allowed in the garden/grounds of this property due to neighbouring thatched properties.