The Old Smithy is a well appointed family home, providing spacious and comfortable accommodation on the border of 3 West-county counties. Ideal for self-catering families who would like convenient access to the many areas of outstanding natural beauty within and surrounding the 3 counties of Somerset, Devon and Dorset. The Old Smithy really is located in an ideal central west-country location for exploring. Set over three floors, with a separate annex down the drive, it is the perfect holiday property for multi-generational or extended family holidays.
This unique and interesting 19th Century Hamstone property provides a diverse range of flexible accommodation to suit virtually any family set-up. Constructed in the mid 1800's, it was formerly part of a farm. The dairy buildings now form the main house and the original black smiths has been retained as a workshop to the rear of the property. Needless to say, it has enjoyed generous development and upgrading over the years!
Set in a quarter of an acre of enclosed, well stocked, private gardens, this family home has a host of character and quirky features and is situated in a quiet residential area on the southern outskirts of the Market Town of Crewkerne.
The local Hamstone used in its construction is a beautiful, rich gold colour and incredibly thickly laid - making it cool in summer and snug in winter. The cottage is mainly laid to carpet and enjoys double glazing throughout and with very efficient hive controlled gas fired central heating. The kitchen and dining areas also benefit from underfloor heating.
The Old Smithy has recently enjoyed a total refurbishment of the kitchen, with fully fitted handmade, bespoke wooden kitchen units with quartz work top. The Quooker tap provides instant boiling water and the electric blinds and underfloor heating give it all a cosy and homely feeling. New carpets in the conservatory, sitting room, landing & stairs - with complete redecoration of those areas ensure it all looks clean and fresh.
The Old Smithy has a large open plan family kitchen with pine table providing seating for 8-10, and a Sun-room off the kitchen - which allows for guests to expand out into the courtyard. A beamed sitting room with hamstone fire place houses a multifuel stove, providing a calm and comfortable space in which to relax. Off the hall is a cloakroom with toilet and shower.
There are three double bedrooms on the first floor along with the family bathroom - with separate shower and bath. On the second floor there is the fourth bedroom which can sleep four (usually the children of the party - due to restricted headroom) It comprises a double and 2 single beds. It also doubles as a children's playroom with TV, games console and toys!
The Folly (annex) is a converted garage on the edge of the garden and provides separate self-contained accommodation in the form of our fifth double room with an en-suite shower room and kitchenette [fridge/freezer, sink, microwave and two hobs and a worktop oven etc], large dressing table, two comfortable chairs and a wall mounted TV. A concertinaed door leads to a walk-in wardrobe with hanging space and drawers.
This lovely annex allows families who wish to holiday in a larger or multi-generational groups to be able to gift a couple (....usually grandparents!) some quiet time away from it all to relax in their own space.
The Garden is private and mainly laid to lawn with mature shrubs, trees and boundary hedges - covering about a quarter of an acre. This includes the main garden (ideal for football and cricket!) a childrenâs garden area, a raised BBQ area (adult dining & sunbathing!) and a firepit area - the latter areas all have fence mounted solar lighting to allow for unspoilt evenings under the stars.
The BBQ area is a fantastic sun trap, equipped with an external fridge to keep 'the essentials' cold. This together with the comfortable garden furniture and peaceful surroundings, ensures relaxation for all! The fire pit area has rattan seating and a good sized fire pit.
Along with mature height boarders, there are apple trees and a variety of evergreen and perennial shrubs which makes this a wonderfully private and spacious area to enjoy outdoor living.
All bedding is provided - apart from bedding for the travel cot.
We do ask all guests to bring their own bath & beach towels.
There is off road parking for up to two cars and plenty of on road parking.
To ensure maximum comfort for all guests during their stay, the number of adults in your party should not exceed 8. We pretty much always cater for mixed aged/generation younger families - which this house is absolutely perfect for. Grandparents usually end up in the annex, parents in the 3 double bedrooms and children in the attic room. Obviously, it's entirely up to you how you distribute your party, but space in the kitchen and sitting room would be stretched if there were more than 8 adults.
Crewkerne is a historic, stone-built market town in South Somerset known for its Georgian architecture, a charming town centre, and surrounding countryside.
It has a good range of food shops including a Waitrose, Lidl, a butcher and baker. These are 2 post offices and a range of places to eat/drink/socialise such as 'The Crooked Swan' and 'Oscars Wine Bar'. There are also lots of other shops - from the practical handwear shop 'James', to antiques and gifts.
History & Heritage
Saxon Origins: The town has ancient roots, mentioned in the will of Alfred the Great in 899 AD, and once had the status of a Saxon royal mint.
Textile Industry: Crewkerne prospered in the medieval period due to the flourishing wool and textile industries, later becoming known for sail-making, including sails for Nelson's flagship, the HMS Victory.
Historic Architecture: The town centre is a conservation area featuring fine examples of 19th-century Georgian houses, old stone cottages, and 17th- and 18th-century almshouses.
St Bartholomew's Church: Dominating the town, this magnificent 15th-century parish church was built with the wealth of the medieval wool trade and features impressive Perpendicular Gothic architecture.
Things to do
Explore the town: Wander through the conservation area with its 19th-century Georgian buildings and browse the antique shops.
Visit the museum: Discover Crewkerne's history, from its time as a Saxon royal mint to its importance in the textile industry, at the Crewkerne & District Museum (open March-October).
Enjoy nature: Take a walk to the Bincombe Beeches Nature Reserve for peaceful surroundings and great views over the town and countryside.
Go for a walk or cycle: The surrounding area offers many walking and cycling trails through the beautiful Somerset countryside.
Find local crafts and food: Look for local shops selling unique items like the award-winning CEDRICS Somerset Cider and Apple Cake.
Relax: Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the town's many cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
Practical information
Getting there: Crewkerne has a railway station (CKN) on the West of England Main Line, with a path connecting it to the town centre.
Information: The town has an Information Centre staffed by local volunteers, who can provide details on local events, walks, businesses, and more.
Events: The town has a community website that lists local events.
