Property Summary
Gapperies, West Porlock (Somerset) enjoys outstanding views from almost every room, across the fields and salt marsh to the coastline of Porlock Bay. It's a wonderful destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in an unspoilt pocket of Exmoor; the ever-changing view is a real delight! Sleeps 6
Main Description
Gapperies, West Porlock offers spacious accommodation for up to 6 guests. Unwind at this gorgeous property - it has everything you need if you want to stay in and relax - light the fire, pick up a book or magazine, or play any of the games provided. If you want to go out it is perfectly located for a short walk to both Porlock Village and Porlock Weir or venture further into the wider Exmoor area on foot or by car.
Sleeps up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms - Two king-sized double bedrooms sharing a large shower room and one twin bedroom with en-suite shower room
All on one level inside, with ramp access and threshold to the main door
Wonderful views of Porlock Marsh, the coast and up Porlock Vale
Sat in a slightly elevated and private position making the most of the view
Open plan kitchen, living and dining area with feature wood-burner
Patio area at the side of the property with fire pit and BBQ grill to be used over the firepit
The rest of the garden is still a work-in-progress (someone will be working in the garden most Wednesdays). There is no lawned garden area
Electricity, heating and wifi included
Towels and bed linen provided
Dog/s welcome (maximum of 3) for £20 per dog
Arrive from 3 pm
Depart by 10 am
Indoor Description
The property has been refurbished internally throughout, ready for letting in 2023.
The main living space is open-plan comprising kitchen, dining and living areas, with a feature wood-burner in the centre of the room. There are two comfortable sofas in the living area with an additional sofa and moveable armchair closer to the TV. The dining table can comfortably seat 6 guests. The kitchen is well equipped with all new appliances, including large fridge-freezer, electric oven with grill & hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, and a plentiful supply of cookware, crockery, cutlery, glasses, etc.
There are three bedrooms, two with king-sized beds. Note that one of these king-sized beds is raised to maximise the view when you're drinking your morning tea/coffee, but may not be suitable for those with restricted mobility. These two bedrooms share a large shower room, which also houses the washing machine. The third bedroom has twin beds and an en-suite shower room. (Note, there is no bath at this property).
Wifi, heating and electricity are included in the price of your accommodation.
The property is fitted with infrared heating panels on the ceiling. Infrared heating warms objects and people, rather than just the air of the entire room which makes it much more efficient than conventional radiators.
One basket of logs will be provided for the wood-burner in the cooler months, further supplies can be purchased locally in the village if required.
The television has Freesat. An Amazon Firestick is also provided through which you can watch catch-up TV, and some mobiles and tablets can stream/mirror paid services through it to the TV. There is also a Bluetooth speaker to which you can connect and play your own music.
Bed linen and towels are provided, but please bring your own beach towels if you want to take them on day trips or use the towels outside.
There is no travel cot or highchair available at this property. On request a fire guard can be made available to protect toddlers from the woodburner.
Restricted Mobility & Wheelchair Users: There is level access from the car parking area to the front door. There is a ramp to the door but a door threshold to get over. Once inside there are no thresholds and fairly good manoeuvring space. Please see photos for the space in the main bathroom, and get in touch if you have specific questions about whether it will be suitable.
Outdoor Description
A sloping, gated drive leads away from the road up to the property, which is tucked away in a private location barely visible above the road. There is ample car parking for 3 cars.
The current owners bought this property in 2022. At that time the outside space was very overgrown and still requires a lot of work for it become the beautiful garden they anticipate it will one day become. There is no lawn area. There is a patio area at the side of the property with 'conversation' chairs, and enjoyment of the best of the sunshine and the fabulous view. There is also a bowl firepit with a swing arm BBQ grill. The rest of the garden area is still a work-in-progress. Most of the garden behind the property is sloping with shrubs and trees.
PLEASE NOTE: A gardener comes almost every Wednesday, and the owners will come and work in the garden then too sometimes. There is a small annex to the property which the owners and gardener use as a base while they are working in the garden.
From the property, it's a short walk to access local footpaths which will take you up into the woods behind the property or down onto the marsh, and then along to Porlock or Porlock Weir. It's also an easy to walk to the beach along the road.
Parking
Parking is available on the drive outside the property, for up to 3 cars.
There is currently no charge point at the property, and we ask guests not to charge from the domestic supply. There are two 22KW charge points in Porlock's Central Car Park with space for four vehicles; cars can be charged for up to three hours following the purchase of a car parking ticket.
Pets Description
Up to 3 well-behaved dogs are welcome for supplement of £20 each.
Note that the garden is not completely enclosed for determined wanderers as the fencing to the woods is not secure. However, there is a gate on the driveway which would stop a dog easily getting onto the road. There are many pheasants in the area.
Most pubs & cafes as well as some restaurants on Exmoor are dog friendly.
Please note that ticks are endemic across Exmoor so we recommend you get your dogs preventative tick treatment prior to arrival.
Cats are also welcome, but obviously don't let them scratch the furniture!
Restricted mobility
The property is all on one level inside, with a ramp but quite a large threshold to the main door. The only reason we say it may not be suitable for wheelchair users is that the corridor into the main bathroom might be tight. Please ask for photos to make a decision if it will be suitable for you!
Also one of the king-size beds in the small bedroom has been raised up to maximise the view so not great for chair-bed transfers!
Exit in case of emergency
This has not been completed by the owner.
Christmas / New Year
Unless requested otherwise, a tree will be put up along with festive lighting and a few other decorations.
The region
West Porlock is a small hamlet situated between Porlock and Porlock Weir. The 13th century harbour is at the 'centre' of Porlock Weir (just over 1/2 mile). There are two restaurants, a pub and a range of individual shops such as tea rooms, Exmoor Glass, etc. The village of Porlock is approximately a mile away, and boasts three pubs, two grocery shops, a traditional local butcher, chemist, cash machine, hardware shop, visitor centre, art galleries and a range of independent shops and tea rooms.
Often referred to as England's best kept secret, Exmoor is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for a holiday in the great outdoors! There's so much to see and do, from short walks to long hikes across the moors or horse riding, taking in a safari or sight-seeing at your own pace around the 'picture postcard' villages and hamlets.
There are few more delightful surroundings than Porlock Vale, nestled at the foot of Porlock Hill, bounded to the north by its shingle ridge and breath taking views towards the Bristol Channel, and to the south by the rolling hills of the Exmoor National Park. The Exmoor coastline is formed mainly of cliffs but at Porlock the land flattens out and a unique mile long shingle ridge and an inland salt marsh have formed. For the bird watcher this is a very interesting site as a great variety of waders and wildfowl can be seen here in the winter as well as the occasional unusual bird passing through.
