Nethercote Byre

Nethercote Byre sits quietly in the heart of Exmoor, tucked away from the usual routes and offering that rare thing: proper peace.

Once a large U-shaped barn, it’s now a characterful retreat that still carries the easy charm of its agricultural past.

The place feels honest and unfussy, just natural materials, big, airy spaces and a sense that life moves at a gentler pace up here.

The main living room is a generous, open space where wooden floors, original artwork and sturdy timber give everything a grounded, inviting feel.

A wood-burning stove anchors the room, ideal for gathering the whole group after a day on the moor.

Two sets of sliding doors open onto the courtyard, letting you drift between indoors and out depending on the weather.

There’s also a second sitting room that doubles as a playroom, complete with table football and a jigsaw table, so children have their own corner when the skies don’t cooperate.

With four bedrooms, one super-king and three twins placed at either end of the property, everyone gets a bit of breathing room.

Two shared bathrooms keep things simple, and everything is set around a private courtyard that’s perfect for morning coffee, evening drinks, or just listening to birdsong without any traffic to spoil it.

Guests are also welcome to wander the owner’s surrounding land, which adds to that feeling of proper freedom.

The local area is every bit as rewarding as the house.

Exmoor’s walking trails weave in all directions, offering everything from gentle riverside strolls to tougher climbs with sweeping views.

Winsford and Exford can be reached with a short drive, each with classic village inns serving hearty meals and local ales.

If you fancy learning something new, fly-fishing tuition is available in Exebridge.

Dulverton and Bampton offer cafés, independent shops and an easy afternoon of pottering about, while Wimbleball Lake is close enough for kayaking, paddleboarding or simply wandering its shoreline.

If you’re after a place that feels genuinely removed from the rush of things, yet still connected to the best of Exmoor, Nethercote Byre hits the mark.

It’s a proper getaway, with room to breathe, explore and switch off.