THE OVAL DUNSTER - 3 Bedroom (Sleeps 6) Cottage in Dunster

Description

A charming medieval cottage that sleeps six. Feature antique four-poster bed in the main bedroom. Wood-burning stove. Two bathrooms. Enclosed courtyard. Reserved parking for two vehicles nearby. Rated Four Star Gold by VisitEngland.

Set on West Street in the heart of the medieval village of Dunster, The Oval is a spacious, characterful historic cottage sleeping six, offering the rare combination of genuine history, comfort, and a truly central village location.

Dating back centuries, the cottage retains many original features—exposed beams, uneven walls, a wooden screen, and wonky floors — and a sense of age you simply don’t get in modern accommodation. At the same time, it is thoughtfully equipped for relaxed, contemporary living. Guests frequently comment on how welcoming, comfortable and immaculately clean the cottage feels from the moment they arrive. “Spotlessly clean, warm and welcoming — it felt like home straight away.”

Living space
The main living areas are generous and sociable, with comfortable seating, a wood-burning stove for cooler evenings and space to relax together after days exploring Exmoor and the coast. The cottage works equally well for families, friends or couples travelling together, with plenty of room to spread out. There's fast Wi-Fi, a large smart TV with Netflix and a DVD player. You'll find toys, games, puzzles, movies, and books for all ages. “Plenty of space for all of us, with everything we needed for relaxing evenings in.”

Bedrooms and bathrooms
The Oval has three bedrooms, including a four-poster bed, and two bathrooms (one en suite). Beds are consistently praised by guests for their comfort, and the layout makes the cottage practical for mixed groups and families alike. Guests staying in the twin bedroom share the en-suite with the main bedroom, a 'Jack and Jill' arrangement with lockable access from the hallway and the bedroom. In the second double bedroom there is a bath with shower over, plus a Sanilav WC. We have two travel cots – just ask us, and we'll put them up and take them down after you leave. You just need to bring your own bedding and linen for the cot. “The beds were extremely comfortable — we all slept brilliantly.”

Kitchen and dining
The kitchen is very well equipped and suitable for proper cooking rather than holiday “make do”. Many guests choose to dine in on several evenings each week, enjoying the cottage's space and atmosphere, while others take advantage of the excellent pubs, restaurants, and tearooms just steps from the front door. The kitchen has a large dual-fuel range cooker, microwave, toaster, kettle, Nespresso Essenza Mini coffee machine, cafetière, large fridge/freezer, slow cooker, dishwasher, and washing machine.

In the adjacent utility room, you'll find a tumble dryer, an iron and ironing board, a high chair, an airer, a second sink, and a Sanilav WC. “The kitchen was exceptionally well equipped — far better than most holiday cottages.”

Outdoor space
There is a well-enclosed courtyard at ground level, ideal for morning coffee or a quiet drink at the end of the day, as well as a sun deck accessible by steep slate steps — a lovely spot in the warmer months. The courtyard makes the cottage particularly practical for guests travelling with dogs.

Location
The Oval’s location is one of its greatest strengths. Situated right in the village centre, you can walk to:
• Pubs, cafés, tearooms and independent shops
• Dunster Castle, the watermill, tithe barn and church
• Dunster's award-winning playground, Gallox Bridge over the River Avill and open fields for dog walkers
• The West Somerset Railway
• Coastal paths, village walks and access points onto Exmoor
Guests regularly comment that once parked, the car is barely needed for the duration of their stay. “Once we arrived, we hardly used the car — everything was right on the doorstep.”

Parking
The cottage benefits from reserved parking for two vehicles nearby, which guests consistently describe as a real bonus in such a historic village setting. One space is in our own garage on West Street, with a second space in the Dunster Castle car park using our permit. “The parking arrangements were straightforward and a real help in such a busy village.”

Dog, child and walker friendly
The Oval is child- and dog-friendly, with thoughtful touches that make travelling with dogs easy and comfortable. Walkers appreciate the immediate access to village, woodland and moorland routes, as well as the ability to return to a warm, well-equipped base. We provide dog baskets, blankets, bowls, towels and a treat. “Our dog settled immediately — it’s one of the most dog-friendly places we’ve stayed.”

Quality and reassurance
The Oval is Four Star Gold rated by VisitEngland and forms part of Exmoor Character Cottages, known for exceptional cleanliness, attention to detail and personal care. In 2024 it was recognised with a Rose Award, a prestigious accolade from VisitEngland commending exceptional customer service.

The owner has welcomed guests to Exmoor for over 15 years, with a reputation for exceptional cleanliness, thoughtful hosting, and attention to detail.

A high proportion of guests return year after year, often describing the cottage as a “home from home”.

“We loved it so much we’re already planning our return visit.” Whether you’re visiting for walking, history, the coast, special occasions, or simply time to slow down, The Oval offers a rare opportunity to stay somewhere with genuine character, comfort, and an outstanding location.

All quotes are taken from our Guest Book and are from 2025.

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