Fives Court Cottage
Cheriton Hill,  North Cheriton,  Wincanton,  Somerset.
Sleeps 4 (plus cot).
VISIT BRITAIN RATING:

Situated in a small village between Wincanton and Sherborne, on the Somerset-Dorset border, this Grade II listed barn, built in the 17th & 18th centuries, has been converted into a cosy, two-bedroom cottage, while retaining many of the original features.

The master bedroom has a king size pine double bed, the second bedroom has twin divans. All bedding is provided in the price. The white bathroom has a bath with electric shower. Back downstairs, the fully equipped kitchen-diner includes an in-built cooker, washer-dryer, dishwasher and microwave. Both the downstairs rooms have flagstone floors. More views of inside

The cottage is situated in a small courtyard opposite the owner's house. There is off road parking for one car. The owners have a selection of pets including chicken and Shetland ponies, which are kept in the field next to their house. More views of outside The barn is well known locally as a landmark because the east end is formed by a high wall of historic interest. According to local tradition this was built by Napoleonic prisoners (1805-1815) so their officers held at the Windmill Inn opposite could play the Basque game of pelota. However, there are several such walls in Somerset and Dorset which were used for the game of fives, very popular in this area at the time. The wall is in the style of fives walls built during the 1700's, so it may be even older than currently thought. The barn in the 1950's Views of the surrounding area

North Cheriton is a small village designated as a conservation area. There is an ancient pound and village stocks (no longer in use!) sited next to the church of St John the Baptist. It is an ideal base for walking with lots of circular walks using country lanes and footpaths. The walks can include a visit to a local pub. There are three, each serving food, which are found in approximately ¾ mile, 1¼ miles and 2½ miles.

Local attractions include the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford, and Shaftesbury with the famous Gold Hill. The market town of Sherborne, with its Abbey and two Castles, is just six miles away. Many events such as Sherborne Country Fair, a Classic Car Show, and a Firework Extravaganza are held in the grounds of the new Sherborne Castle. There are many National Trust properties in the area including Stourhead with its gardens designed by Capability Brown, Montacute House, Lytes Cary Manor, and Barrington Court. At Longleat, there is the famous safari park as well as a beautiful stately home and garden. Nearby are the Bath and West Show Ground at Shepton Mallet, and Wincanton Racecourse.

Local sporting and leisure facilities include an indoor pool and gymnasium at Wincanton Sports Centre and tennis at Wincanton Sports Ground. There are several local golf courses. Horse riding is available at Horsington (2 miles). Yeovil (12 miles) has ten-pin bowling, swimming and a multiplex cinema.

Further afield is the Jurassic Coast (World Heritage Site), popular with fossil hunters, with geological features such as Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, the harbour town of Lyme Regis with its famous Cobb harbour wall, and Abbotsbury with its swannery and gardens. There are some lovely sandy beaches, including Weymouth and Swanage. Chesil Beach and West Bay are popular with sea anglers.

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