Who remembers the driest springtime for a hundred years and the hottest summer on record in 2025? Well, no sooner had the Environmental Agency warned that Somerset could face a drought in 2026 [yes, that is true], we closed for the season and were deluged by three storms in quick succession (Bram, Goretti and Chandra). And, just for good measure, it didn’t stop raining for most of February either. Nevertheless, we were able to spend some quality time catching up with family and friends face-to-face, which unfortunately is always hard to do during the rest of the year.
Although we have been closed over the winter that doesn’t mean we have been hibernating. There is always work to be done, especially with administration and bookkeeping, as well as making sure the house is ready for our re-opening. One major change to have occurred is that we have changed over the booking system to a new provider, one that is more aligned with our business. We hope the changes behind the scenes are seamless for our guests but please bear with us should there be any issues. Otherwise, we have had the chimneys swept, our portable appliances tested, our Fire Safety Risk Assessment updated and rewritten, and all the property’s electrical wiring has had an in-depth safety inspection.
Regardless of these amusements, we eventually felt we owed it to ourselves to travel three and a half thousand miles to escape the sodden weather and spend a glorious week recuperating in the unrelenting sun and warmth. A marvellous time was had, notwithstanding the taunting irony that we both somehow managed to catch a cold before we left!
Back home in the Northern hemisphere we are glad the days are starting to get warmer, drier and longer again. Spring, meteorologically speaking, is upon us from 1 March while astronomically the equinox is on 20 March this year (precisely at 2.46pm GMT, apparently). So, it is that time of year again when Exmoor is about to flourish as everything regenerates, including us! We feel energised to begin again and truly cannot believe it will be our fourth season already – gosh, are we dab hands by now? We continue to love this beautiful unspoilt part of the country, never tiring of our amazing views and so appreciative of the special Exmoor village of Wootton Courtenay that we are fortunate enough to call home.
Now and again, Tanya has been known to surprise us all with a bit of verse that actually rhymes and, as a special treat, we share her latest poetic work as it seems quite apt.
Exmoor lives in our hearts and in our blood
From proud Dunkery Beacon to the deep Horner Wood
From Dunster Castle to Watchet marina
’Tis hard to find a land on which we’re keener.
Through the wild Doone Valley to the ancient Tarr Steps
So much lies waiting from our own doorsteps.
With roaming Exmoor ponies and native red deer,
We’ll warmly welcome you all who journey here.
Not bad, eh!
Anyway, we are perfecting our sun dance in time to reopen on 6th March. Whether we have yet to meet or you have stayed with us before, as spring awakens why not find some rest and renewal before Easter and embrace the beauty of Exmoor with us.
Take advantage of our low‑season rates in March and enjoy an extra 10% off when you stay two nights or more—with our spacious suites from £115 per night and our well-appointed king‑size rooms from £104 per night, based on double occupancy and including a hearty cooked breakfast.
You would be most welcome. Book here.
Best wishes
Andy & Tanya