Comments

Exceptional property and location. We hope to return in 2013.
Helpful Holidays guests, October 2012

 

Very comfortable, characterful accommodation – just right for that special holiday.
Helpful Holidays guests, September 2012

 

It was an excellent holiday with a wonderful house that managed to be both very old and quirky but with all the modern comforts. We'll definitely book again - thank you
Helpful Holidays guests, September 2012

 

Great house in a great location for Exmoor and surroundings, being such an old house you really feel part of the scenery. Very well equipped, surprisingly spacious and comfortable. We loved it.
Helpful Holidays guests, September 2012

 

This cottage is one of the best our family has ever stayed in, and the welcome tray was the icing on the cake.
Helpful Holidays guests, August 2012

 

Fabulous house, fantastic location, everything in the house we needed. We were greeted with a very tasty cake, and treats for our dogs which we thought was very thoughtful We would stay again and highly recommend.
Helpful Holidays guests, July 2012

 

A very enjoyable holiday in a fantastic cottage, in a superb location.
Helpful Holidays guests, July 2012

 

This was one of our best ever UK self-catering holidays, thanks to the property owner’s attention to detail and quality, as well as the property location. It was refreshing to find a property in which dogs were truly welcome, and where it was possible to keep them downstairs in a non-carpeted area. We were genuinely sad to pack and go home, in spite of having had less than kind weather!
Helpful Holidays guests, June 2012

 

We had a lovely week staying at The Oval in Dunster. It was the perfect house in the perfect location. It’s ideal for long dog walks followed by a great choice of pubs and restaurants. The house provided everything we could possibly ask for, and we could see how much effort had gone into providing the highest standard of accommodation. Thank you.
Helpful Holidays guests, April 2012

 

The cottage and facilities were wonderful and all the extras of a Christmas tree, cake and dog treats made it more special.
Helpful Holidays guests, December 2011

 

We stayed at The Oval, Dunster. What a fabulous cottage, very nicely furnished and decorated and well stocked with everything that you could possibly think of. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful is the only way to describe it and it is a credit to the owner. We wanted a chilled relaxing break and The Oval and its surroundings provided that and loads more. Would definitely recommend and we would love to come and stay again.
Helpful Holidays guests, December 2011

 

Had a lovely holiday. Dunster and Exmoor provide excellent walks, horse rides and places to eat. We will be back.
Helpful Holidays guests, October 2011

 

Had a wonderful week here in the cottage and agree with all the other previous comments, it has everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing time. We are very impressed with everything here and the attention to the smallest detail is wonderful. We all loved the surrounding areas, a very beautiful place to visit. Thank you for our stay in your lovely cottage and a big ‘Thank you’ from the dogs for their treats (very much enjoyed).
Helpful Holidays guests with Diesel and Monty the dogs, October 2011

 

A beautiful cottage, extremely well-equipped - like going back in time. We love Dunster and the surrounding area. Selworthy is a very quaint village with an old, old church, and well worth visiting is Porlock. Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely home.
Helpful Holidays guests, September 2011

 

We had a very happy fortnight in this lovely house, everything we needed was here, and the weather was reasonable so we were able to sit in the garden. Thank you for a very clean and comfortable stay and welcoming treats.
Helpful Holidays guests, September 2011

 

We’ve had a lovely time here this week. The house is beautiful and our little girl loved playing Sleeping Beauty in the ‘princess bed’. The best bits (according to our 5 and 2 year olds) have been the park around the corner, the train ride on the old steam train, playing knights on our walks, the Dunster Show where we met lots of sheep, cows and horses. Thanks for the boxes of games, our 5 year old is getting quite good at draughts now. We’ll miss The Oval but we have lots of nice memories.
Helpful Holidays guests, August 2011

 

We’ve really enjoyed “living” in Dunster for a week. The Oval is an amazing place to stay and we loved the welcome goodies of chocolates, cake and doggie treats. Our ‘boy’ has really enjoyed resting his paws on the doggie cushions after his long walks! We loved the West Somerset Railway, walking on Blue Anchor beach and climbing Bats Castle – a long steep climb but worth it for the views. Horse riding followed by the best cream tea ever was one of the highlights of the week. Porlock Weir, the view from Dunkery Beacon, Tarr Steps, Valley of the Rocks, Lynmouth and Porlock Hill – all lovely and memorable. Can also recommend the ginger scones at The Victorian Tea Rooms! Sorry our week is over, thank you!
Helpful Holidays guests, August 2011

 

We picked The Oval as it looked beautiful in the photos and, knowing how fickle the summer sunshine can be, my philosophy was if it rains I’d like to be inside enjoying luxury! The photos were right – The Oval is a wonderful property, well-equipped, well decorated and thank you for the extras. Despite the weather we all loved Dunster, the castle, day out at Butlins, Porlock Hill, Lynmouth, Blue Anchor and Kilve. The jigsaws have been fabby and addictive – everyone sneaking to do a bit! Kilve beach is known for fossils. We came away with six fossils of ammonites.
Helpful Holidays guests, August 2011

 

On behalf of the family we thank you for the welcome we felt as soon as we arrived. We love this part of the country – such beautiful scenery and peaceful. We never wanted to leave.
Helpful Holidays guests, July 2011

 

Great cottage, great week! Everything you need – lovely stocked toy room for all ages. Thanks for the cake and biscuits! All in all lovely cottage and great place, had a wicked break. Thank you. (Fudge shop highly recommended!)
Helpful Holidays guests, July 2011

 

The cottage is delightful, lovely garden and location, wonderful walks in a beautiful village. Every comfort was available. Thank you Lucy.
Helpful Holidays guests, July 2011

 

Really enjoyed our week in The Oval. Our eight month old Daisy loved all the toys. A lovely characterful cottage – especially liked the four-poster bed. We found the list of Essential Attractions in the ‘Everything you need to know’ folder really useful. The highlights for us were the walking trail around Dunster; Selworthy; The West Somerset Steam railway and the view from Dunkery Beacon.

 

Had a great week staying at The Oval, the cottage is really fantastic, with all our needs met as it is so well equipped. You really do not need to bring anything except your clothes and yourself. Thanks Lucy.
Helpful Holidays guests, May 2011

 

Have been coming to Somerset for many years but this cottage has rated as “the best”. Everything you could possibly want in a holiday cottage and the personal touches were very much appreciated. Periwinkle cottage at Selworthy is a must for cream tea and for a snack or cream tea sitting in the gardens at Horner is a delight. The cottage has made our holiday so enjoyable and will certainly come back here again. Thank you.
Helpful Holidays guests, May 2011

 

Absolutely fabulous, we loved everything about Dunster and The Oval. The quirky house was brilliant – so warm and cosy. Our 16 month old twins loved the toys and running up and down the hallway playing peep boo with the utility door was the highlight for them! Hopefully we will return. Thank you very much.
Helpful Holidays guests, April 2011

 

Thank you so much for sharing this most beautiful home. We have been blessed with a week of sunshine so have been able to enjoy sitting out on the patio taking in all the wonderful views. You have thought of everything, no detail has been missed. We only ate out a few evenings at The Stag and Cobblestones because everything was here we didn’t feel the need to go elsewhere. We enjoyed the walks up to Bats Castle, Conygar Tower and The Arches and Porlock Weir is so tranquil and unspoilt. We enjoyed sitting on the pebbles and looking out to sea. Lucy, you have made this the most pleasurable family holiday we have had. Your home and Dunster are truly magical – I feel like I’ve been to ‘Camelot’. We will definitely be returning – so sad to be leaving.
Helpful Holidays guests, April 2011

 

We have had a lovely stay here at The Oval. The cottage is a fantastic base for us to explore the beautiful area. We loved looking for fossils on East Quantoxhead beach and enjoyed a visit to the Owl Sanctuary at Porlock. The kids loved the sandy beach at Minehead and Tropiquaria at Watchet. The kids were delighted to find the games and our 5 month old baby LOVED the baby toys - thank you! We will highly recommend to our friends with children as a great family get-away. Many thanks.
Helpful Holidays guests, April 2011

 

A very warm and welcoming cottage. Dog friendly, appreciated by Tara who enjoyed lots of long walks! Weather was kind to us and we even managed to enjoy sitting in the garden to have a cup of tea when we got back from walking.
Helpful Holidays guests, March 2011

 

What a fabulous week we’ve had here at The Oval. Thank you for our welcome treats, but particularly for thinking of and providing everything we could wish for to make our stay here such a comfortable and enjoyable one. Your attention to detail has made us feel truly spoilt and the house is just lovely.
Helpful Holidays guests, March 2011

 

Thank you for welcoming us to this gorgeous cottage, it is truly amazing. Warm, cosy with all mod cons a girl can ever need. The fireplace is truly the icing on the cake. The garden outside has amazing views. I would strongly recommend anyone to stay here and will most certainly tell my friends about Dunster and The Oval.
Helpful Holidays guests, March 2011

 

What a fabulous cottage with wonderful historical features. We didn’t need to go out to eat with ingredients from Stuart Lowen’s Farm Shop it was a positive pleasure to cook in your lovely kitchen. We had a great time doing some of your jigsaws. A great week, much enjoyed. PS. I had a great time and enjoyed all my walks. Woof, woof, Tasha.
Helpful Holidays guests, February 2011

 

What a cracking place this is Lucy. Half close your eyes and Shakespeare could walk through the door! Don’t change a thing!
Helpful Holidays guests, January 2011

 

Dear Lucy, what can I say? A beautiful cottage with great amenities! Luckily for us we know Dunster and its walks, pubs and restaurants very well so we were very at home here. Tessa couldn’t wait to go for her usual walks to Dunster Beach, Gallox Bridge etc and she would like to say thank you. The Luttrell Arms, The Stag and Reeves are a must – but cosy nights in by the fire are relaxing as well. We will be back!
Helpful Holidays guests, January 2011

 

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful cottage with us. We came together for an early Christmas celebration which was made extra special by all the wonderful treats provided to welcome us. We thank everyone for making our stay so special. ‘Dunster by Candlelight’ was well worth being here for. We have really enjoyed our stay.
The Brightwells, (from Dartmoor, Hertfordshire and London), December 2010

 

Thank you for a wonderful “Candlelight” weekend. We have fallen in love with your lovely quirky cottage. The Christmas tree, lights and log fire were the ‘icing on the cake’. The mince pies and mulled wine went down a treat! We hope to come again next Christmas.
Garry and Kathy, December 2010

 

We have been coming to Dunster for many years. We have stayed in other places, and The Oval is by far the best. Thank you for the welcome pack and the use of this atmospheric house, it is nice to imagine the people who lived here over the years. I am certain we will be back.
Alyson and Jim, November 2010

 

’The Oval’ has everything - and more - just as we have come to expect from Helpful Holidays. You have a delightful cottage equipped and furnished to a very high standard with thoughtful extras for people and pets! There are some super walks nearby. Dunster castle is a true fairytale castle with beautiful grounds. The steam train ride was loved by young and old and dogs are allowed too. We were sorry to leave.
Teresa, Nigel, Sarah, Ian, Oliver, Nathan and Goldie the Lakeland terrier, November 2010

 

The cottage was amazing. It was really warm and cosy. There are lovely walks nearby. The view from the garden was great and the cottage was very clean. Well done housekeeping – cottage very well equipped.
Erin, Lorna, Jacky and Stephy, November 2010

 

We have had a lovely stay here at The Oval. What a lovely cottage. We have done plenty of things this week and have only used the car a few times. It was really nice to have the chance of a log fire on a couple of the chilly nights. All in all we had a lovely time and would love to come back again.
Helpful Holidays guests Kate, Tom, Pat and Mick, October 2010

 

The house is amazing – it feels more like home than our current home (which is rented). We have loved spending time in Dunster. Our friends loved the house as we did, The best holiday home I have stayed in for 30 years.
The Ryan family, September 2010

 

Wow, what a fantastic cottage! We’ll be back. Loved it!!!
The Webbs, September 2010

 

This cottage was all it promised to be and more. It was very well equipped and has been beautifully upgraded whilst still retaining its charm. The terraced garden is a real sun trap with lovely views over the village to wooded hills. Very lovely, civilised house in a beautiful village and surroundings - We would thoroughly recommended it to anybody.
Mr & Mrs Coleshill and their two sons (aged 17 and 10), Helpful Holidays guests, August 2010

 

This has been one of the best cottages we have ever stayed in. We loved going to Dunster beach and Porlock Weir. We would love to stay here again, you made us feel very welcome.
Jess, aged 8, for the Ball Family, August 2010

 

Had a great holiday here – wonderful house and village, dare to venture to ‘Bats Castle’ but have a good pair of walking boots and energy! And what fantastic views and tranquil surroundings. Dunster castle is lovely and worth a visit. For a typical day on the beach, without travelling far, Minehead is fine if not too busy, and a Butlins Day pass is lovely for the children. We had a wonderful day at Lynemouth via Porlock Hill. All in all, it’s all here to do…
David, Lisa, Tom and Ben, July 2010

 

What an extremely cosy and homely cottage The Oval is! It has some wonderful mix of old and new which work so well together. We had a lovely week’s holiday here. We’ve spent many mornings on Dunster beach with our dog, Lulu, we’ve had some great relaxing walks around Dunster castle and the village shops. The children especially enjoyed the steam railway trip. A truly relaxing week!
Rachel, Richard, Tommy, Charlie & Lulu the dog, June 2010

 

A fascinating house and a great centre for walking and pottering about - we have only used the car a couple of times all week - lovely! We really appreciate the thoughtfulness that has gone into equipping the house for our comfort. Many thanks.
Helpful Holiday guests, June 2010

 

A fascinating house and a great centre for walking and pottering about – we have only used the car a couple of times – wonderful! We really appreciate the thoughtfulness that has gone into equipping the cottage for our comfort.
Andy & Evelyn White, June 2010

 

Beautiful house.
Helpful Holidays guest, May 2010

 

Fantastic house - felt like a home from home. The surrounding countryside is amazing whichever direction you take. Thank you for the thoughtful extras that made us feel so welcome.
Helpful Holiday guests, May 2010

 

Such a lovely house! Our little boys loved the park. We look forward to our next visit. Be sure to climb up to the folly on the hill and take a trip on the steam train.
Helpful Holiday guests, May 2010

 

This was the best equipped property we have ever stayed at. Owner excelled in every way! Will book it again.
Helpful Holidays guest, May 2010

 

When we arrived and opened the front door of The Oval we loved it immediately. So much to discover and we appreciated the obvious care spent in blending the necessary mod-cons with its history. The house invites you to imagine the family that lived here when it was first built all those years ago. We found The Oval a great base from which to discover Dunster - everything is so close. All in all a great place and a great holiday.
The Storeys, April 2010

 

I brought my girlfriend here for a surprise for Valentine’s Day. We really love the house - a great getaway for a winter weekend.
Andy and Kate, Valentine’s weekend, February 2010

 

We were very cosy at The Oval even thought it was early in the year. We loved exploring the village and the Castle, and especially the church with its fascinating history and wonderful rood screen. We had great food and conviviality at The Luttrell Arms...Minehead was a revelation - all mod cons but still old-fashioned enough to remind us of our younger days.
The Watt family, January 2010

 

Many, many thanks for sharing the most wonderful cottage with us! We really had the most fantastic time and will take many great memories with us! The little touches were greatly appreciated (Maddie the dog loved her treats and we loved ours). Finally, we couldn’t have wished for a better place to stay for our first anniversary.
Jo, Steve and Maddie Morfield, September 2010.

 

The Oval is a super place to stay and Dunster is packed full of interest. We did venture into Minehead once but found loads to do in the village and great places to eat. We loved the feeling in the house of being in the middle ages - especially the log fire and the 4 poster but thank goodness for all the mods cons. Even in December there was good walking on Exmoor, a lovely place to chill out after the exertions of London life. We plan to go back in the summer if we can get in!
The Watt family, December 2009