The Forge is a 19th century converted smithy set in the quaint village of Ham, near Creech St Michael and just 4 miles from the historic town of Taunton, Somerset. This lovely accommodation comprises an open-plan living space with high vaulted and beamed ceilings, wooden floors and contemporary features. The property will suit two guests and offers off-road parking and a private garden. Guests enter through a stable door, where there is a modern kitchen with electric oven, hob, extractor hood, microwave and fridge. Enjoy dining together at the kitchen table or eating an alfresco meal on the lawn to the sound of birdsong. The comfy double bed has individual reading lights and the ensuite shower room is equipped with heated towel rail, vanity mirror and shaver socket. Somerset has much to offer and The Forge makes a wonderful base from which to explore. The quiet and tiny village of Ham is home to the River Tone for scenic river and canal walks and, from here, you can explore the Somerset Levels with its many RSPB nature reserves. It is also great for the keen angler who enjoys freshwater fishing. Please note: the owner can provide information on how to acquire the necessary fishing permits. Just outside the village is the beautiful Hestercombe House & Gardens, with its temples and lakes. Also close by is the city of Wells, one of the smallest cities in England. (Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday for the market with its excellent food stalls and artisan crafts.) The large town of Bridgwater is also worth a trip, hosting a variety of attractions, including the Walled Gardens of Cannington, the Blake Museum, and the Somerset Brick and Tile Museum. In addition, Bridgwater is home to the amazing annual carnival parade, which takes place each November. Glastonbury is approximately 16 miles north and is famous for its tor and the internationally renowned music festival held most years at the end of June. Dunster Castle houses an 18th century working water mill and looks down on a stunning little town with very interesting shops, restaurants and tea rooms. This National Trust property, near Minehead, is open from spring through to autumn. Just over 7 miles from Taunton is the steam railway, which operates from Bishops Lydeard station. It runs to Dunster or Minehead and is a really fun way to explore the North of Somerset. There is a museum on site, plus the Whistle Stop Café and shop. In less than half an hour, or 12 miles, are the Steart Marshes, run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The area covers hundreds of hectares of saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands. It attracts a variety of migrating birds and has some of the biggest tidal forces in the world. If you would like to explore the famous caves at Cheddar Gorge, these are about 12 miles away; or Wookey Hole promises an exciting day out all year round. For a day by the sea, there is the popular resort of Weston-super-Mare - less than 30 miles away to the north; or Brean and Burnham-on-Sea have lovely beaches too. The keen shopper has over 70 shops to choose from at Clarks Village in Street with its many well-known brands, plus numerous cafés and restaurants. The lovely villages of Dulverton (23 miles) - with its quaint shops and Tarr Steps - or Bruton (25 miles) - with an excellent selection of independent shops - are also within easy reach, as are Taunton and Wellington. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Quantock and Blackdown Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are easily accessible, as well as the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks slightly further afield, plus Swell Wood, Ham Wall and Greylake nature reserves. There is much to see and do in Somerset and we'd love you to come and stay!

Taunton, Somerset's county town, is a lovely place to visit for a cottage vacation. The town features beautiful structures with attractive stone and Tudor architecture. It also has a remarkable history going back more than a thousand years, including a monastery from the tenth century. With the Orchard Shopping Centre and many other places to buy and eat, it provides fantastic amenities. Taunton also contains a variety of parks and museums, one of which has hosted the Taunton Flower Show for more than 150 years.

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