The Old Workshop, near Cheddar

This tiny house is a former stone barn adjacent to a terrace of old mine workers' cottages. It's a hidden gem, nestling into the hillside and surrounded by nature yet within the centre of a small village community. Formerly used as a wash house and potato store then an upholstery workshop, it has a truly unique history. Recently converted to a high standard with all modern comforts, it is cosy and warm in the winter and airy in the summer months.

The space
It's a small space but designed to offer you everything you need for your stay. One large room is organised into an open plan kitchenette, dining space and bedroom with the addition of a bench seat/storage box. It also has a full length built in wardrobe with shelf for storing clothes.

Through a sliding door you will find a fully tiled shower room with toilet, sink and electric shower. The room is warmed by a heated towel rail/radiator and there is additional shelving space under the sink. Hand soap and shower gel are provided for your use.

Outside there is a open porch which can be used to leave muddy boots, dog bowls and other outdoor kit. Also, there is a private gravelled area in the corner for your exclusive use for seating and/or dining.

Guest access
Guests can have full access to the whole of the courtyard area to the front of the property but it is shared with your host for access to the cottage.

Guests can park on the gravelled courtyard to load and unload then are asked to re-park on the adjacent roads where parking is free. It is a shared drive with my neighbour and myself so needs to be kept free. However, if you have mobility needs you can arrange to park overnight outside the property by prior arrangement.

Within the courtyard there is a pretty rockery garden to one side with a little wildlife pond containing several frogs and their families. Also, the area directly outside the Old Workshop is a private area for guests. The bistro set can be taken outside for al fresco dining.

Other things to note
The historic village of Shipham is within an AONB and is well placed for guests to explore the beautiful countryside around the western Mendip hills, including Cheddar Gorge, Crook Peak and Wavering Down, Burrington Combe and Ebbor Gorge. There are no street lights in Shipham and the skies are quite dark, so it is a great place to lie back and enjoy stargazing.

Shipham is only 2 miles from Cheddar Gorge with it's dramatic scenery and challenging walks. It is also an easy drive to the historic city of Wells (9miles) as well as Bath and Bristol, both within a 45 min drive. Bristol International Airport is a 10 min drive and our local train station is at Yatton, a 15 min drive.

Other places of interest that are within easy driving distance are Glastonbury Abbey and Tor; the Avalon Marshes and Visitor Centre, Chew Valley Lake and the old pier at Clevedon. NT properties such as Tyntesfield and Montecute are both within an easy drive, north and south of Shipham.

Local Services
Local amenities include a village shop/butchers and 2 local pubs within walking distance of the property. Within a 2 mile drive to Cheddar or Winscombe, you will find supermarkets, chemists, doctor's surgeries, vets, opticians and a range of good independent shops, restaurants, cafes and takeaways.

On the outskirts of the village is direct access to Rowberrow Woods where you will find mountain bike trails, hill walks, a nature reserve and an ancient hill fort. The Strawberry Line, a converted railway line, now provides level cycling and walking, and can be accessed locally in Winscombe.