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Dunster, Somerset

Dunster Keeper's House

Keeper's House exterior, Dunster
The exterior of Keeper's House, Dunster | © National Trust Images / Mike Henton
Keeper's House sitting room, Dunster
The double bedroom at Keeper's House, Dunster

Dunster Keeper's House

This ancient cottage has bags of charm and overlooks Dunster Castle, between the foothills of Exmoor National Park and the Somerset coast.

Grid of 23 images
Keeper's House sitting room, Dunster
The double bedroom at Keeper's House, Dunster
Keeper's House exterior, Dunster
The sitting room at Dunster Keeper's House, Somerset
The kitchen looking to the dining room and the stairs to the first floor at Dunster Keeper's House, Somerset
Keeper's House dining room, Dunster
Keeper's House kitchen, Dunster
The dining room with steps up to the kitchen at Dunster Keeper's House, Somerset
Keeper's House twin bedroom, Dunster
The double bedroom at Dunster Keeper's House, Somerset
The single bedroom at Keeper's House, Dunster
The bathroom at Keeper's House, Dunster
The garden at Keeper's House, Dunster
The courtyard at Dunster Keeper's House, Somerset
The surrounding area at Keeper's House, Dunster
Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
The gardens at Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
The area surrounding Dunster, Somerset
Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset

© National Trust/Mike Henton

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This ancient cottage has bags of charm and overlooks Dunster Castle, between the foothills of Exmoor National Park and the Somerset coast.

At a glance

Guests

5

Bedrooms

3

Acorn rating

3What's this?

Number of dogs welcome

0

Reference

003059

About Dunster Keeper's House

This historic gem of a cottage is on the main approach and in the grounds of Dunster Castle and Watermill, with the pretty village of Dunster and its shops, restaurants and traditional pubs on the doorstep. From the village, you can hop onto the West Somerset Steam Railway, or walk off into the Exmoor hills. The trail to Bats Castle leads up to the remains of an Iron Age hillfort with views of the Bristol Channel. Dunster is a great base for a holiday exploring the beaches, coves and towns dotted along the north west Somerset coast.

You’ll see and feel history throughout the cottage, thanks to restoration which has left the past on show - from the front door to the quarry-tiled hallway, original stonework and woodwork. It's comfortable and cosy, and has a private courtyard with views over the medieval rooftops of Dunster and the castle.

The coastal town of Minehead is less than 10 minutes by car, with a family-friendly beach for beach games, sandcastles or a gentle stroll along the shore. Head west for coastal towns like peaceful Bossington on the Holnicote Estate, Lynton and Ilfracombe. Head east to explore the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its heathland and views over the Somerset levels.

Layout

Ground floor: Sitting room with log burner, dining room, kitchen and bathroom with separate shower.

First floor: Three bedrooms - one double, one single and one twin.

Outside space

Elevated, paved courtyard with table and chairs.

What's provided in a National Trust cottage?

Features and facilities

  • Wi-Fi, available
  • Garden, available
  • EV charging, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Freezer, available
  • Microwave, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, available
  • Television, available
  • DVD, available
  • Washing machine, available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, available
  • BBQ, not available
  • Cot & high chair, available

Location

Accessibility

Internal steps. Winding stairs up to first floor. Find more information in the Accessibility Guide. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Read our accessibility guide 

More information

WIFI: We’re pleased to provide free WiFi access at this accommodation, which is supported by BT. Please note intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and therefore should not be relied upon.

Heating: Gas central heating included in the holiday rental. There is also a log burner in the sitting room. 

Parking: Parking is available in the main visitor car park.

Please note: Dunster Keeper's House is situated within the Dunster Castle grounds on Castle Hill Road. This is the main visitor route to the castle so may be busy at peak times.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.

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West Challacombe Manor, West Exmoor, Devon 

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Your top three questions answered

Exploring the area...

Exterior view of Dunster Castle and Garden in Somerset
Place
Place

Dunster Castle and Watermill 

An ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens

Minehead, Somerset

Fully open today
View from Horner Wood towards Selworthy village and Selworthy Beacon at Holnicote Estate, Somerset
Place
Place

Selworthy 

A timeless rural landscape of thatched cottages, nestled in the vale of the Holnicote Estate.

Somerset

Fully open today
Dunster Castle from the parkland
Trail
Trail

Dunster Castle and Village circular walk 

Somerset

Enjoy the impressive architecture and houses in the medieval village of Dunster on this walk, which also takes in memorable views of Dunster Castle.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.4 (km: 2.24)
A winter view over Exmoor from Grabbist Hill with tall conifers to the right and a footpath at the bottom
Trail
Trail

Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle walk 

Somerset

Enjoy this scenic walk to Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle, which passes through ancient woodland and offers panoramic views over the surrounding area.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)