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The Old Byres, Washford near Watchet

Guest Rating
Rating
4.9
out of 5
Devon » Washford Near Watchet
Sleeps up to 16
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 8

The Old Byres is a massive 8-bedroom converted barn in Somerset, perfect for big groups wanting a countryside escape with serious entertainment options. This spacious property sleeps 16 people and sits in the village of Washford, between the ancient port of Watchet and the seaside town of Minehead. The indoor facilities are absolutely ridiculous - in the best possible way!

Set in private grounds with beautiful gardens, The Old Byres gives you the perfect base to explore Somerset's best bits. Blue Anchor Beach is just a short drive away and you're on the doorstep of both Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills.

 

About The Old Byres

The Old Byres is a massive 8-bedroom converted barn in Somerset, perfect for big groups wanting a countryside escape with serious entertainment options. This spacious property sleeps 16 people and sits in the village of Washford, between the ancient port of Watchet and the seaside town of Minehead. The indoor facilities are absolutely ridiculous - in the best possible way!

Set in private grounds with beautiful gardens, The Old Byres gives you the perfect base to explore Somerset's best bits. Blue Anchor Beach is just a short drive away and you're on the doorstep of both Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills. The village pub and shop are just 5 minutes' walk away - perfect for when you can't be bothered to cook or need emergency wine supplies.

The accommodation includes eight bedrooms (six super-king-size, one double, one single), with five having their own en-suite bathrooms. Seven of the eight bedrooms are on the ground floor. The property features a huge kitchen with dining area and woodburner, a separate sitting room, games room with pool table and a snug with board games. There's even a sauna for when you want to sweat out last night's excesses.

Nearby attractions include the West Somerset Railway (5 minutes), Tropiquaria Wildlife Park (10 minutes), Dunster Castle (15 minutes) and Exmoor National Park (20 minutes). The beaches at Watchet are just 2.5 miles away - perfect for coastal walks and ice cream stops.

The Old Byres is ideal for multi-generational family gatherings or friends' reunions. Where else can you swim in your private pool, soak in the hot tub, then challenge your mates to a pool tournament - all without leaving the property?

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to The Old Byres

Spacious Layout

The property is much larger than expected both inside and out, making it perfect for large family gatherings without feeling cramped.

Entertainment Options

Games room with pool table, snug with board games, multiple TVs and outdoor facilities keep everyone entertained regardless of weather.

Private Pool & Hot Tub

Exclusive use of the swimming pool and hot tub provides luxury relaxation options that guests consistently rate as highlights.

Perfect for Celebrations

Many guests book for milestone birthdays and family reunions, with the layout and facilities making special occasions truly memorable.

Well-Equipped Kitchen

The large kitchen with double oven, range cooker and ample space makes catering for large groups straightforward and enjoyable.

Ground Floor Bedrooms

Seven ground-floor bedrooms make this property accessible for guests with mobility issues, with five featuring en-suite facilities.

Getting To The Old Byres

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old Byres by car, take the A39 towards Washford. The property is located in the village and is accessible via local roads with good signage. You'll have off-road parking for up to 5 family-sized cars upon arrival.

By Train

For rail travellers, the nearest mainline station is Taunton, approximately 20 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi to the property. Alternatively, the West Somerset Railway has a station at Washford during operating seasons.

Off-road parking for 5 cars
Taunton station (20 miles)
Easily accessible from the A39

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

West Somerset Railway
Distance: 0.5 miles
TA23 0QB
Tropiquaria Wildlife Park
Distance: 1.2 miles
TA23 0QB
Dunster Castle
Distance: 5 miles
TA24 6SL
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 5 miles
TA24 8QP
Quantock Hills AONB
Distance: 8 miles
TA5 1SD
Blue Anchor Beach Walk
Distance: 2 miles
TA24 6LD
Minehead Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
TA24 5UF
Watchet High Street
Distance: 2.5 miles
TA23 0AH
Williton Shops
Distance: 2 miles
TA4 4QA
Local Bus Service
Distance: 0.2 miles
TA23 0JZ
West Somerset Railway
Distance: 0.5 miles
TA23 0QB
Taxi Service (Minehead)
Distance: 6 miles
TA24 5UF
West Somerset Railway
Distance: 0.5 miles
TA23 0QB
Tropiquaria Wildlife Park
Distance: 1.2 miles
TA23 0QB
Dunster Castle
Distance: 5 miles
TA24 6SL
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 5 miles
TA24 8QP
Quantock Hills AONB
Distance: 8 miles
TA5 1SD
Blue Anchor Beach Walk
Distance: 2 miles
TA24 6LD
Minehead Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
TA24 5UF
Watchet High Street
Distance: 2.5 miles
TA23 0AH
Williton Shops
Distance: 2 miles
TA4 4QA
Local Bus Service
Distance: 0.2 miles
TA23 0JZ
West Somerset Railway
Distance: 0.5 miles
TA23 0QB
Taxi Service (Minehead)
Distance: 6 miles
TA24 5UF

Is The Old Byres Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The Old Byres is a kid's paradise with multiple entertainment options. The games room has a pool table, there's an Xbox, board games in the snug and four TVs throughout. Outside, kids will love the private swimming pool (heated June-August) and spacious garden. Tropiquaria Wildlife Park is just minutes away and Blue Anchor Beach offers classic seaside fun. Just watch the stream in the grounds.
For Couples
While The Old Byres sleeps 16, couples can book for a luxurious escape with friends. The property offers super-king bedrooms with en-suite facilities for privacy. The sauna and hot tub provide romantic relaxation spots, while two woodburning stoves create cosy atmospheres. Nearby coastal walks, Exmoor National Park and local pubs offer perfect date opportunities away from the group.
Pet Friendly
The Old Byres welcomes up to three well-behaved dogs. The private garden gives pets space to stretch their legs, while the location offers fantastic walking opportunities in the nearby Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park. Blue Anchor Beach allows dogs year-round with some restrictions. The village location means quick walks are easy without driving anywhere.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old Byres

The White Horse Inn

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA23 0JZ

The Washford Inn

Located 0.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA23 0NT

The Smugglers Inn

Located 2.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA24 6JP

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old Byres

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Yes, The Old Byres features a private hot tub for guests to enjoy. The property also has an outdoor swimming pool that's heated from June to August.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, The Old Byres welcomes up to three well-behaved dogs. The private garden provides space for pets to exercise and the surrounding countryside offers plenty of walking opportunities.
How many people can the property accommodate?
The Old Byres sleeps up to 16 guests across 8 bedrooms. The bedroom configuration includes six super-king-size rooms, one double room and one single room.
Are there ground floor bedrooms?
Yes, seven of the eight bedrooms are located on the ground floor. Five of these ground floor bedrooms have their own en-suite facilities, making the property suitable for guests with mobility needs.
What entertainment facilities are available?
The property features a games room with pool table, a snug with traditional board games, four TVs with Freeview, two DVD players, an Xbox and a stereo music system. There's also WiFi throughout.
How far is the nearest beach?
The nearest beach is at Watchet, approximately 2.5 miles away. Blue Anchor Beach is also nearby and easily accessible by car.
What cooking facilities are provided?
The kitchen is extremely well-equipped with an electric range oven and hob, a double oven, ceramic hob, two microwaves, large fridge/freezer and dishwasher. There's also a BBQ available for outdoor cooking.
Is there parking available?
Yes, The Old Byres has off-road parking for up to 5 cars. The listing notes that the driveway accommodates family-sized cars only, so very large vehicles might have limited space.

The Old Byres Reviews

Angela
This property is second to non, when I arrived it was warm, cosy, super clean, tidy and the Christmas decorations were such a lovely festive touch. My messages were answered immediately and all information concerning the property was accurate and easy to accommodate. It's my third time staying at the Old Byres and it certainly won't be the last! Thankyou for helping make my 60th birthday very special.
Roland
Excellent house for family gatherings,loads of space very clean great facilities. Highly recommend
We all had a great holiday in this amazing house. When we booked The Old Byres for our family holiday our expectations was high for us all be together and make life long memories the house has so much to offer in this high standard accommodation i would highly recommend and have no hesitation to book again. Only have one issue, as the weather was not perfect the pool for the children was not hot warm enough, having said that what brilliant holiday.
Dominic
A perfect house to celebrate my 70th birthday together with my family of all generations. The extensive entertainment facilities offered something for all to enjoy we didnt really need to go out in the evening, everyone had fun in the house We would certainly consider returning
Jennifer
We all enjoyed the holiday in Old Byers, I have booked to take the family again next year. Obviously a big effort is used to make sure all the facilities at the property are in good condition.
Angela
This property is perfect for family group holiday. Comfortable and plenty of room for everyone, especially when raining. Kitchen is the hub of the holiday. The chef is not cut off from rest of party.
Alison
An excellent holiday cottage, great for our family holiday. Listing does not do The Old Byres justice! There was a lot more space both inside and out than we expected but the pool was smaller than it looks in the photos. Our 5 young children loved the enclosed garden with the Wendy house and we all enjoyed the large field at the back of the house. The house was very well equipped for 16 with plenty of space for everyone and their multiple activities. We would certainly recommend this holiday property but be aware it is not easy to walk from as it is on a busy main road with no pavement.
Catherine
Wonderful property. Spacious, extremely clean, and ideal for a large family of varying ages to enjoy. Plenty of toys and games for the youngsters including a charming playhouse in the garden. Pool table, hot tub, table tennis and swimming pool for all to enjoy. All contents and fittings of the barn of very high quality. Our family of 13 thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return again and stay a little longer.
The booking of Old Byres was for a special family celebration and the venue proved ideal a friendly and helpful owner, great facilities and close to pleasant walks, a great pub and lovely beaches. Thank you.
Fantastic house for a lot of guests plenty of room and equipment absolute god send having 2 dishwashers everyone had a fantastic time. Cooking Christmas dinner for 11 people was a breeze. Communication with the owner was excellent having had a Airbnb ourselves we new how much you have to do to get the good reviews everything was spick and span The 5 star review is well deserved . The only thing is the pub in walking distant is closed and the next closest was too dangerous to walk in the evening but plenty of us to drive and was a good pub Many Thanks for such an enjoyable stay
A fabulous property,spacious,warm and perfectly equipped for a large party of people ie16. .Amenities,sauna,hot tub,pool table kept the family entertained despite the inclimate weather,the best property we have ever stayed in
Our stay was great, but the house needs some TLC. Lots of light bulbs out, mattress seen better days, can opener not working, dining chairs had legs broken, and are actually dangerous, sofa had no support and the wifi is really terrible. Not all doors had keys that we could find. We were also shocked to find the building of at least 5 houses next door, that meant we had a week of builders on roofs looking into the garden and music and the beeping of machines going from 8am! We felt that this really should be disclosed before booking. We did have to ask someone to come out due to the hot tub smelling after the first day, and the next day it was dealt with. The swimming pool really does need a good clean at the bottom but no one does clean it unfortunately. We did ask for more bin bags but they never did get delivered. We saw that the house is up for sale and felt perhaps this was why lots of things werent up to a high standard. All this said we had a great time and had plenty of space, the rooms are all a great size. The use of the field next to the house was amazing for us to walk our dog.
A wonderfully spacious house even for 15 adults, 3 toddlersbabies and 2 dogs. Plenty to do especially as the kind owner kept the pool open beyond its normal operating time. The kitchendiningsnug room opening onto the table tennisWendy houselawn area provided most of the social interaction time for our party and the huge field beyond the pool was perfect for exercising the dogs. I can't recommend the place enough.
Barbara
The service was great when the smoke alarm decided to play up. We loved the house. A couple of very small things Some of mattresses are beginning to feel a little lumpy. Couldnt find a butter dish. Welcome pack was much appreciated particularly the milk in the fridge. Would happily return again.
We very much enjoyed our stay. The property was all we had hoped for and the location is excellent with the heritage railway just a short walk away and Tropiquaria just a short drive away, to mention just two attractions. I have given 'facilities and maintenance' a notch lower than the other ratings because the recycling bins were mostly full when we arrived so within a day or so they were full...but I accept this is beyond the direct control of the Old Byres team. They were always on hand via WhatsApp and communication was good. Overall and excellent holiday!
Michelle
This was our second visit to the old Byres and like our first stay the holiday was superb. The house is extremely well laid out for a large family gathering and has so many things to do and such useable space, the pool was a lovely temperature which with the lack of sunshine was much appreciated The adjacent field was great with the dogs and the children, all in all an exceptional house, we had a wonderful time.
Angela
The perfect house for family holidays. Plenty of things to do. Not all on top of each other.
Everything was excellent and great fun opening the drawers and cupboards to find things especially in the kitchen. There was considerable traffic noise and as the weather was rather hot , we had to have the windows open. However this was mentioned in the description info. The pool was very popular with our family, but I would have liked a grab rail as I am unable to manage steps safely. Unfortunately the builders next door did cause some noise but not enough to spoil our perfect week.
Caroline
We had a fantastic week here beginning of June, can not fault the property at ... We had a fantastic week here beginning of June, can not fault the property at all everything you wanted was there for you
We had a great family weekend at The Old Byres celebrating a 30th birthday. We were so lucky with the weather and made good use of the pool and hot tub. We didnt get to use the sauna as we were all too warm! The size of the property was perfect for us with 10 adults and 6 children and 2 dogs. It's extremely spacious and having access to the field at the back of the property was great for us to exercise the dogs and have a game of rounders. The toddlers loved the Wendy house in the garden and the little wooden dolls house and puzzles in the snug area. We also enjoyed a few games of table tennis too. This property has something for everyone and we would definitely go back again.
Nicola
It is a fabulous property and was perfect for our group. The garden was really well designed.
Rebecca
This is a great house for large parties we had a lovely time visiting
Alexia
Due to a missed family Christmas we decided to try & all get together in one big property for a long weekend in February. Old Byers was recommended by one family member who had stayed before so that took away the worry of it not living up to the website impression. Sixteen of us stayed, very comfortably. Every room was clean, bright & comfortable. All white bed linen & towels & neutral decor make it aesthetically pleasing. There isnt any clutter but it still feels homely. There are plenty of areas to relax & so no one felt on top of each other. The hot tub was a massive bonus I imagine the pool must be fabulous in the summer and little extras like two separate garden areas were great as we took 3 dogs with us. The teenage girls discovered a games console and played a favourite dancing game for hours Whilst the boys loved the pool table. The kitchen is massive which means lots of people could help with meal prep & it wasnt all just left to muggins. Two ovens & two dishwashers made life so much easier. The property is on a main road but once inside youd never know. Our bedroom was upstairs & we heard no traffic noise. The location is perfect. 15 minutes away from the South Coast Path at Minehead, fabulous walks in Exmoor, beautiful Dunster castle & wonderful villages pubs like the Royal Oak at Luxborough. I would definitely like to return to Old Byers our stay was straightforward, hassle free & exceeded our expectations.
Joanne
Amazing cottage great location
Michelle
The property is fabulous. The accommodation lends itself really well to a large group but allows separation for a bit of down time to. The kitchen is really well appointed and there is plenty of equipment . There are lots of things available in the property from the lovely large lounge with a great film watching tv, games room, hot tub and the outside space was excellent for the dogs , we didnt go in the pool too chilly in December! It took about fifteen minutes to get to the beach for walking the dogs who loved every minute. We used two of the restaurants mentioned in The Old Byres details both of which were excellent. We visited the White Horse pub which is within walking distance which was excellent and also enjoyed an Indian from the Spice Merchant which the restaurant was happy to deliver. We loved every minute of our stay and are definitely going back.
Jeremy
We stayed here over Christmas with our large family ranging in ages from 3yrs to 86, plus dogs. We had a fabulous time. The house was decorated with lovely trees and decorations which was very unexpected and so appreciated. We made full use of the hot tub and pool table. The house surpassed our expectations. It was well equipped and super clean. We visited several local pubs for meals. Great fish and chips 2 mins away. Great Indian takeaway delivery. All mentioned in the welcome book at the house. Definitely recommend a stay here! I imagine the pool in Summer would be perfect.
Chantelle
A beautiful cottage. The owner was very helpful and was contactable if we needed anything .The cottage had everything you needed very clean and comfortable, highly recommended, and will definitely be rebooking for our next family gettogether
A couple of minor points were raised with the owners and were dealt with expeditiously. Generally we had a very good and comfortable time there.
Claire
The house is stunning! Even with 15 of us we had a ton of space. Every amenity you could think of but yet so full of characture. Beautiful part of the world as well with lots to do.
The Old Byres is a fantastic place for a complete relaxing holiday. It is full of things to do there was 12 of us and a dog. It was a family get together my daughter and son and there family. There was so.much to do and not once was there anygthing we needed. Sarah the owner was so welcoming and so was all the modern facilities.
Perfect in every way. Only one small negative for us is the lack of a pavement from the property on a very busy road. Makes walking with children and dogs difficult.
Antonya
The Old Byres is an utterly superb property! It is thoroughly well appointed, has several facilities that enhance a holiday even if the weather is not favourable. We made good use of the pool and ping pong tables. We loved the rustic feel to the ambience and the many appliances to make catering and cleaning dishes very easy. The pool was rather smaller than the photos implied but the hot tub was a wonderful extra. The ONLY downside is the proximity to a very busy, noisy main road.
Angela
The house is perfect for big family holidays. The kitchen has plenty of crockery, glasses, with 2 dishwashers and big fridge and freezer to make it easy. Washing machine good if you have young children. Swimming pool is brilliant for whole family, plus table tennis and Poole table. What else could you want.
Stuart
On arrival to the Old Byres we found the property ready for a fantastic holiday. The property was was everything we expected and more and really made our family holiday. Our family ranged from 8 months to 70 , the kitchen dining area especially was so family orientated, we spent a lot of our time in there we'll when not in the lovely heated pool. We found the extra small kitchen very beneficial when cooking for our large family. Overall the property, its surrounding and the very friendly owner couldn't be more welcoming when we met her as she was checking the hot tub and pool, and we would certainly recommend to any families thinking of holidaying here to go for it. We're so glad we did!!!
Absolutely top marks. The very best 'cottage' I have rented. It is without doubt the most comfortable, relaxing, clean, accommodating and jampacked with all modcons property that I have had the privilege to stay. A weeks' stay was not long enough and my party there was 14 of us could not have enjoyed the week any more we were spoilt. I cannot think of any one aspect of the accommodation that I would of changed. I will be returning. Thank you.
Stuart
The cottage was excellent and ideal for a large familyfriends get together. The weather was very good and meant the pool area was well used and enjoyed. The standard of accommodation was as advertised and everyone enjoyed the luxury. Its a tough journey on a Friday from several parts of the country but worth suffering the M25, M4 and M5 for. Stuart
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. It had everything you could have wanted and more. Everyone enjoyed their stay. The hilights were the swimming pool and jacuzzi. You thought of everything from pool room to unity room, and en suite. A perfect location and enough parking .
Geraldine
Perfect holiday! We love Old Byres. My fianc proposed to me on our stay. A very memorable week.
Caroline
The house was amazing, and was absolutely perfect for my belated Hen do. The kitchen was very well equipped, and there were plenty of areas inside and out to sit and chill. It was so sunny on the Saturday that we felt like we were abroad sat by the pool. 14 ladies had a brilliant time! Would definitely go back to the house again in the future.
The Old Byres was a wonderful place for a three generations family get together plus three dogs. Sarah has thought of everything to keep everyone happy. We had waited a long time for this holiday to come to fruition, booked pre COVID, but it was well worth the wait. The cleanliness was excellent and the kitchen was very well equipped for even a foodie family. Thank you Sarah for going above and beyond. We hope to be back.
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