Can anyone recommend a large self catering property within two hours(ish) of Taunton?

[sphil]

My sister, brother and I want to arrange a family holiday this summer for my parents and the whole family. Can anyone recommend a large self catering property within two hours or so of Taunton? Mum has advanced bowel cancer and won't want to travel too far. It's their golden wedding in Sept and, if possible, we'd really like to celebrate it as a family.

We don't really want to spend more than about £1500 - which is a tall order I know. A group of cottages would also be OK.
TIA

[sphil]

Oh I forgot - it has to sleep 12+ baby, in 6 bedrooms minimum.

[jb707]

Hi, have a look at www.devonholidayhouses.co.uk The flat and house have 6 bedrooms when combined.

[sphil]

That looks beautiful - I love Salcombe - but the two together are a bit too expensive I'm afraid (this is the problem I'm having in general with separate properties)

[lisalisa]

have a look at www.helpfulholidays.co.uk or poss .com.

We have stayed in 2 of their properties - the first in yarcombe ( east devon ) was sir walter raleigh's old hosue and was nothing short of absolutely magnificnet ( if possibly haunted!).

they specialise in devon and cornwall so fit the bill and have a lot of large houses -0 I think they even have a section on large houses.

not sure of budget but early september after school hols must surely see a big drop in prices and in these recessionary times i am sure you can bargain. they always seem to have a special offer page too.

Sorry to hear about your mum. I wish her well with all my heart and wish you success in your search.

[sphil]

Thanks Lisa - that's very kind of you. I've looked at Helpful Holidays (have used them before too) but the big houses are either booked already or too expensive - mind you, I've only looked at August.

[lisalisa]

sphil - do try them again for early sept.I think more or less everywbhere large, budget concious and nice is probaly booked in Devon area for summer hols but after that time period large houses are going to suffer necessarily as all large families back at school. Woudln't be same for sleeps 2/3 properties as those are more likely to have non school age kids in looking for bargain.

[sphil]

Trouble is, I don't think we can take kids out of school - Head v strict but has already been lenient with us this year on a couple of occasions! And my sister definitely couldn't take hers out as they're doing exams - and she works in their school.

[Catilla]

We stayed here
Otter Falls with a large family group - I think we had "Shire Stables" and an adjoining cottage.

Looks like it's owned by Hoseasons now, so they call it a holiday park - but IIRC there are several converted farm buildings plus purpose-built wooden lodges, none too close together - we stayed in the farm conversions in winter and tbh it was like being in any other rented cottage.

Good luck!

[sphil]

That looks very possible - thanks Catilla. Would suit the age range of the family too.Will investigate.

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Somerset longbarn is amazing and would fit the bill (but maybe not the price although you can do a long weekend there). Thought I'd post it anyway. So sorry to hear about your mum and hope you all enjoy your holiday.

Look at www.somersetlongbarn.co.uk/

[KarenG]

This place is within an hour of Taunton but as it sleeps more people than you said, it might be too expensive. Perhaps worth checking out though as Porlock is a nice spot and there are pubs, tearooms and places to eat there: www.the-cleeve.co.uk