A family retreat in Somerset should be all about bringing everyone together, and with a cosy cottage like this, reconnecting is easy. Set in the middle of fourteen acres of woodlands with a small orchard on-site, walking in any direction will take you on an adventure – after all, the Mendip Hills is home to lots of wildlife and gorgeous picnic spots, while the village of Cheddar and its famous gorge are just a five-minute drive away. Inside, there's a cosy living space, a fully-stocked kitchen and two sumptuous bedrooms. This home is not lacking mod-cons, either – there's a DVD player, a Bose Bluetooth speaker and sleek rain showers in the en-suite bathrooms. But we expect you'll be spending as much time outdoors as indoors, especially since the wrap-around deck is the best place to soak up the views. Fire up the built-in barbecue with the fare you picked up at the nearby farmer's market and enjoy an alfresco feast in the fresh air. When the sun goes down, nothing beats bubbling in the hot tub with a glass of fizz under the stars. When the air turns chilly, sprawl out on the squishy sofas for a family movie night, popcorn and a cup of hot chocolate in hand.

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