REVIEW: Combe Head House, cottage holidays Somerset
“BEST. DAY. EVER!” my four-year-old squealed. Since arriving at Combe Head House that afternoon, he’d explored our accommodation for the night (exclaiming, “We have to stay here forever!” and “This house is so big!”), befriended animals on the smallholding—including a sausage dog named Dingo, pygmy goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens—hitched a ride in the back of a yellow Piaggio Ape, and even chopped a pile of wood for that evening’s woodland fire, where we’d be toasting marshmallows and tucking into sausages made from their home-reared, rare-breed Oxford Sandy and Black pigs.
Having myself spent an hour of pure bliss enjoying a ‘radiance facial’ in the master bedroom of our lodging—and watching my kids fully embrace the wholesome joys of countryside life—I was inclined to agree with him.
Hidden away in Combe St Nicholas, on the edge of the Blackdown Hills – in what feels like the more untamed corners of Somerset – Combe Head House stands with quiet majesty. The handsome Tudor manor, along with its two lovingly-restored counterparts – The Stables and The Old Lodge – is cocooned within eight acres of lawns, meadows and woodland.
Lara grew up on the estate, and after some time away, she returned with her husband, Benedict, and their two boys to breathe new life into it. Her deep-rooted connection to the place is evident in every meticulously-refurbished inch of the holiday cottages. From wallpapering and painting, to styling and even laying the flooring, Lara has been hands-on every step of the way. When I ask how she learned to do it all, she casually replies, “YouTube!”—a true testament to her resourceful spirit.
“There were rooms with no floors—my boys even learned to ride their bikes in here!” she laughs. Now, these once-neglected spaces have been transformed, into storybook-like countryside retreats.
Accommodation at Combe Head House
The Stables holiday cottage
There are two holiday cottages on the estate, though calling them ‘cottages’ doesn’t quite seem to do them justice—they’re vast, tardis-like properties that seem to stretch on forever inside, revealing hidden nooks and unexpected surprises. “Where are we sleeping?” the kids asked as they explored, only to fling open a door and discover a whole extra wing!
Tucked beside the manor house, The Stables is a beautifully-converted former stable block, now a holiday rental for two–six guests. Inside, it exudes a vintage, country-luxe aesthetic with a distinct Somerset sensibility. Picture earthy tones, delicate florals, Colefax and Fowler designs, soft neutral fabrics, antique furniture and nods to the local area – including a very old Perry’s cider flagon.
With three bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with a freestanding bath), an open-plan kitchen and living space complete with a wood-burning stove (the fire kindly pre-laid for us), and a private garden made for alfresco dining, it’s perfectly suited for couples, families, or small groups.
For me, it’s always the attention to little details that make a place truly special—and Combe Head House absolutely nailed it. The farmhouse-style kitchen is fully-equipped with a trendy SMEG fridge and dishwasher, immaculate range oven, and even a washing machine (a lifesaver for longer stays or muddy kids). The beds feel luxuriously comfy and the towels, delightfully fluffy.
Thoughtful extras range from jars of spices and olive oil ready for cooking, shelves lined with recipe books, fresh daffodils brightening the table, down to bags of ice in the freezer. And to top it all off, a welcome hamper filled with local eggs, bacon, biscuits, fresh coffee, and a lovely loaf of bread for us on the table. A generous touch that instantly makes a place feel welcoming, homely and special.
Click here to book The Stables Holiday accommodation.
The Old Lodge
The Old Lodge—Lara’s childhood home and gatehouse to the grounds is available for small or large groups, comfortably accommodating up to 10 guests. Couples can stay in the huge front section where the top floor houses a bedroom, sitting room and office space.
Full of rustic charm, the lodge has four spacious bedrooms, generous living areas, and plenty of period features: ancient beams with visible carpenter’s marks (from where the pieces were numbered all those moons ago), thick stone walls originally built with horsehair and mud, and two woodburners. There’s also a large farmhouse kitchen that is perfect for communal cooking and gatherings.
Some people just have an innate talent for styling a space, and Lara’s effortless ability to blend charm, modern comforts, and timeless character is truly impressive. The interiors are a thoughtfully-curated mix of bold wallpapers, heavy fabrics, vintage and antique finds, with furniture sourced from Marketplace, family, and neighbours – nearly every piece has a story. From a shelf laden with orange-spined Penguin books, to artwork by Lara’s grandmother.
Click to check availability and book The Old Lodge.
Farm life
One of the highlights of our stay was meeting the estate’s adorable animals. Guests are invited to feed and pet the animals, and in our case, we even had the chance to help round up a few cheeky escapees!
For those seeking to elevate their experience further, there are a variety of add-ons to choose from: cook over an open fire in the woodland, gathered around rustic tables; enjoy a catered meal in the cosy confines of your cottage; or dine in front of the great fireplace in the manor house. You can also book a relaxing treatment, ritual or guided meditation with a therapist, to be enjoyed in your accommodation or outdoors in the woodlands.
This combination was perfect for us—while my kids were happily distracted by the animals, I was being treated to some much-needed downtime. Listening to the sound of rooks calling from the trees outside, the delicious scents of Neal’s Yard products filling my nostrils, I was in full relaxation mode as Gilly Eaton, the lovely owner of nearby Beauty at the Burrow, worked her magic on me with a facial.
Private dining
If you opt for any of the catered dining experiences, you’re in for a treat. Manor house meals are served beside the Elizabethan inglenook fireplace, where the crackling flames have been keeping guests toasty since 1570. Either Lara or Chef Ben Marsh – formerly of Pip’s Carriage – whip up delicious seasonal dishes for guests to enjoy by the same hearth where discussions about the Spanish Armada, Oliver Cromwell’s rise, and The Monmouth Rebellion once unfolded in real time. Keep an eye out for their pop-up supper clubs, which are open to non-residents.
Equally special are the home-cooked meals, often made with homegrown produce and sometimes prepared over a fire in the woodland for a memorable countryside experience.
Wellness retreats
Set within its own serene sanctuary, Combe Head House is an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature, so it’s no surprise to learn that wellness retreats are also becoming part of their repertoire here.
Activities range from meditation and reiki to cacao ceremonies, sound baths and breathwork. The next two-night residential wellness retreat, Hiræth, will take place from June 27-29, 2025 and will include a woodland feast by chef Ben Marsh.
Weddings and events
One of the standout features of Combe Head House is the remarkable sense of space. It’s an extraordinary spot for large-scale gatherings, be they creative workshops, corporate events, or even weddings – with the added bonus of onsite accommodation. Lara and Benedict themselves chose the lawn for their own wedding celebration.
Bespoke catering can be arranged to suit every occasion, from a relaxed lunch in the gardens to a lavish multi-course feast in the Great Hall. The focus is always on seasonal, homegrown produce, with many ingredients plucked directly from the estate itself.
Things to do
As tempting as it is to curl up in your cottage, there’s plenty to lure you outside. This is prime countryside for bracing walks – you’re right on the edge of the stunning Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and if fossil hunting or fish and chips by the sea sounds like your thing, Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast are just a 30-minute drive away.
Plus, there’s Barleymows Farm Shop nearby – ideal for grabbing local supplies and for the kids in summer. And if you’re in the mood for a country pub meal, the award-winning Cotley Inn won’t disappoint.
Find inspiration for things to do with kids in the area here – 37 things to do in South Somerset for families.
Final thoughts
Along with their two young boys — miniature hosts and budding landworkers in their own right — Lara and Benedict’s passion for sustainability, community, and their home shines through. Their open, friendly manner makes it feel like staying with old friends, and with all the exciting plans they have in the works, it’s clear their vision for the place is just beginning.
An idyllic countryside retreat, Combe Head House is the perfect place to reconnect with the simple joys of life. “We’re very happy here,” says Lara. And I have no doubt their future guests will be, too.
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