What is the history of the property? Tudor cottage built in the 16th Century and split into two dwellings. The room we call 'Strawberry Sherbet' was the sweet shop/grocery store certainly by the 1900s, if not earlier. Part of the Luttrell's significant estate, in 1947 the family sold it to the then owners for the princely sum of £48.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built? It's a cob cottage, which is lime render over cobblestone, with a thatched roof. As with all the properties on this part of Vicarage Road, the chimneys are especially high to allow a fire to draw.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings? Most of the houses in the conservation area are Grade II listed. Known as “Higher Town”, the cottages housed workers employed on the Dunster castle estate. This is the quietest, oldest and prettiest part of Minehead. The Old Sweet Shop was the centre of this tiny hamlet's daily life in the 1900s and on.
Has restoration work taken place? Brought in January 2016, the cottage had been seriously neglected. A significant architect-led refurbishment took place, which included adding two en-suite bathrooms and major repairs throughout - all with the relevant permissions. The thatch was returned to the front door and the Victorian extension which had been tiled. The garden was seriously overgrown and many hours of hard physical work and careful replanting have brought it back to life once again.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building? Beautiful mullion windows in the front room with their original fixings and hardware. Stunning exposed beams in the front room and throughout. A large fireplace with aged scorch marks made by the tips of a hot poker on the large wooden mantelpiece. Large open spiral staircase. Tall chimneys typical of the area. A lovely thatched roof. Pretty bay shop window which is used for regularly changing window displays.
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status? Grade II listed
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? One of the original shop signs can be found in the entrance hall. Here’s what our neighbour Keith told us: “I used to pop in to the sweet shop every morning in 1959 before school for my bag of strawberry sherbet. Then I’d pop back up again after school and buy two strawberry gobstoppers. We had to go in and out quickly before Mr Arthur and Eric James, the two dairy farmers from Moor Farm. They used to bring their cows up past the shop for milking twice a day. If you were unlucky enough to bump into the cows, it could get very messy and I’d get sent home from school for being smelly!”
Do you accept dogs in all rooms? No, some rooms only: Not allowed in bedrooms or bathrooms
Is there an extra charge? Yes, £ 30 per pet per booking
Should the dog owner notify you before checking in? Yes
What is the maximum number of dogs per room? Up to 2 dogs are allowed in each room.
Do you provide any specials, treats and toys (check all that apply)?
A place to sleep
Blankets
Towels
Are there any leash-free play areas? Yes
Should the dog be kenneled at all times in the room? No
Should the dog be kenneled/kept in a pet carrier at all times in public areas? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in the room? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in public areas? No
Are the dogs allowed on the furniture? No
Are the dogs allowed on beds? No
What are the basic requirements to accept a dog?
Must not be aggressive
Must not have fleas
Owners must clean pet waste immediately
Owners are responsible for any damage caused by the dog
Must not bathe in the bathtub
Must not be left unattended in the room
Is there a refundable deposit to guard against damages? Yes
Do you provide any of these?
Waste-disposal bags
Food and water bowls
Plastic mats for food and water bowls
Except for dogs, do you also accept other pets? Yes
Do you have a written and comprehensive pet policy available on request? Yes
Additional information Many of our guests bring dogs and occasionally other pets, for instance caged birds, cats, tortoises and hamsters. We have a welcome tray for our doggy guests which includes a dog biscuit. We provide a hose in the garden and towels for owners to clean their dogs after a day at the beach. In the guest books and information we let them know about local walks and venues/restaurants that accept dogs.