The Oval, Dunster
Vacation Home in Dunster
From $205
From $205
Historic Vacation Home Questionnaire
Year erected: 1366
What is the history of the property?
The Oval is one of the earliest houses built in Dunster. The house was originally a hall house, one large room with a fire central to it. Everyone who lived in the house shared one or two rooms, including the animals if the weather was especially harsh.

The fireplace is likely to have been on the street side, rather than where it is now, like the orange and black ‘cobb’ cottage you see further down the street. At this time - around 1320-40s - the other houses in the street would have been The Stag pub (which also had a wooden screen until a hundred or so years ago) and Spears Cross, the B and B further up West Street going towards the castle. The rest of this part of West Street probably had temporary houses of wattle and daub filling in the gaps. Some of the other smaller cottages between here and Spears Cross would have been built after the Black Death of 1348.

The wood panelling in the hallway is extremely old – you can see marks throughout where the carpenters have worked it by hand. It’s likely the screen in the hallway was added around 1450 -1500 to enclose the hall house, giving a mezzanine level where the main bedroom is now. It is unusual for this to remain as they were mostly pulled down in the Victorian era as walls were added.

The cruck beams in the main bedroom are of historical importance for this area of West Somerset. They are made from one large piece of wood and, unusually, they retain their original wooden pegs and holes. The craftsmanship and size of the beams suggest the person who built The Oval would have been wealthy. The beams came from the local area and are of historical significance, hence the Grade II listing.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The basic structure of the house is cob, which is a wooden frame filled with rubble, stones and held together with lime plaster. This is the 1366 building - slap bang in the middle of the medieval period.

During the Tudor period, the wooden screen was added and probably the fireplace was moved to the wall (rather than the middle of the downstairs) and a staircase was added.

In 1810 there was a fire that devastated the cottage, and changes were made as a result.

In the Victorian era we think the twin bedroom was added. And at some point in the 1960 or 70s, an extension was added at the back to create a larger kitchen and the dining room.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Dunster is the largest remaining intact medieval village in England. Almost all the properties on West Street, Church Street and the High Street are listed to protect their unique architecture. But there are also Georgian an Victorian buildings dotted around the main street and in the back streets too.
Has restoration work taken place?
The present owner has made very few changes, all in line with the permitted development based on the Grade II listing. She has added secondary double glazing and added a sun deck at the top of the garden on the hill.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The wooden screen in the main hallway, the cruck beam in the main bedroom, the wooden window and door frame to the utility room, the wooden door frames in the 'Snug' room and at the top of the stairs.
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Grade II listed. Channel 4's Time Team has dendrodated the property to 1366. The photos are from that visit.

Historical England are in the process of the same dating.
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The ceilings in the lower half of the property are low as you would expect. It is a deceptively large house, and the historical features sit happily side by side with the modern day comforts.
Show more
 
Exmoor House
Guest House in Dunster
9.7
Excellent
From $133
From $133
Info Categories
Historic Guest House


Boutique-style Guest House


Luxury Guest House


Show more
 
30 more hotels nearby!
The Old Sweet Shop 2.3 mi from Dunster
Vacation Home in Minehead
Historic Vacation Home Questionnaire
Year erected: 1700s
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!”
Show more
 
Pilgrim Corner 2.4 mi from Dunster
Vacation Home in Minehead
Historic Vacation Home Questionnaire
Year erected: 1700
What is the history of the property?
Built in 16th or 17th Century, Pilgrim Corner has been a public house and a popular tea room (in the 1950s). It is likely to have been two small cottages which were combined into the large four bedroomed house it is today.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
It is a thatched cob cottage, typical of the style. In a conservation area at the bottom of North Hill, this and neighbouring cottages are characterised by very tall chimneys to allow the fire to draw.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
This area of Minehead is called 'Upper Town', 'Higher Town' or 'Old Town' all of which encapsulate its location and style. The area is picturesque, and Pilgrim Corner is one of the most photographed thatched cottage in Minehead - and Somerset - due to its appearance and location next to local beauty spot Church Steps.
Has restoration work taken place?
As a large Grade II listed cottage, we are regularly attending to the maintenance of the cottage. No major works have been required - except for an entire rethatch in 2018.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The 'squint' window by the front door. Beautiful window seats and mullion windows to the front of the house. Wooden beams in the front room, kitchen and Peacock bedroom. Large, sweeping staircase. A VR red postbox in the front wall - still in daily use.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Those who have owned Pilgrim Corner feel a certain privilege. We are in touch with two relatively recent owners, one of whom ran the 'Pilgrims Corner' tea room in the 1950s and 1960s. It was notorious for its beautiful tea garden and marvellous cakes!
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?
The garden is of particular note. Not only is it large, and very beautiful, but we've found historical items such as clay pipes, ancient pottery, oyster shells and sheep bones - all providing an insight into the lives of previous residents.
Show more
 
The White Horse Inn 4.1 mi from Dunster
Inn in Washford
8.9
Excellent
From $100
From $100
Info Categories
Historic Inn


Dog Friendly Inn

Dogs Stay Free  


Inn for Adults Only


Show more
 
Luxury Bed And Breakfast at Bossington Hall in Exmoor, Somerset 5.9 mi from Dunster
Bed & Breakfast in Porlock
9.7
Excellent
Historic Bed & Breakfast Questionnaire
Year erected: 1911
What is the history of the property?
Arts and Crafts grade 2 listed building, built by Allan Hughes, a shipping man. Kept in the same family until the 1980s, then converted to a commercial property.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Arts and Crafts
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Next door is a grade 2 listed 'devon long house' about 1400, the village of Bossington is Tudor.
Has restoration work taken place?
Considerable.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Listed Squash Court. Many original interior Oak features
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Grade 2 listed
Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:
Mansion
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Designed by C.H.B. Quennell
Show more
 
Tudor Cottage 6.2 mi from Dunster
Bed & Breakfast in Bossington
9.6
Excellent
From $148
From $148
Info Categories
Historic Bed & Breakfast


Luxury Bed & Breakfast


Bed & Breakfast with Free Wi-Fi


Show more
 
Exmoor White Horse Inn 9.1 mi from Dunster
Hotel in Exford
8.6
Very Good
From $199
From $199
Info Categories
Historic Hotel


Eco Friendly Hotel


Family Friendly Hotel


Show more
 
Edgcott House 9.3 mi from Dunster
Guest House in Exford
9.7
Excellent
From $123
From $123
Info
Beautiful 17th century historic house positioned on the edge of the Exford village. This luxurious property offer a comfortable and cozy accommodation in 7 individually designed rooms with modern and antique furniture.
Show more
Categories
Historic Guest House


Dog Friendly Guest House


Guest House with Parking

EV charging stations  


Show more
 
The Hood Arms Hotel 9.9 mi from Dunster
Hotel in Kilve
Info Categories
Historic Hotel


Boutique-style Hotel


Luxury Hotel


Show more
 
White Hart Hotel 11.4 mi from Dunster
Hotel in Wiveliscombe
7.9
Good
From $93
From $93
Info Categories
Historic Hotel


Family Friendly Hotel


Dog Friendly Hotel


Show more
 
Heron House 13.5 mi from Dunster
Bed & Breakfast in Bampton
8.8
Excellent
From $183
From $183
Info Categories
Historic Bed & Breakfast


Dog Friendly Bed & Breakfast


Bed & Breakfast where Extra Health & Safety Measures Have Been Taken


Show more
 
The Rockford Inn 14.5 mi from Dunster
Inn in Lynton
8.7
Very Good
From $97
From $97
Info Categories
Historic Inn


Luxury Inn


Inn with Parking


Show more
 
Rock House Hotel 16.8 mi from Dunster
Guest House in Lynmouth
8.1
Very Good
From $115
From $115
Info Categories
Historic Guest House


Boutique-style Guest House


Luxury Guest House


Show more
 
St. Vincent Guesthouse 17.0 mi from Dunster
Guest House in Lynton
9.0
Excellent
From $157
From $157
Info Categories
Historic Guest House


Guest House for Honeymoon


Romantic Guest House


Show more
 
Tadross Hotel 17.6 mi from Dunster
Hotel in Barry
7.6
Good
From $53
From $53
Info Categories
Historic Hotel


Hotel near Golf Courses


Family Friendly Hotel


Show more
 
Blorenge House 18.5 mi from Dunster
Guest House in Taunton
8.8
Excellent
From $322
From $322
Info Categories
Historic Guest House


Boutique-style Guest House


Luxury Guest House


Show more
 
Taunton Town House 19.2 mi from Dunster
Hotel in Taunton
7.5
Good
From $103
From $103
Info Categories
Historic Hotel


Family Friendly Hotel


Hotel with Parking


Show more
 
Fernside Bed and Breakfast 19.6 mi from Dunster
Bed & Breakfast in Templeton
9.9
Excellent
From $158
From $158
Info Categories
Historic Bed & Breakfast


Luxury Bed & Breakfast


Bed & Breakfast with Parking


Show more
 
The Walnut Tree Hotel 19.8 mi from Dunster
Hotel in Bridgwater
8.1
Very Good
From $96
From $96
Info Categories
Historic Hotel


Eco Friendly Hotel


Family Friendly Hotel


Show more
 
*Additional taxes or fees may apply. Please check the final price before completing your booking.
Categories:
  •     Historic (32)
  •     Small (23)
  •     Parking (19)
  •     Dog Friendly (16)
  •     Luxury (16)
  •     Honeymoon (13)
  •     Family (12)
  •     Romantic (10)
  •     Boutique-Style (9)
  •     4 Star (8)
  •     Adult Only (7)
  •     Free Wi-Fi (7)
  •     Accessible (7)
  •     Business (7)
  •     Eco Friendly (7)
  •     3 Star (7)
  •     Nightlife (6)
  •     Health & Safety (4)
  •     EV charging stations (3)
  •     Golf (3)
  •     Dog Play Area (3)
  •     5 Star (2)
  •     Dogs Stay Free (1)
  •     Beachfront (1)
  •     Beach (1)
  •     Tennis (1)
×
Checkin
×
Categories
1
Map
× Home About Press Categories Blog Hotel Awards Travelmyth GPT Contact Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookies Policy FAQ