Home Orchard | 2-Bedroom Cottage in Ilminster Broadway

A two-bedroom stone cottage with thatched roof sits quietly in the Somerset village of Broadway, just 2 miles from Ilminster town centre. Home Orchard occupies the kind of location where countryside walks begin at your doorstep and the nearest pub is a ten-minute stroll away. This 2 bedroom cottage rental in Ilminster accommodates four guests with straightforward comfort and genuine character—the kind of place where families return year after year.

Inside Home Orchard

Home Orchard sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The ground floor opens into a dual-aspect living, dining and kitchen space flooded with natural light. Stone walls painted white create an airy backdrop; an electric two-oven Aga radiates warmth across the room. The kitchen functions around a substantial central island, fitted with a dishwasher, microwave and large fridge-freezer. A washer-dryer sits discreetly to one side, a practical addition for longer stays. The sitting area invites you to sink into comfortable sofas; a 42-inch flatscreen television provides entertainment on quieter evenings, though most guests find the countryside view more compelling.

Climb the first-floor stairs to discover the bedroom accommodation. The primary bedroom features a French-style king-sized bed dressed in 400 thread count cotton with oversized pillows—the kind that makes morning coffee feel like a luxury. The second bedroom adapts to your group’s needs: configure it as a superking double or separate it into two single beds, each with equally generous mattresses and linens. Between them sits a family bathroom equipped with a walk-in rain-head shower—large enough for two, practical enough for quick morning routines. The cottage provides a cot and high chair on request, thoughtful additions for guests travelling with infants.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step outside into an enclosed courtyard that serves multiple purposes. This sheltered outdoor room features a dining table and chairs positioned for morning coffee or evening meals. The courtyard boundaries are fully enclosed—a significant feature for families with young children or guests travelling with dogs, as the space functions as a secure, private domain. Two parking spaces sit adjacent to the courtyard, removing the anxiety of finding somewhere to leave your vehicle. The courtyard’s position, sheltered from prevailing winds, means you’ll spend more time outside than you might expect in Somerset’s sometimes unpredictable climate.

Location: Ilminster and the Surrounding Area

Home Orchard occupies Broadway village, positioned at the intersection of Somerset’s quiet lanes and rolling agricultural land. Ilminster itself—a working market town 2 miles south—contains supermarkets, independent shops and the kind of weekly market that supplies local producers with seasonal fruit and vegetables. The town’s High Street hosts traditional coffee shops where locals gather; weekday mornings feel noticeably quieter than weekends.

Two pubs operate within walking distance: The Bell Inn in Broadway and The Five Dials at Horton, both serving traditional Somerset fare and local ales. Additional pubs lie further afield, each reached within a fifteen to twenty-minute walk through country lanes. This cottage rental sits ideally positioned for exploring National Trust properties: Dillington House, located 6.4 kilometres away, opens its gardens to visitors seasonally, while Barrington Court, 12.4 kilometres distant, showcases one of Somerset’s most significant historic estates with manicured gardens and period rooms.

The South West region draws serious cider enthusiasts. Perry’s Cider Mill in Dowlish Wake, approximately 8 kilometres away, operates a small museum year-round (closed Christmas Day) and welcomes visitors to observe traditional pressing techniques. The Somerset Cider Brandy Company at Burrow Hill, situated a little further afield, offers guided tours and tastings of spirit-aged ciders—the kind of afternoon excursion that justifies a stay in countryside Somerset. Explore our full collection in Britain & Ireland for alternative properties across the region.

Coastal options lie within reach: Lyme Regis beach, renowned for its Jurassic Coast geology and golden sand, sits approximately 40 kilometres south—roughly fifty minutes’ drive. The coastline there offers dramatic cliff walks, fossil hunting beaches and family-friendly seaside towns. For destination inspiration and seasonal planning, read our The South West travel guide. We also curate luxury villas throughout Europe should you wish to explore alternatives.

The area’s network of country lanes and established footpaths makes this cottage exceptional for cyclists and walkers. Spring brings bluebells through local woodlands; summer offers long daylight hours for exploration; autumn colours peak in late September and October; winter’s quiet landscape suits those seeking genuine solitude.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Families with children find Home Orchard particularly well-suited. The enclosed courtyard removes concerns about road access; the cot and high chair are provided without fuss; restaurants within walking distance mean you’re never far from a meal if cooking feels like too much effort. The proximity to Ilminster town also means school holiday activities and children’s attractions are accessible without lengthy drives.

Couples seeking countryside escape discover genuine quietness here. The location offers enough isolation to feel genuinely private, yet sufficient proximity to towns and pubs that you’re never genuinely cut off. Two bedrooms mean couples can invite another couple comfortably, with no sense of cramping.

Multi-generational groups—grandparents, adult children and grandchildren—work well here. The ground floor’s open layout means supervising young children while preparing meals feels manageable. The two separate bedrooms allow family members to choose their sleeping arrangements without awkwardness. Guests with mobility considerations should note the first-floor bathroom location and the need to climb stairs to reach bedrooms.

Practical Information

Home Orchard accommodates 4 guests maximum across 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The nearest airports are Bristol Airport (approximately 45 kilometres away, roughly sixty minutes by car) and Exeter Airport (approximately 55 kilometres distant, approximately seventy minutes’ drive). Car rental is advisable, as countryside Somerset’s attractions spread across significant distances and public transport between villages remains limited.

The nearest supermarket is Ilminster town centre, reachable in a ten-minute drive or extended countryside walk. The village shop in Broadway provides everyday essentials. Arrival and departure times are typically flexible; contact Excellence Luxury Villas to confirm your specific check-in and check-out requirements.

The rental includes Wi-Fi internet connectivity, heating, hot water, linen, towels and a welcome hamper containing prosecco, fresh bread, juice, jam and eggs. Iron and ironing board are provided. An electric two-oven Aga means you have both modern and traditional cooking options—the Aga rarely turns fully off, providing constant warmth throughout the cottage during cooler months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Home Orchard

How many guests does Home Orchard sleep?

Home Orchard accommodates 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The primary bedroom contains a French-style king bed; the second bedroom can be configured as either a superking double or two single beds. A cot is available on request for infants, though this does not increase the total guest count.

What is the nearest airport to Home Orchard in Ilminster?

Bristol Airport lies approximately 45 kilometres away, accessible by approximately sixty minutes’ driving. Exeter Airport operates as an alternative, situated roughly 55 kilometres distant (approximately seventy minutes by car). Both airports offer car rental facilities if you plan to explore the wider South West region during your stay.

What is the best time of year to rent Home Orchard?

Summer months (June through August) offer longest daylight hours for countryside exploration, though the school holidays bring increased visitor numbers to attractions and beaches. May and September provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Spring (April-May) showcases woodland bluebells and lambing season activity on surrounding farms. Autumn (September-October) delivers dramatic colour as trees change, with mild temperatures perfect for walking. Winter suits those seeking genuine solitude and countryside atmosphere; however, daylight hours reduce significantly and some attractions operate seasonal hours or close entirely.

Is Home Orchard suitable for families with children?

Yes. The fully enclosed courtyard provides a secure outdoor space where children play safely without road access concerns. A cot and high chair are available on request. Two pubs within walking distance serve family meals; Ilminster town centre, 2 miles away, contains several restaurants and cafes. Nearby Lyme Regis beach (40km south) offers traditional seaside activities. The National Trust properties at Dillington House and Barrington Court both welcome families with varied attractions across their gardens and grounds.

What is included in the rental price at Home Orchard?

The rental includes Wi-Fi internet access, all heating and hot water, bed linen and towels, and a welcome hamper containing prosecco, fresh bread, juice, jam and eggs. Iron and ironing board are provided. The electric two-oven Aga operates continuously, providing both cooking facilities and ambient heating. A washing machine and tumble dryer are available for longer stays. A cot and high chair can be provided on request at no additional charge.

What restaurants and shops are near Home Orchard?

Ilminster town centre, 2 miles away, contains a supermarket, independent shops and several cafes. The Bell Inn in Broadway and The Five Dials at Horton, both within walking distance, serve traditional pub meals and Somerset ales. Additional pubs operate within fifteen to twenty minutes’ walk through country lanes. Perry’s Cider Mill in Dowlish Wake (approximately 8km away) operates a cafe alongside its museum. The Somerset Cider Brandy Company at Burrow Hill offers tastings and guided tours with refreshment facilities.