Welcomed by the golden glow of early autumn evenings, we ambled our way through rural country lanes in pursuit of our fairytale weekend destination. Veiled by a pair of towering yew trees stood Myrtle Cottage, a whimsical stone abode, set amongst the emerald, green countryside of North Somerset. Climbing the pathway to explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, we wandered the wraparound terrace, beautifully bordered at every turn with delicate violet verbena.
Admiring the far-reaching lakeside vistas from beneath the climbing-rose-adorned arched stable door, in the distance a soft chorus of church bells offered a captivating welcome soundtrack. In the adjacent field were a curious herd of Guernsey cows – our only neighbours for the weekend.
Stepping inside the cottage into the Mediterranean-inspired kitchen and dining space, we felt instantly at home. Romantically rustic with reclaimed terracotta tiles and shaker-style oak cabinets painted in Farrow and Ball’s Templeton Pink - this would be the dreamiest backdrop to craft culinary magic together. Resting on the farmhouse island awaited a beautiful hamper kindly gifted by the owners, filled with an array of local produce for us to indulge.
The traditional, cottage-style living room rested next door, endlessly cosy with a feature stone wall, a charming wood burning stove and a plump sofa topped with an array of luxurious textiles - this space would be a calming corner to unwind each evening.
Making the most of the evening, we retreated outside with woollen blankets and a candle, savouring the solitude and serene views with buttery olives and a chilled glass of wine from nearby family-run Sutton Ridge vineyard. This moment was endlessly magical, dreamily gazing over the patchwork countryside whilst the dappled sunlight kissed our rosy cheeks until twilight.
Climbing the wooden staircase, a sanctuary awaited us in the bedroom. Beneath the vaulted ceiling lay a king-sized bed draped in luxurious linens – the heavenliest setting for us to slumber, accompanied by nothing but sweet, rural lullabies and the lustrous glow of October moonlight…
Stirring to daybreak birdsong, we indulged ourselves with a lingering lie-in before drifting to the kitchen to prep breakfast and welcome the weekend’s sunshine through the patio doors. As the sheer and elegant voiles frolicked in the breeze and the early morning light cast an ethereal glow through the kitchen, we plated up fresh almond croissants and brewed a pot of coffee to savour from the comfort of the cosy bedroom.
The early afternoon was spent living out our cottagecore dreams, pottering around the pastel blooms and gathering apples from the orchard, before popping on our walking boots and knitwear to explore our wildly beautiful surroundings. Wandering past quaint hamlets on foot, we spotted the beautiful organic gardens of Yeo Valley Farm before happening upon The New Inn Blagdon – the perfect spot to admire lakeside vistas and the surrounding wildlife from a height. After sampling a local craft brew, we got a little closer to Blagdon Lake - an infamous Somerset destination for a spot of birdwatching and fly fishing.
Upon returning to our very own cottage sanctuary, we decided it was the perfect time for a dip in the hot tub, surrounded by nothing but verdant countryside, bewitching vistas of the lake, and the gentle flickering of lantern light. As the daylight hours dwindled, we treasured the far reaching, pastoral scenes, existing in a stolen moment of wood-fired heaven beneath tangled tree canopies. The evening’s supper consisted of a fine platter of Italian cured meats, a selection of cheeses and delicious seasonal fruit to pair with chutneys and biscuits. Our spellbinding table-lay was not complete without the romantic addition of candlelight and a soulful sixties soundtrack in the background.
On Sunday morning, we wound ourselves south through Somerset to the arty Bruton, only meeting a nimble young rabbit and a cheerful livestock farmer along the way. Arriving to moody autumn mist and a town still in slumber, we wandered along the River Brue, admiring the cute rows of honeyed stone cottages and breath-taking historic architecture.
After peeking in a cute selection of antiques, art galleries and record shops, we stumbled across At The Chapel, a grade II listed restaurant with a tempting artisan bakery for those seeking baked goods on the go. We dined in the beautiful 18th century space, adorned with arched mullion windows and mid-century-inspired furnishings, opting for a lunchtime Bloody Mary and a cherry-topped amaretto sour. Our shared starter consisted of burrata topped with pickled pear, thyme honey and a pumpkin seed pangritata, lunch was a local beef burger paired with local Godminster cheese, finished with a Cotswold cream laden tiramisu for dessert.
Next on the agenda was an adventure to Hauser and Wirth, only a brief car journey up the road. Set on a former farmstead, the acres had been transformed into a wildly beautiful perennial meadow dotted with sculptures, and a contemporary art gallery built to showcase an ever-changing array of exhibitions. We explored the stunning landscaped grounds designed by Piet Oudolf before seeking a little respite from the rain beneath the Radić Pavilion. Inside the gallery, each corner was brimming with a vast collection of colourful, impressive sculptures by Phyllida Barlow, whilst the charming farm shop offered a wealth of organic produce from the surrounding farm and beyond.
Returning to Chew Valley for our final hours spent in our enchanting weekend dwelling, we took the opportunity to light the wood burning stove and recline with a book, before heading upstairs to indulge with a soak in the captivating copper bathtub. With a coupe of champagne in hand and a side of chocolate-dipped cherries for romantic measure, we toasted to our very own storybook weekend, filled with moments straight from our wildest staycation musings…
Set only thirty minutes from Bath and Bristol, Myrtle Cottage is the dreamiest escape for couples and families alike, seeking a countryside escape like no other.
For those dreaming of escaping to our darling abode, book Myrtle Cottage here…
