Agents describe the mini thatched roof over the porch at Zinch Cottage as a ‘bonnet’, which we rather like.
Dating back to the early 16th century, it’s one of the oldest cottages in the popular village of Stogumber — and no, it's not a word invented by Roald Dahl, is instead but a charming place on the eastern edge of Exmoor, with glorious views over the Brendon and Quantock Hills.
Inside are three bedrooms, all with ample built in wardrobe space and views over the south-facing garden with its roses and mature apple trees.
Pretty pathways lead across the garden and lawn in the back, along the old stone walls to reach the front garden, where a sun terrace is the perfect place to take in the surrounding vistas.
Passing under a rose archway leads to the rose and herb garden, where further seating can be found. Now we're not saying you have to sit here with a glass of wine to watch the sunset...but it certainly wouldn't do any harm.
A timber-frame double carport and converted piggery complete the outdoor space.
The inside accommodation is composed of clay-tiled flooring, plenty of cosy firesides. The inglenook fireplace with Bressummer beam and wood burning fire is a particular highlight.
The kitchen is well-equipped with a two-door electric Aga and and passing through the boot room through an old door opens up to the sunny terrace in the front of the house.
Taunton is about half an hour’s drive, but we don't really know why you'd ever want to leave.
Zinch Cottage is currently on the market at a guide price of £610,000 via Humberts — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Stogumber: What you need to know
Location: In West Somerset, surrounded by the Quantock and Brendon Hills, approximately 14 miles from Taunton, where mainline rail services provide links to London and the north.
Atmosphere: Stogumber is a picturesque, highly sought-after village that benefits from a thriving community. It has a primary school, village shop, post office, pub, cricket club and church.
Things to do: Explore the surrounding Quantock and Brendon Hills or head into Taunton where there is a range of shopping, leisure and recreational facilities.
Schools: Crowcombe and Stogumber Primary School is the local primary, whilst Taunton School, The Castle School, Wellington School and Kings College are all great secondary choices.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
What the hedge can tell us about the countryside, with Richard NegusThe hedge is much more than just a barrier between one field and the next. Richard Negus joins the Country Life Podcast to discuss his work, his latest book and how he's being tapped up to switch cricket clubs.
-
Country Life August 20 2025Country Life August 20 2025 is the Scottish Issue, featuring glorious Glamis Castle, 47 pages of the best Scottish property for sale, John Buchan, and the Glasgow Boys
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courtsFords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
-
The 15 best-value commuter towns for people working in London, according to new research from one of Britain's top estate agentsSavills have released their list of the best-value commuter towns in Britain. But do the sums add up? Toby Keel takes a look.
-
What everyone is talking about this week: Where are the new Cotswolds?The appearance of American Vice President J. D. Vance in the Cotswolds is a sure sign that they're saturated, but where else can you escape to that has the same charm?
-
19 outstanding country homes, from £450,000 to £20 million, as seen in Country LifeA spectacular country house in Yorkshire and an enormously impressive Channel Islands retreat are among the stand-out homes on the market this week.
-
Three homes down by the Thames, perfect for those who love messing about on boatsThis summer’s scorching temperatures will no doubt have endorsed the perennial appeal of Thames-side houses with frontage and private access to the river. Penny Churchill and Toby Keel pick out some prime examples.
-
A pavilion, pool and pleasure gardens at this Devon country house 'with not another building in sight'Ebberly House is a majestic country house in Devon built by one of John Soane's pupils — and as it comes to the market, it's a place Penny Churchill knows well.
-
Take over the world or throw a great big party on this private fort for sale in PembrokeThorne Island, dubbed the British Alcatraz, has been a £2 million labour of love. Now it could be yours.
-
The perfect summer house? A country home, beach house and rural escape rolled into one in a prime spot in SussexIf there's a finer house than Grangewood House in which to enjoy the summer, we'd love to see it. Penny Churchill takes a look.
