Somerset
If ever there was a county which warranted the label ‘underrated’ then Somerset would be it. Forget the traditional image some people have of cider drinkers and farmers (although it still has plenty of both of these!), Somerset is a county on the move, with its winning combination of picturesque towns and cities, wide open countryside, coastal waters and excellent communication links.
A county of contrasts, Somerset has historic communities with ancient streets and buildings to explore as well as high tech industries and manufacturers which offer plenty of job opportunities. The M5 traversing the county north to south means it is easy to move around and explore or do business.
Add in the lure of top class international and domestic cricket in Taunton (https://www.somersetcountycc.co.uk) , the magnificence of Wells Cathedral (https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk) and the wide open and dramatic spaces of Exmoor (http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk) - two thirds of which lies in Somerset - and you’ll understand why we recommend giving Somerset a second look.
Find Your Perfect Property in…
Bath – unique among UK cities, Bath is a dreamy place in which to live. The sand-coloured properties in this historic place’s streets give it a special feel and the property-buying options run from stylish apartments to grand, opulent Georgian mansions.
Taunton – seen as the administrative capital of the county, Taunton is a busy and growing town, with lots of new and stylish properties being built near its edge and some superb homes to choose from amongst its picturesque streets.
Yeovil – a town on the rise and enjoying the benefits of considered development and regeneration to offer some modern buys which offer great value for money, alongside historic homes which have character and charm.
Bruton – artistic and affluent, Bruton and the surroundings country are a superb place in which to live, offering artisan food spots situated in historic streets and charming countryside on your doorstep.
Frome – a charming and historic town, Frome is its own self-reliant community and, as such, has everything someone searching for property could want.
Best hotels in Somerset
The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath (https://www.royalcrescent.co.uk) matches its iconic location in one of the city’s most picturesque streets with superb service, luxurious accommodation and quite superb cuisine. The PIG Hotel near Bath (https://www.thepighotel.com/near-bath) offers all you would expect from this quirky, quality boutique hotel chain – and more. Set in a stunning location, the rooms are lovely and individual and the food is very special indeed. Taken over in recent years by the Eden Hotel Collection the renaissance of the Mount Somerset Hotel (https://www.themountsomersethotelandspa.com) has meant a superb country house hotel on the edge of the town has been brought back to former glories.
Best Restaurants in Somerset
The Pony and Trap, Chew Magna (https://www.theponyandtrap.co.uk) might be housed in a county pub by the side of the road, but this is no standard stop-off point, offering as it does Michelin-starred cuisine and exceptional, friendly service. The Castle Bow, Taunton (https://castlebow.com) is a special room in which to dine and the excellence of the menu – making the most of local produce – matches the surroundings. Goodfellows, Wells (http://www.goodfellowswells.co.uk) is a cosy, classy spot within a stone’s throw of the Cathedral and offering superb café-style dining by day and delightful dinners in the evening.
Best Schools in Somerset
King’s Bruton (https://www.kingsbruton.com) is an independent school for boys and girls aged 13 to 18, which parents praise for the nature of its interest and involvement in the progress of all children in its care. King’s College, Taunton (http://www.kings-taunton.co.uk) is an independent school for boys and girls aged 13 to 18 with a superb academic and pastoral track record. Millfield (https://millfieldschool.com) has a track record of promoting and nurturing pupils with a strong sporting pedigree, but the excellence of its academic results shows it also offers a superb rounded education to all too.
Buying Agents Somerset Fact
The iconic Glastonbury Festival (https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk) sees hundreds of thousands of music fans descend on the county each summer – and the sheer number of people on site produces some amazing statistics. For example, at a typical three-day festival the festival has over 10 miles of security fencing, 40,000 bins, 100,000 rolls of toilet paper, 40,000 tubes of sunblock and 4,500 toilets.