Aria
Crowcombe, The Quantock Hills, Somerset, UK
Wending through a blanket of bluebells in spring and trees ablaze in autumn, Aria’s mile-long drive sets the scene for what lays ahead. Emerging from beneath a bridge, one enters another world; one where architectural finesse, peace, and leisurely days between the olive trees reign. A luxury self-catering home at the edge of Somerset's Quantock Hills gleaming with enchantment.
Introduction
Sculptural and light, Aria is a living piece of art set amongst 50 acres of untouched Somerset hills near the pretty village of Crowcombe. Red stone walls surround the sheltered garden, giving a Tuscan feel to early autumn sundowners, while inside it’s all high ceilings, organic materials, and enormous pieces of statement artwork. Confident yet serene, its bold half-barn, half-zinc form is topped with a sedum roof for extra eco credentials; here is a luxury escape that stands apart from the rest. A modern rural home where Scandinavian design and English elegance go hand-in-hand. Designed with design-led family stays in mind, this is an inspirational home-from-home.
Inside
Meet Aria, the Quantock Hills hideout that puts open-plan living on the Somerset map. An enormous concrete gable end, which was poured by a Lebanese opera singer as he serenaded the house and its audience, cigarette in hand from the top of the scaffolding, looks over this inspiring self-catering abode's lounge, where a red Turkish rug, linen sofas and shell-like chandeliers make up this cosmopolitan living area. The country kitchen painted fig pink opens out on one side, a bedroom to another, while up the poured concrete staircase, an office space and two further king-size suites await. An additional kingsize bedroom is available in the studio, set just a short walk from Aria.
Outside
Heady herbs line the paths of the enclosed garden, where morning coffees and al fresco suppers stretch out beyond the peripheries of the sunnier seasons. Beyond the sun-trap confines, a river saunters through the farmland and otters and egrets blissfully bathe in the trickling waters. In contrast to the modern day design scheme, there's a bygone era essence to the steam locomotives that pass by the house's western boundary. If you're holidaying as a group of eight, the studio affords a place away from the main house for quiet contemplation. For an afternoon excursion, storm the Quantock Hills before returning to the courtyard for hot toddies around the giant olive tree at dusk.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 8 guests
From £2,995 per week, £2,395 per short break - Alternative group optionsUp to 2 or up to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsOn the ground floor is the first double bedroom suitable for wheelchair use, complete with king-size bed and en suite shower room, plus a separate WC. Up the concrete spiral stairs awaits two further en suite bedrooms with king-size beds; one with en suite shower room and the other with freestanding bath and walk-in shower. There is a further ground floor double bedroom and a separate shower room in the self-contained studio.
View bedrooms - FeaturesWood-fired hot tub
- PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome; one cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for up to three cars on the private drive. The kitchen includes a double Smeg electric oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, Aarke carbonator and microwave. The ground floor of the property is designed to be wheelchair friendly, with a removable ramp for the courtyard step. The track that runs alongside the house is rarely used and guest stays will not be disrupted. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper of local goodies, Sonos speaker, Smart TV with Sky Q, WiFi internet, Weber gas barbecue, luxury Ada & Ina linen, Aesop hand soap, coal and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- Eco-friendlyGround source heat pump with underfloor heating, sedum grass roof
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Quantock Hills
Exposed summits with far-reaching views across Exmoor and into Devon, deep wooded valleys and undulating farmland leading to pretty chocolate box villages; the Quantock Hills AONB is an outdoor lovers delight on the northern coast of Somerset.
Getting there
- On the Map Aria sits on the western edge of the Quantock Hills AONB, Somerset.
- By Car Aria is approximately three and a half hours drive from London, and an hour and a half from Bristol.
- By Train Taunton train station is around half an hour's drive away from the house, with regular routes to London, which have a journey time of around two hours.
- By Air Exeter Airport is an hour's drive away, while Bristol Airport is around an hour and 15 minutes. Both have car hire available in advance. Helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds of Aria.
From the owner
“In 2006 we bought this derelict farm in a valley at the foot of the Quantocks surrounded by 50 acres of untouched, rolling fields. A real time capsule in Somerset, here we found a quiet escape from London living.”
We heard about Aria through word of mouth and wanted a new family home and renovation project in the countryside, away from our home in central London.
After restoring the main farmhouse and majority of the outbuildings, we decided to renovate the old cow shed from disrepair and turn it into the modern and spacious home you see today.
The majority of the stonework was foraged from the tumbledown barns found around the farm and bespoke architectural features can be found throughout (the spiral staircase made from poured concrete being our personal favourite!).
We are a Swedish-come-English couple living in the main farmhouse over the river, who have made careers out of sculpting and art. Our independent styles are intertwined throughout the house, with deep colours and bright, lofty spaces. We hope you too find it a place of rest and refuge.
The de Bendern Simmons Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Quantock Hills with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Masons Arms, Knowstone
Exposed timber beams, sweeping views of Exmoor National Park, Michelin starred food and a local pub atmosphere make The Masons Arms an absolute must for guests visiting North Devon.
To See
Tarr Steps, Dulverton
A medieval clapper bridge crossing the River Barle, Tarr Steps is one of the most famous bridges in Exmoor and enjoys plenty of enchanting woodland walks surrounding. The Tarr Farm Inn, which you´ll pass on the way to the steps, is an excellent spot for a sunny tipple.
To Do
West Somerset Railway
Journey on a traditional steam train along the coast, through Exmoor National Park and along the boundaries of the Quantock Hills AONB. Hop on at Crowcombe Heathfield, just one and a half miles from The Railway House.
To Do
Porlock Weir
An historic harbour on Exmoor´s wild coastline, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood (and the famous Porlock Bay oysters!). Grab a pew outside the hotel in the sun to enjoy a tipple, or wander around the art galleries and independent shops.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Aria is the best Unique Homestays we have stayed in. We booked as we wanted ensuites in every bedroom but the location really sold it for us! It could not have been better. A fabulous home and kitchen; stylish, sophisticated, everything you could possibly need. A very thoughtful hamper too and just to mention again, the best home we´ve stayed in!
Aria is the best example of "luxury meets comfort". Everything from the welcome hamper of local produce (everything in it was so delicious!) to all the facilities in the house were top quality and well thought out. Every room was spacious, airy and bright. Unique Homestays was very helpful with any questions we had about the property or the terms and conditions of the booking and always replied promptly. We will definitely be booking through them again!
Aria was modern and beautifully designed but with many traditional materials and features. It was fitted out to a very high standard and was a delightful place to stay. Extremely clean and comprehensively equipped. The Aesop toiletries were a lovely touch, the goosedown duvets and linen sheets were wonderfully cosy!
The best holiday rental we have stayed in for a long time. It was a beautiful house in a spectacular location. The owners were brilliant and did everything they could to make us feel welcome. The house had everything we needed and the owner made an extra special effort to make the house comfortable for our two-year-old daughter. We have come back feeling refreshed and a bit more motivated than usual! I think that´s what a holiday should be, shouldn´t it?
This is the most beautifully designed and decorated house. The owners have the most exquisite taste and the attention to detail is outstanding. We´ve stayed in a lot of different properties but this is really in a class of its own.
What can I say; from the delicious local produce in the welcome hamper to the incredible art, tranquil walled garden and relaxing bathtub, it really has been the most delightful homestay. There is a lot on offer to explore within an hour´s car journey. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the walk to the Carew Arms and several games of skittles. Aria truly is a special place - thank you for welcoming us all.
What a blessing this home and holiday have been to my family and me. Thank you for all the attention to detail and thoughtful gestures for my children, we felt safe and so cared for here. We really appreciate your gentle nature. We have travelled far and wide and my husband and I feel this is by far the best holiday we have had! The joy steam trains bring to our son has brought so much pleasure, thank you for being part of our story!
We feel so fortunate to have stumbled across your beautiful property. The attention to detail and exquisite taste has left us inspired and recharged. We loved waking up to the ducks playing in the stream and watching the sheep frolic in the fields. Thank you so much for the hospitality. We look forward to returning one day soon.
What an amazing space you have created. The setting is wonderful and peaceful, and this home has a soul. We loved the very thoughtful touches throughout, including the delicious hamper goodies! We are leaving feeling very spoilt and hope to return.
This truly has been the most perfect place to stay. The house is just stunning with everything were could possibly need for a gorgeous week in the Quantocks, including the wonderful hamper, and the boys have enjoyed some awesome rides in the hills. We loved all the art around us; this place is so unique and special, we will definitely be back!
Thank you so much for creating this haven of culture and style in such comfortable surroundings; this place has been crafted with creativity and talent. Thank you for all of the well-considered details from the delicious hamper goodies, to wonderful books to dive into. What a treat to stay here! Thank you for looking after us so well during the stormy weather. Your kindness and consideration is so very much appreciated!
We had an extremely wonderful stay. Thank you for such a well-equipped home with every detail carefully thought out. The welcome hamper with the added touch for the children was very much appreciated. We really enjoy sitting by the fireplace on cosy evenings. We loved everything about Aria.
We were so pleased with our stay at Aria. The standards are absolutely excellent and the owners are exceptionally kind and helpful. Every need was catered for. Wonderfully comfortable, warm and considered; the finish of the property with all the thoughtful details really exceeded our expectations.
Having recently returned from a holiday at Aria, we feel relaxed after being able to unwind for a few days. The kitchen is well equipped with everything I could have needed and more, the beds were incredibly comfortable with luxurious bedding; no expense has been spared. We were lucky to enjoy some sunshine and made use of the walled garden with a wine in hand and a charcuterie board on the table. The welcome hamper was full of local goodies, thank you for this extra touch.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Aria and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Visionary design
Self Build & Design
July 2022Railway-themed family holidays
The Guardian
April 202225 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 2024
Collections > Dog-Friendly Escapes > UK > Somerset > Crowcombe > Aria
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
