Three generations. 450-year-old walls. Still family-run, still welcoming new stories every week.
It started with a run-down old dairy farmhouse, a father and son, and a lot of Somerset grit. Dad and Grandad took on the challenge with nothing but determination (and a jackhammer), laying the first footings of what would become our first cottages.
Every inch of this place was finished by hand. Grandad’s eye for detail, Dad’s fix-anything skills. Together they turned tired rooms into proper countryside cottages guests still love today.
That 450-year-old fireplace still warms guests now, lovingly brought back to life by Dad, one stone at a time.
Mum ran the farmhouse kitchen and fed every guest like family. Here she is with baby Bryn, taking a break in what was then our licensed bar. These walls have seen everything, from toddler naps to evening tipples.
This one was taken just weeks after I was born. Three generations (and one very good dog), standing where it all began. That same spirit is what you’ll feel when you stay here: a proper welcome, full of care.
We lost our Grandad in 2012. He used to take his tea breaks in a little derelict outhouse: lunch, a paper, a quiet moment to himself. After he passed, we restored that space and named it Gardners Rest Cottage, in his honour. A place of peace, just like he liked it.
His favourite garden was outside Inglenook Cottage. That’s where he asked for his ashes to be spread, under the blossom trees he loved most. Every spring, when they bloom, it’s a quiet reminder that he’s still part of this place.
Around then, Dad stepped away from the B&B. The cottages became long-term lets, and over time, the site lost a bit of its soul. It needed love, and a new chapter.
When Priory View became vacant, we knew it was time to breathe life back into the site. Bryn and Laura were living on-site with their newborn, and that’s where the graft began.
Laura led the full renovation: scrubbing floors, dressing beds, welcoming guests, and pouring everything into getting us up and running. Over the next two years, Bryn and Laura brought each cottage back to life. Every corner of the site holds their effort and care.
After selling my coffee shop in 2024, I joined full-time. In early 2025, my wife Stella came on board, and with that, the full team was finally in place.
It’s come full circle. Mum ran the kitchen. Dad handled the maintenance. Grandad kept the garden in shape. Nan looked after the guests, and us. We’re just continuing the family rhythm they started.
Mum ran the kitchen. Dad handled the maintenance. Grandad kept the garden in shape. Nan looked after the guests. We’re just picking up where they left off.
Led the full renovation in 2022. Now runs behind-the-scenes, from laundry to the finishing touches guests notice.
Joined in 2025. Works alongside Laura on housekeeping standards and guest experience. Usually the one replying to your emails.
Grew up here. Brought each cottage back to life and keeps everything working, from boilers to gates.
Sold his coffee shop in 2024 to join full-time. Looks after the website, marketing and local partnerships.
We’ve rebuilt North Somerset Stays with our own hands, just like our parents and grandparents did before us. Every decision, every detail, from the fresh linen to the hanging baskets, has been shaped by our family for yours.
We’d be honoured to share it with you.
