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Apple Loft at Dillington Estate, Ilminster

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Apple Loft at Dillington Estate is a luxury six-bedroom retreat in Somerset that sleeps twelve guests. This converted barn sits within a 500-acre private estate near Ilminster. The property features six en-suite bathrooms, a private hot tub and a games room. Original beams and stone walls blend with contemporary interiors throughout.

The estate sits in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rolling countryside surrounds the property. Quiet lanes lead to traditional Somerset villages and market towns.

Apple Loft offers six double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The open-plan living space includes a fully equipped kitchen with range cooker and breakfast bar. A separate dining area seats twelve comfortably.

About Apple Loft at Dillington Estate

Apple Loft at Dillington Estate is a luxury six-bedroom retreat in Somerset that sleeps twelve guests. This converted barn sits within a 500-acre private estate near Ilminster. The property features six en-suite bathrooms, a private hot tub and a games room. Original beams and stone walls blend with contemporary interiors throughout.

The estate sits in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rolling countryside surrounds the property. Quiet lanes lead to traditional Somerset villages and market towns.

Apple Loft offers six double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The open-plan living space includes a fully equipped kitchen with range cooker and breakfast bar. A separate dining area seats twelve comfortably. The sitting room has comfortable sofas and a wood burner. The games room features a pool table and table football. Outside, the hot tub overlooks open fields.

Montacute House sits 8 miles away (15 minutes). Fleet Air Arm Museum is 12 miles distant (20 minutes). Lyme Regis beach lies 18 miles south (30 minutes). Longleat Safari Park is 25 miles away (35 minutes).

Apple Loft works brilliantly for multi-generational family gatherings and celebration weekends. The combination of private estate setting, generous accommodation and entertainment facilities makes this an exceptional group retreat.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Dillington Estate

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Ilminster, Somerset

Weather & Local Conditions

7ยฐC

Foggy

Updated: 1 Nov 2026, 5:24am

๐ŸŒก๏ธ
7.00ยฐC
Temperature
๐Ÿ’จ
6 km/h
Wind Speed
๐Ÿ’ง
100%
Humidity
๐Ÿงณ
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever November throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • โœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • โœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • โœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • โœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
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Rainy Day Tip: A luxury cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Dillington Estate sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
๐ŸŒŒ
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • โœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • โœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • โœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • โœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
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Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

31m

(102 feet above sea level)

Dillington Estate sits in a peaceful Somerset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a luxury escape.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ
31m
Elevation
๐Ÿ“
Ilminster
Nearest Village
๐ŸŒฒ
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • โœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • โœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • โœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • โœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
๐Ÿš—
Driving Note: The roads to Ilminster are typical Somerset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.9448092ยฐ N | Longitude: 2.8790649ยฐ W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Ilminster (Sunday, 1 November 2026):

7:03am

Sunrise

3:46pm

Golden Hour

4:46pm

Sunset

๐ŸŒ…
7:03am
Sunrise
๐ŸŒ‡
4:46pm
Sunset
๐Ÿ“ธ
3:46pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • โœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • โœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • โœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • โœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
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Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (3:46pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

November Daylight

This month in Ilminster, you have approximately 9.71 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Dillington Estate.

Mobile Phone Signal

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Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

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Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Somerset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 1 Nov 2026 | Location: 50.9448092, -2.8790649

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at Dillington Estate

Six En-Suite Bedrooms

Every bedroom has its own private bathroom, eliminating morning queues and providing privacy for all twelve guests throughout their stay.

Private Hot Tub

The outdoor hot tub offers relaxation after countryside walks, with views across the estate's fields and complete privacy for your group.

Games Room Entertainment

Pool table and table football provide hours of entertainment for all ages, perfect for evening competitions and keeping everyone together.

500-Acre Estate Setting

The property sits within extensive private grounds, offering space for children to explore safely and adults to enjoy peaceful countryside walks.

Open-Plan Living Space

The spacious kitchen, dining and sitting areas keep groups connected, with seating for twelve and a wood burner for cosy evenings.

Blackdown Hills Location

Positioned in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you'll find stunning walking routes and Somerset countryside right on the doorstep.

Getting To Dillington Estate

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Apple Loft by car, take the A303 towards Ilminster and follow signs for the Blackdown Hills. The estate is accessed via quiet country lanes, with clear directions provided upon booking and ample off-road parking for your group.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Crewkerne, approximately 8 miles away. Taunton station offers more frequent services and sits 15 miles north, with taxis readily available for the scenic journey to the estate.

Off-road parking for multiple vehicles
Crewkerne station (8 miles)
Accessible from A303, near Ilminster

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Barrington Court
Distance: 2.6 miles (10 min drive)
TA19 0NQ
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
Distance: 4.4 miles (13 min drive)
TA13 5HG
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Distance: 14.4 miles (26 min drive)
BA22 8HW
Monarch's Way
Distance: 8 miles (17 min drive)
Ham Hill
Distance: 7.7 miles (18 min drive)
TA14 6RW
Ham Hill Country Park
Distance: 7.7 miles (18 min drive)
TA14 6RW
Tesco
Distance: 2.5 miles (7 min drive)
TA19 0BN
Shepton Stores Kitchen and Deli
Distance: 1.8 miles (7 min drive)
TA19 0LN
Remains to be Seen
Distance: 2.3 miles (7 min drive)
TA19 0AJ
Crewkerne Station
Distance: 8.7 miles (22 min drive)
TA18 8AU
Taunton Station
Distance: 14.2 miles (28 min drive)
TA1 1QP
Exeter Airport
Distance: 32.4 miles (48 min drive)
EX5 2BD
Barrington Court
Distance: 2.6 miles (10 min drive)
TA19 0NQ
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
Distance: 4.4 miles (13 min drive)
TA13 5HG
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Distance: 14.4 miles (26 min drive)
BA22 8HW
Monarch's Way
Distance: 8 miles (17 min drive)
Ham Hill
Distance: 7.7 miles (18 min drive)
TA14 6RW
Ham Hill Country Park
Distance: 7.7 miles (18 min drive)
TA14 6RW
Tesco
Distance: 2.5 miles (7 min drive)
TA19 0BN
Shepton Stores Kitchen and Deli
Distance: 1.8 miles (7 min drive)
TA19 0LN
Remains to be Seen
Distance: 2.3 miles (7 min drive)
TA19 0AJ
Crewkerne Station
Distance: 8.7 miles (22 min drive)
TA18 8AU
Taunton Station
Distance: 14.2 miles (28 min drive)
TA1 1QP
Exeter Airport
Distance: 32.4 miles (48 min drive)
EX5 2BD

Is Dillington Estate Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The games room keeps children entertained with pool table and table football. The 500-acre estate provides safe outdoor space for exploration and adventure. Six en-suite bedrooms mean older children get privacy. The hot tub is supervised fun for teenagers. Nearby attractions include Fleet Air Arm Museum and Lyme Regis beach. The open-plan layout lets parents keep an eye on younger ones whilst cooking.
Groups Will Love...
The dedicated games room transforms celebration weekends into memorable occasions. Full-size pool table and table football create natural gathering points for tournaments. Combined with the private hot tub overlooking estate fields, you have built-in entertainment. The open-plan living space flows naturally from kitchen to dining to sitting areas. Wood burner adds atmosphere for evening celebrations. Six en-suite bathrooms mean everyone gets ready simultaneously for special dinners.
Pet Friendly
Apple Loft does not accept pets. The property maintains a strict no-pets policy to ensure standards for all guests and protect the quality of furnishings. This includes all animals regardless of size or type. If you're travelling with dogs, you'll need to arrange alternative accommodation. The estate setting and surrounding countryside offer wonderful walking, but pets cannot stay at the property itself.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Dillington Estate

The New Inn Dowlish Wake

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA19 0NT

The Shrubbery Hotel Restaurant

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA19 9AR

The Bell Inn Curry Rivel

Located 9 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA10 0HD

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Dillington Estate

How many guests does Apple Loft sleep?
Apple Loft accommodates twelve guests across six double bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom for maximum comfort and privacy.
Is Apple Loft pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at Apple Loft. The property operates a strict no-pets policy to maintain standards for all guests.
What entertainment facilities are available?
The games room includes a full-size pool table and table football. Outside, you'll find a private hot tub with countryside views.
How many bathrooms does the property have?
Apple Loft has six bathrooms, all en-suite to the bedrooms. This means no queuing and complete convenience for larger groups.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
All six bedrooms are configured as doubles. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and the property sleeps twelve people in total.
Is there parking available?
Yes, off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles. The estate setting means plenty of space for group arrivals.
What cooking facilities are included?
The kitchen features a range cooker, full-size fridge-freezer and dishwasher. A breakfast bar and separate dining table seat twelve guests comfortably.
What's the outdoor space like?
The property has a private garden area with hot tub. Beyond that, you have access to explore the 500-acre estate grounds.

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