An exquisite, pet-friendly tiny home-for-two, imaginatively crafted from a vintage bomb-disposal truck and blissfully secluded in the rural heart of Somerset.
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 1-2 nights

Peacefully parked in the ancient Somerset village of Hatch Beauchamp – just five miles from bustling Taunton but feeling worlds away – Arnie the Army Truck is the perfect romantic escape.

Lovingly converted from a 1987 military bomb-disposal truck, Arnie now enjoys his retirement as a unique tiny home shaded by whispering birch trees, surrounded by wildlife, and imbued with cosy comfort.

Better still, your best four-legged friend can come and enjoy this welcome break into nature right along with you!

Step inside to find elegant décor and all the facilities you’d expect from a hotel suite, including a well-equipped kitchen and a downy kingsize bed to curl up in at the end of a long day exploring the local area.

Your private bathroom, meanwhile, takes the form of a creatively transformed horsebox just outside… complete with underfloor heating, a piping hot shower, a radiator for toasty towels, and that all-important ‘proper’ flushing toilet.

Once you’ve settled in, why not relax in the hammock with a good book, or pour a glass of wine and get lost in conversation on the sun-dappled deck, which faces wide open fields?

Watch the sun sink lazily behind the trees, then fire up the barbecue for a sizzling al fresco supper in the landscaped courtyard. There’s a fold-down dining table and chairs inside, too, along with strong Wi-Fi via Arnie’s dedicated 4G router – great for digital entertainment, should you decide you need it!

Keep reading

At a glance

  • A lovingly converted army bomb-disposal truck, peacefully secluded in the village of Hatch Beauchamp, just outside Taunton, Somerset.
  • The truck sleeps two guests in a comfy kingsize bed. Well-behaved pets are also welcome to stay.
  • Facilities include a well-equipped kitchen, strong Wi-Fi, and a stylish converted horsebox that houses a private shower and flushing toilet.
  • Outside awaits an elevated deck that overlooks open fields, a landscaped courtyard with dining furniture, a barbecue and a hammock.
  • There is a local village pub that serves food, or drive five miles into Taunton for shopping and dining. The friendly owners live next-door and will offer other local suggestions if needed!

Features

  • Dog Friendly

Facilities

Raised furnished deck area, private landscaped courtyard, outdoor dining area with barbecue and hammock. Separate bathroom with shower, underfloor heating, radiator, flushing WC. Free private parking. Inside: kingsize bed, fold-down dining table and chairs, Wi-Fi, well-equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, induction hob, kettle, toaster, cutlery, utensils, cookware.

Local Activities

Stargazing, nature-watching, picnic spots, local pubs, farm shops, walking, cycling, historic sites, shopping, restaurants, cafés

More information

After a sound night’s sleep and morning coffee on the deck, to a beautiful background chorus of birdsong, it’s onto the important business of planning your day.

Friendly owners Em and Jonny live next-door, and should you need any, will have plenty of suggestions for the best places to see and things to do in the area. You could start by simply taking the dog for a long walk in the country, or stocking up on locally-produced foodie treats at Bray’s, a nearby cider and farm shop.

Hole yourselves up at the Hatch Inn, a family-run, 18th century village pub with gourmet food and regular live entertainment, or hop in the car and drive to Taunton, just five miles away, for a wider choice of shops, coffee-stops, and restaurants.

You could also pay a visit to Ilminster, a quaint town built around its renowned minster church, which dates back to 1450. Here you’ll find an array of independent shops, historic hotspots, and charming eateries to while away some time in…

…until you make your wonderful way back to Arnie to catch another unforgettable sunset out on the deck.

Things to note

Check in after 3pm, check out before 11am. Please note that while you are in a secluded and peaceful location, you will hear some noise from the nearby road – particularly tractors! – when sitting outside. You will need to bring a car to get around.

Where you'll be staying

Hatch Beauchamp, Somerset

What the guests of Arnie the Army Truck say

“Spotless, gorgeous mini home! Really enjoyed our stay.”

“I loved Arnie the Army Truck! Such a clever design as well. I needed a place to stay in the area on my way to somewhere else and this was ideal. It was very easy to find and felt safe and secure. The truck itself feels very spacious inside with plenty of room to move around. Despite being just off a road it was peaceful, quiet, and warm. The bathroom was a very fancy upgraded horsebox and again, was very spacious considering. Em and Jonny were very helpful with suggestions of places to eat locally and are just lovely people! I’d happily stay here again!”

“Thank you for a great stay in Arnie the Army Truck! My husband & I had a lovely time here and it was a great base to explore Somerset. We will definitely return and would recommend to anyone looking for a compact but fully functional place to stay.”

You might also like

Appears in these collections