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1 customer booked Old Rectory Cottage in the last 24 hours

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Old Rectory Cottage

(Ref. 1072821)

Sturminster Newton, Dorset Show on map

4.6

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (24)
  • lovely (21)
  • stay (17)
  • garden (16)
  • dog (15)
  • our (14)

36 Customer Reviews

  • "We loved the cottage, a lovely enclosed back garden for the dog to run around."

    Lots to do in the local area & great walking nearby. Lovely to come home & get the wood burner going each evening, very cosy. Beds really comfortable. We could have stayed another week. Will definitely return.

    Reviewed by SianFeb 2024

  • "Absolutely wonderful cottage that we loved from the moment we walked in."

    It is extremely warm and comfortable, plus has the bonus of a wood burner. The kitchen is more spacious than the photos convey and has an excellent range cooker and washing machine etc in the scullery. The whole place is airy and full of old character yet still has all mod cons. The garden is truly secure so we could let pur dog out which he loved. We visited local towns and National Trust properties and walked to Hammoon via the church. We wanted somewhere beautiful and peaceful to see in the New Year and this was perfect. We hope to visit at a different time of year to enjoy the garden more!

    Reviewed by SusieDec 2023

  • "Lovely cottage with great views of surrounding fields and the Rectory next door."

    Everything we needed was included, with extra touches such as some coffee/tea/cake left to get us started on our first night. The garden is excellent and has chicken wire along the fencing to ensure any dogs are secured (unless you have a very small dog, or talented escape artist!) which gave us peace of mind. Given the age of the house, it has some quirks and the heating/water is noisy when operating, but it's to be expected, again remembering it's an old property. This is a dog friendly cottage, so bear this in mind if you're expecting everything to be spotless. If you're looking for a relaxing place to stay for a short break, this is an excellent choice!

    Reviewed by DavidNov 2023

  • "The cottage was homely and very comfortable, and cosy, we had everything we needed, beds were very comfy I had the best sleep I've had in a long time."

    It was clean on arrival and we left it as we found it . Good location, would have loved to have sat in the lovely garden, but bad weather didn't allow this. We had pheasants in the garden and a wood pecker. Really enjoyable. Thank you.

    Reviewed by AnneOct 2023

  • "A lovely cottage to go and relax, with log fire, comfy sofas, peaceful and tucked out of the way."

    We went off for long walks with the dog, but also drove about and visited interesting places like Shaftesbury. In all a great place that we would love to visit again. Many thanks.

    Reviewed by SarahSep 2023

  • "A lovely property."

    Helpful owner. Great location

    Reviewed by HeatherJul 2023

  • "Would have been good to have two single beds option as i didnt realise how much my adult sons would hate sharing a double bed!"

    However the peace and quiet was amazing and everything else we needed was there.

    Thanks for taking time to leave positive feedback, much appreciated. The large king-size bed has zip and link option to convert to twin beds and can be requested via Sykes site. Property Owner

    Reviewed by DorothyJun 2023

  • "Spent a lovely week at this cottage in June."

    Three adults and a dog. Plenty of room both inside and outside of the property, very secure, large garden where the dog could roam free without fear of her escaping. We would definitely recommend to others and if in the area would stay again.

    Reviewed by SuziJun 2023

  • "Lovely stay."

    Would have liked a loo brush. Also the zip joining the twin beds seemed to be broken and I kept falling in the gap.

    Thanks for feedback. Toilet brushes not provided for hygiene purposes and environmental impact as would need to be replaced after each visit. The zip and link beds weren't broken, unfortunately they hadn't been correctly zipped up by the housekeeping team. Sorry for that. Property Owner

    Reviewed by GillianMay 2023

  • "Ideal well-equipped little cottage for access to the countryside and towns of north Dorset and within an hour or so drive to the south of Dorset and the coast."

    Although she was not local, a couple of small problems were quickly sorted out by the owner. Warm and cosy even without the log fire. Shopping for essentials a few minutes’ drive away in Sturminster Newton, and The Plough, a short walk up the road from the cottage had as its ‘special’ genuine Jamaican jerk chicken! Recommended – the cottage and the jerk chicken.

    Reviewed by ColinMar 2023

  • "A really lovely cottage, woken by birdsong very cozy and warm, great with the wood burner on."

    Nicely appointed with crockery and glasses. Easy reach to Shaftesbury, cerne abbas and some great national trust properties. Would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by SarahFeb 2023

  • "A lovely, cosy, well-equipped and maintained cottage in a beautiful area!"

    We stayed with our 2 young kids for a long weekend break, and we had a wonderful time. The kids loved exploring the garden and a cot had been provided too which was very useful. The area is beautiful and peaceful. Thank you for a lovely stay!

    Reviewed by OliverDec 2022

  • "We really enjoyed our stay at Old Rectory Cottage."

    We arrived on a cold December day and the cottage was warm and very inviting. It was very comfortable and has lots of character. The surrounding countryside was beautiful with lots of local walks for our dog. We have friends and family in Dorset so we will be back.

    Reviewed by PennyDec 2022

  • "The property is really nicely done, well maintained and clean."

    We loved having the wood burner and certainly needed it to keep us cosy. The location is very quiet which suited us. Overall very happy and would definitely stay there again. A couple of minor niggles - the heating was off when we arrived and had obviously been off for a while. It was freezing in the house and we had a cold 1st night. Got it cosy by day2. Also it would be nice to have a bit of cupboard space to store food, coffee etc.

    Reviewed by MaureenDec 2022

  • "Enjoyed our stay in the cottage, perfect location for exploring both the seaside and the countryside."

    The garden was perfect for our dog, large and enclosed. Cottage was comfortable, smart TV was useful, plenty of heat from the log burner, good size bathroom. Peaceful and quiet location with fabulous views from both the garden and rooms.

    Reviewed by GeraldineSep 2022

  • "Beautiful cottage in the perfect place to relax."

    The dogs loved the garden (as did we) and it was a very chilled week. We enjoyed watching the woodpeckers and other wildlife in the garden every day. We had an issue with a broken shower during our first couple of days but the owner was very quick to sort this out for us. We would definitely like to return in the future.

    Reviewed by WendySep 2022

  • "Me my husband our dog and our 2 friends really enjoyed the cottage it had ..."

    Me my husband our dog and our 2 friends really enjoyed the cottage it had everything we needed felt like home so comfortable it was located in a good position to travel around with the car thankyou again monica

    Reviewed by MonicaAug 2022

  • "Beautiful cottage which is well equipped."

    Lovely touches with the welcome gifts for us and our dog Arlo who loved the garden with its many exploring opportunities. Would stay again in the future.

    Reviewed by JulieJul 2022

  • "Lovely cottage, comfortable beds, secure garden which was great for the dog, we liked the supply of food and drink left for us."

    One problem with the toilet breaking though spoke to the caretaker and owner very quickly and it was sorted out as quickly as possible.

    Reviewed by ChristopherJul 2022

  • "A lovely, relaxing peaceful bolthole in the country."

    Just what was needed after a 2 year holiday break. Centrally located for visits to the coast, country and beautiful towns. People are so friendly, especially if you have a dog. The cottage has everything and the weather was beautiful enabling us to use the garden, which was a treat to sit in. The Linden Tree looks and smells so beautiful, so much so, I am looking to get one for my own garden. I would like to thanks the owners for letting us stay. I will come again.

    Reviewed by KayJun 2022

  • "Loved our stay."

    Would happily stay again.

    Reviewed by IanMay 2022

  • "Absolutely lovely and quirky house just needs a little more attention to detail."

    Reviewed by LynnMay 2022

  • "Stairs light not working, front garden gate could do with replacing for dog security to."

    Otherwise everything was as expected - the kitchen is functional but fine, the floorboards are practical, and the building oozes character and charm. The garden is lovely, secure and secluded - ideal for dogs - and you could make more of this in your description. The addition of a hot tub would be fantastic in this location, and get you a premium price too, but not sure if the old plumbing would cope?!

    Reviewed by EllyApr 2022

  • "The cottage was beautifully set up, warm and comfortable."

    We enjoyed the secluded location with private garden. The log burner made it really cosy in the evenings. A lovely place to stay.

    Reviewed by HilaryMar 2022

  • "We booked a short break over half term, and were very happy with the cottage and its lovely rural setting."

    A cake and biscuits were provided on arriving which was a lovely touch, and the cottage was very warm and cosy. There is plenty to see and do in this beautiful area, with some lovely places to eat out - we highly recommend :-) Thank you

    Reviewed by HeatherFeb 2022

  • "We had a relaxing week at the Old Rectory Cottage!"

    ! upon arrival we had a welcome pack, a bottle of wine (much needed after a long drive) biscuits and cake left by the owners. The location was central to all the places we wanted to visit. The cottage had everything we needed cosy and warm, loved the log fire would definitely stay here again!!

    Reviewed by TracyFeb 2022

  • "We had a lovely time in the Old Rectory."

    It was very clean comfortable and warm. The owners left us a bottle of wine, some cake and biscuits which was a lovely touch. The bed was very comfortable and amazing pressure in the shower too. Could not fault it. The area was peaceful, with views of the farmland surrounds, and it is a brilliant location not only for Dorset but Somerset and Wiltshire. Would highly recomend staying there.

    Reviewed by DianneJan 2022

  • "We had a fabulous stay."

    There was a welcome pack for us and our dog which was very much appreciated. The bed was comfy as was the living room furniture. I arrived stressed and exhausted and left relaxed and well rested. Thank you, would recommend.

    Reviewed by HelenJan 2022

  • "Had a lovely week."

    Peaceful area, very comfy beds and warm. Shame about the weather!!

    Reviewed by CarolineDec 2021

  • "A lovely and pleasantly secluded cottage, with a homely feel, made warm and cozy in the evenings with the woodburning stove."

    A good location for walking, cycling and exploring Dorset.

    Reviewed by PhilipNov 2021

  • "We greatly enjoyed our stay in this charming and cosy cottage."

    There were many of the original features of the 200-year-old cottage, yet all modern amenities were provided. The cottage was clean, well-appointed and the addition of some dog treats and a cake for us people was much appreciated. There is plenty to do in the surrounding area, including the famous Gold Hill in Shaftesbury and Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast. Highly Recommended - Thank you!

    Hello Dr Grellier, thank you so much for leaving such positive feedback. Its our first venture into holiday lettings so it's greatly appreciated. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay. Property Owner

    Reviewed by BrettNov 2021

  • "We enjoyed our stay at the property which is in a very quiet setting with a lovely garden."

    There are plenty of footpaths around to explore the local area on foot. The welcome pack was appreciated.

    Hello Mr Hewstone, thanks for the feedback. We're really glad you enjoyed your stay. Property Owner

    Reviewed by NicholasNov 2021

  • "Lovely cottage with large enclosed garden for a dog and footpath running past the door."

    Touch touches with the welcome pack and well equipped. Would stay again.

    Hi Mr Anderson, thank you for leaving such a positive review and so glad you enjoyed your stay. We're new to the holiday market so this is great to receive. Glad the dog had a good time too! Property Owner

    Reviewed by ChrisOct 2021

  • "Due to the national petrol shortage, we attempted to find some sort of an understanding with Sykes about the holiday but Sykes failed to help."

    We managed to visit the cottage starting on the Monday instead of the Saturday. The owner was very helpful and understanding. We loved the holiday cottage itself and we particularly liked the large taps in the scullery. It was very well presented although there were some minor cleaning/rubbish issues which I discussed with the owner which didn't spoil our break at all.

    Reviewed by ChrisOct 2021

  • "Cleaner not finished until 5 pm, so we had to wait General cleanliness not up to scratch."

    Kitchen and Scullery too rustic for our preference.

    Sorry for your bad experience. I addressed the issues with the housekeeping team and will review the property description and pictures to ensure they reflect the rustic nature of the 200 year old cottage. Property Owner

    Reviewed by BillSep 2021

  • "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this charming cottage."

    The setting is superb and the cottage itself is full of character and well equipped. The owners have obvioulsy put a lot of thought into making this a most welcoming and comfortable cottage. The garden was delightful and the very relaxing, reclining chairs were put to good use in the late afternoon sunshine!

    Reviewed by JoSep 2021

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Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size (zip/link, can be twin on request), 1 x double
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Living/dining room with woodburning stove
  • Oil central heating
  • LPG dual cooker with range, oven and hobs, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot and highchair available on request
  • Off-road parking for two cars
  • Enclosed rear garden with lawn and patio with seating
  • One well-behaved pet welcome (£20 per pet)
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 2.3 miles, pub 0.5 miles

The property

Resting in the delightful village of Manston on the Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset borders is this character cottage, Old Rectory Cottage.

Enjoying lovely features like arched doorways and exposed brick walls, Old Rectory Cottage is a quaint setting for a peaceful retreat, sleeping four guests in two bedrooms.

Enjoy unwinding in the living/dining room following a big day outdoors, with a woodburning stove set within a rustic fireplace to warm you as you settle down on one of the sofas, or gather at the wooden dining table in preparation for a feast.

Make your way to the kitchen and make use of the large range cooker to rustle up home-cooked meals, with a host of appliances to make use of.

The pretty enclosed garden provides a wonderful area to enjoy warm weather, with seating at the patio area to relax on.

Head upstairs to freshen up in the bathroom, featuring a bath with an overhead shower, before settling in one of the two bedrooms, comprising of a double and a king-size, the latter able to be a twin on request with zip/link beds.

The village of Manston is just a few miles from Child Okeford, a village sitting on the edge of The Blackmore Vale, where you can find pubs and shops to pick up any essentials or enjoy a drink at the end of the day.

Embark on scenic walks up Hambledon Hill, an Iron Age hillfort protected by the National Trust, with far-reaching views to soak up from the top, with other nearby hikes to enjoy including Hod Hill, Bell Hill and Bulbarrow Hill.

Visit the small Georgian town of Blandford Forum to learn about the fascinating history in The Blandford Town Museum, browse the lovely independent shops and boutiques, and sample some of the excellent restaurants, pubs and bars scattered around the town, with Blandford playing host to Great Dorset Steam Fair annually celebrating the national heritage with over 2,000 exhibits!

Spend a day exploring the National Trust's Kingston Lacy, an Italian-style manor with a Japanese garden, notable art collection and Egyptian artefacts.

For a countryside retreat to Dorset, choose Old Rectory Cottage.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

View on map

About the location

STURMINSTER NEWTON

Blandford Forum 11 miles.

The small, attractive market town of Sturminster Newton is set on the banks of the River Stour, reached via a graceful, six-arch, 15th century bridge, carrying a warning of deportation to those who may damage it! The whole area acted as inspiration for the works of Thomas Hardy, who wrote Return of The Native whilst living in the town. The region is dotted with thatched cottages, rural walks, stunning country views, and fascinating towns, such as Sherborne, with its abbey and castle, whilst the beautiful Dorset Heritage Coast is also within easy reach, making this an ideal base all year round!

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas