Tucked away in a peaceful Dorset village, this idyllic Grade II listed 18th-century thatched cottage is a truly special place to stay.
With four bedrooms (sleeping 8 guests plus cot), period charm and literary history (the cottage appears in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles), guests have a rare chance to stay in an authentic piece of Wessex and walk the many beautiful routes nearby.
Inside, the cottage is spacious and characterful, with low beams, thick walls, an exposed brick fireplace, and an Aga (small induction also available) in a well-appointed cottage kitchen, with dining for 6-8.
There is space to unwind in both the living room with a 43-inch TV and the study/snug with a Bluetooth projector - good for films, desk space, a stable internet connection (BT Fibreplus minimum 45 Mbps), and views out onto the garden.
The sleeping accommodation is flexible with 3 bedrooms in the original house (king, double and bunk room) with a generous family bathroom.
The extension provides a further superking bedroom (with bed bridge) or can be arranged as a twin on request.
There is a separate shower room in the extension, and the extension has separate access as needed.
Children are warmly welcomed, with a travel cot, highchair, step, stairgates and a small selection of toys and games.
The thatched roof and thick walls keep the interiors cool in high summer and beautifully warm through the winter.
Outside, the garden wraps around the cottage, with lawned areas, mature planting, and in the wetter months a pretty stream that passes through the rear of the garden.
Seating for 8 outside - enjoy breakfast in the sunshine or evening drinks in the garden with the scent of honeysuckle around you!
Off-street parking for 2 cars is provided and EV charging is available.
The cottage is less than 100 metres from the Brace of Pheasants, an award-winning Dorset pub with excellent food, local ales, global wines and a very warm welcome - be sure to book!
There are numerous walks from the cottage doorstep, providing direct access to the Wessex Ridgeway and panoramic views of West Dorset.
Hardy's Cottage (National Trust) is only 11 miles away, with Athelhampton House (9 miles) and Minterne Magna (8 miles) also in close proximity.
Further afield, the historic market towns of Dorchester (10 miles), and Sherborne (15 miles) have much to offer with museums, shops and activities.
The UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast (including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Chesil Beach) is within easy reach (20 miles).
Golf is available at Dorchester Came Down and Sherborne.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, long walks, a literary pilgrimage or a family getaway, this historic rural cottage is the perfect base in the heart of Hardy country!