Woodlands Cottage

41 Customer Reviews

• "The bathrooms have been beautifully redone, but now there is no mirror in the shower room which is inconvenient."

  The hooks on one of the twin bedrooms door are broken so you can't hang anything on them. The rotary drier in the garden seems to be broken as is very low, you couldn't hang long garments on it. Overall though, it's an idyllic place to stay, very quiet but not far from town, and a great space for our two energetic labradors.

  Thank you so much for your helpful comments and we will attend to those items before next season. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sheena3.8★Aug 2023

• "The new bathroom and shower are fantastic."

  Just the shower knob that you had to lift in the bathroom was very stiff. The markings around the knobs on the oven were almost invisible and this made us burn our food. The heating was very good. The gate was much easier to open than last year. Not all the instructions for the appliances were there. In the black ring binder it is not clear who to contact with any issues. When the cafetiere cracked I tried to contact the caretaker from the cottage but could not get through then I texted but did not get a reply. Then I looked further into the ring binder and saw that it said if there were any issues to contact dream cottages. From the landline phone is it possible to not only call 999 but to contact Dream cottages as there is no mobile signal from the cottage.

  Reviewed by Lucinda4.4★Jul 2023

• "We have stayed at Woodlands Cottage for many years."

  The location of Woodlands is perfect. You simple step out the gate and can walk to your hearts desire. Over the past year the owner has upgraded the Bathroom and Shower Room which now look sleek and modern. The garden has loads of room and plenty to explore for the ever curious dogs, this stay at Woodlands has proven very special with lots of memories made. Sadly two weeks after returning home our beautiful boy, Benji Boo made his final trip over the Rainbow Bridge. We will be forever grateful that we could spend such precious time within this magical setting with Benji. (Cocker Spaniel). Benji Boo 2008 - 2023. Until we meet again.

  Thank you for your very nice review and I am so glad you appreciated the new bathrooms. The old ones were past their sell by date! As devoted owners of cocker spaniels we are very sad to hear about your Benji Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sandra4.4★Jul 2023

• "We just arrived home from a lovely time at Woodlands, idyllic surroundings."

  Our little dog loved the walks through the woods down to the little beach several times a day. We even spotted deer on two occasions. We would certainly like to return next year. Can highly recommend Thankyou to the owners its wonderful.

  Thank you so much for your very nice comments and we hope to see you again next year Property Owner

  Reviewed by Colin4.7★Jul 2023

• "Once again we have had a lovely break at Woodland Cottage."

  The upgrade of the bathroom and shower room are excellent. Going forward we are aware that Mr Russell has permission for converting the wartime bunker into a holiday let. This will affect the privacy and quiet of Woodland Cottage. What I feel is that any potential future holiday tenants of Woodland Cottage need to know what exactly will happen,how it will affect Woodland Cottage and the garden and what is the time scale. Let me stress that what ever Mr Russell wishes to do is fine , but future visitors to Woodland Cottage should be made aware of the facts.This does include us looking for a break next Spring and maybe later this year other thing permitting. Kind regards, JIm Penfold

  I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay in Woodlands and liked the new bathrooms. They needed updating. I understand your concerns about the Bunker. This was the Standby Generator House for the Radar station at RAF Ringstead and it will become a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom holiday cottage with a South facing terrace looking across the Old Village towards the sea. The design is similar to the Transmitter Bunker which is now available for rent through Dream Cottages. The Bunker will be accessed from the East side ( so away from Woodlands and hidden from view) and when finished there will be a solid fence dividing the properties at the bottom of the garden to ensure complete privacy for both. We hope to start construction (accessed from the East side) in September and to close Woodlands in weeks when there is likely to be noisy work undertaken. In due course, larger parties may wish to rent both properties together. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Barrie3.8★May 2023

• "Just love this cottage and the location, so perfect for us and our two dogs ."

  Our second visit to Woodlands, we love it’s peace, the beautiful views from the cottage, the wildlife and the walks . It has a large garden for the dogs and freedom to walk off lead from the cottage for miles. The cottage itself is comfortable , I think it would benefit from wooden / laminate flooring instead of cream carpets for dog owners , but we blocked off the kitchen to living room area with our dog crates and only let the dogs in the living room once clean . Many deer about , some in large herds , lots of pheasants and birds of prey . Cottage is right on the coastal path which isn’t busy in March when we visit. Lots of lovely seaside towns to visit and local attractions such as Monkey World . The owner is so friendly and helpful and we enjoyed a few lovely chats with him . Logs are provided for the open fire and the central heating is on a timer which you can boost if you are in for the day or the temperature drops. There is quite a large draft from under the sink area which would be worth a look at and probably at some point it would benefit from double glazing to contain the heat, but that is just a very small negative . Since our first visit a year ago both the bathrooms have been updated , one with a super shower

  Thank you so much for your very nice feedback and I am so glad that you liked the new shower. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tracey4.7★Mar 2023

• "Woodland cottage is a beautiful holiday base set in Ringstead Bay."

  It has wonderful views and access to the beach, we were surprised to see Roe deer and Buzzard so close to the cottage. The accommodation was comfortable and surprisingly spacious. Plenty of kitchen equipment was supplied and a bonus having a washing machine and dryer. But what let it down was directions and cleanliness. Perhaps what 3 words or telling people to turn down beach and cafe road would help. The cottage in general was clean but top quilrs on beds were very dirty! The carpet was OK but not the right colour for people walking in and out on. The toilet in the shower room didn't flush well and when we used the hoovers they both smelt awful, probably why we found dog biscuits in room as the smell put you off of using them. Certain rooms seem to have unstable floor boards. Lastly the rubbish, perhaps a photo to show where the collection area is as instructions slightly unclear as to where hurdles were. We did have a lovely time in this cottage and would recommend to others . We would return again.

  Thank you for your helpful feedback and I am pleased you enjoyed your holiday. Both bathrooms are due to be replaced in January and we also intend to change the carpet, which looks nice but isn't practical. Property Owner

  Reviewed by T3.4★Oct 2022

• "Mr Russell is a very helpful owner."

  He came out to us on our arrival as we did not have enough towels. He supplied extra towels and sorted out the TV for us. The weather during our stay was perfect especially for October so we were able to enjoy the garden etc.

  Reviewed by June3.1★Oct 2022

• "It was great that the taps and the windows had been fixed and the cottage was very clean."

  But the boiler didn't work so we had to use the immersion heater and the table and chairs on the patio were very wobbly. But apart from that we had a lovely time.

  Thank you for your comments and I am so glad you enjoyed your holiday. I was unaware about the boiler but it is now fixed. Patio furniture is on the list to be replaced for 2023. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Lucinda4.7★Jul 2022

• "Woodlands Cottage is in an idyllic setting in the hamlet of Ringstead, set in a large secure garden, perfect for dogs."

  There is also access to the large field next door if the cattle are not in residence, where you can also hop over the fence to get down to the beach (there is also a footpath from behind the cottage that leads down to the beach too). When we stayed in early July, the beach was very quiet. Pebbly but perfect for swimming, just remember to pack your beach shoes. The bungalow is mostly comfortable and reasonably well equipped. We did have some cleanliness issues and some things are looking a little tired. The bedrooms are all a reasonable size and having 2 bathrooms is great for 3 couples. The living room furniture differs to that which is shown on Sykes website which caused us an issue. The photos have still not been updated, so if evening comfort is important to you, request to see photos of the latest seating arrangements. Presently, Woodlands is extremely private and peaceful which is why we chose it as our holiday location. There are only two neighbouring properties, well set away from Woodlands on either side, both of which are shielded by the trees. However, note that there is a planning application submitted to convert the old Radar bunker *right* next to the cottage back door and patio into another holiday home. This will inevitably change the privacy, peace and outlook of the cottage having neighbours so close and them overlooking the bungalow and garden. For that reason, if planning is granted, we are sadly unlikely to return to Woodlands.

  Thank you for your comments. I apologise about the photos and this is due to a misunderstanding with Dream Cottages. Hopefully the updated photos will be on the website this week. Next winter the bathrooms are scheduled to be renewed so hopefully this will give the cottage a fresher and more contemporary feel. I note what you say about the bunker but I have already commented on this in response to feedback from a previous guest. We have every intention of preserving the privacy of Woodlands. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Rosalind2.5★Jul 2022

• "Grounds are lovely."

  Plenty of space. It has brilliant views of the landscape and the cows. Very peaceful. The garden was fairly secure for our large dog although I think if he was desperate to escape he could have managed as the fence is wire and bushes, we were generally with him outside. Could probably do with some sun loungers for the garden. The house was fine for a few days or a week but a cream carpet in the lounge was on the stressful side when you have a dog. The area is very hilly. You can access the beach via a gate at the back of the garden through forest paths but you have to be able-bodied and not mind some steep bits. You can also walk via the roads-The beach is pebble and on a slope. Would recommend arriving in daylight as it was difficult to find in the dark- recommend owners use 'what3words' to help locate.

  Thank you for your comments. As far as I know the garden fence has always kept dogs in. Noted about the carpet and we intend to choose a different colour when it is replaced. A good suggestion about what3 words. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Geoff3.1★Jul 2022

• "Carpets were badly stained."

  Lack of crockery and cooking equipment Sad to see a planning application to convert WWII bunker to 3 bed hol8day right within grounds of property. This will greatly impede the isolation and solitude of the proprty this being the main reason for choosing Woodlands. We have been coming there since 2014 but sadly will not return if building goes ahead

  Thank you for your comments. We will look at the crockery and cooking equipment; this is the first time we have had this comment. All the carpets were professionally cleaned in April as they are every year. We are hopeful that the bunker will not greatly affect the occupants of Woodlands as there will be no windows or access on the west side of the Bunker. In WW2, RAF Ringstead was part of the “chain home” radar which played an important part in the Battle of Britain. Tall radar masts were located on the fields in front of Woodlands and these were used to send and receive radio waves that detected and analysed incoming German aircraft. The Woodlands Bunker was the standby generator house; it is listed grade 2. The conversion to a holiday cottage allows us to preserve an important part of our heritage and for it to be enjoyed by future generations. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Pam3.4★May 2022

• "We and the dogs had an amazing, relaxing time."

  The setting was so beautiful and the bungalow was warm and clean. As mentioned by a previous guest the cream carpet probably isn't the best colour for dog friendly accommodation especially in such a rural setting. The only other mention which is not a complaint would be a clothes airer as it's not always possible to line dry, although there is a tumble dryer it's not something I would choose to use regularly. We are hoping to come again soon.

  Thank you for your helpful comments and we are so glad you enjoyed your holiday. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Fran4.4★Mar 2022

• "Really can’t fault this place."

  Perfect for walkers and dog owners, close to coastal path and on a footpath. The garden is huge and overlooks the bay . Once you find it , you are 10 minutes from the beach via the woods and probably 20 minutes if you use the beach road . We visited in March and were very lucky with the weather . Lots of wildlife on your doorstep . The cottage isn’t huge but warm and well furnished and a great base . I personally didn’t find the sofas comfortable but I do have problems with my back , the sofas are new and I’m sure will suit many others . Our bed was so comfortable and quality bedding too. We found the cottage very clean , 2 emergency meals left in the freezer and biscuits , milk , coffee and teabags there for our arrival which were much appreciated . It was great for our dogs , they just loved the garden and the lead free walks from the cottage to the beach / coastal path / Osmington and Upton and also the permitted use of fields which weren’t being grazed by livestock. We took our dogs crates and the set up of the lounge and kitchen meant the dogs only had access to the kitchen at all times but could see us in the lounge. WiFi connection is very fast . The water very hot for a bath and decent shower and we used the logs provided for the open fire every night which made for cosy nights in . The security of the garden was compromised by fallen trees onto the fence , following recent storms , it didn’t cause a problem with our dogs and I’m sure the fence will be repaired soon . Just loved the place , it’s location , it’s wildlife and it peace. We hope to return for 2 weeks next year . Thank you

  Thank you for your very nice comments. The fence has been repaired after the winter storms, so the garden is now secure. We hope to see you again next year. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tracey4.4★Mar 2022

• "We have stayed at Woodlands for a number of years now and absolutely love Ringstead."

  The situation of the bungalow is perfect for anyone wanting to get away from everything. The bungalow itself is practical and basic but still a lovely place to relax. The walks are straight from the bungalows gate into a forest or down to the sea path. The dogs love the garden and adventure on the doorstep, don’t worry if you need shopping as Tesco, Sainsburys etc deliver to the door.

  Reviewed by Sandra4.1★Oct 2021

• "The bungelow is in a great situation and as a dog owner it couldnt have been better."

  It had a large secure garden and woodland walks from the door. Its a short 10 minuet walk through the woods to the pebble beach and 5 more to a beach hut selling hot food and beach equipment. The bungelow was a bit shabby in the front room. 2 chair covers are ripped on the arms and there was no support in the chairs or sofa, and the carpet was dirty, it doesnt help that its an offwhite carpet and therefor will show every mark. I would advise to change with a darker colour or lino/laminate especially allowing dogs. In the winter when its wet i would imagine this to be a bigger issue. We had to fix the hoover while we were there as it was blocked and we also could have done with some extra blankets. I know with covid that could be akward at the moment. The beds were very comfortable. Also the logs were abit large for the fireplace and could do with being cut shorter. Having said all that if i was going away with the dogs again i would go back we had a good holiday and the dogs a had a large secure place to run around, an added bonus was the use of the field below the garden!

  Thank you for your helpful feedback. Some new chairs had already been ordered but delivery is not expected until March 2022. We will get some extra blankets and noted about the log sizes Property Owner

  Reviewed by Nicola4.4★Oct 2021

• "Woodlands Cottage is in the perfect location for a holiday with children and/or dogs."

  The nearest beach at the bottom of the property is rocky but the walk through the woods and across the fields to The Smugglers Inn is a must. Weymouth and Bowleaze are a short drive away. The cottage was comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed. It was nice to have 2 bathrooms for our party of 6 people. We would recommend this property to anyone wanting peace and quiet in a lovely rural setting. Look out for hares and deer in the field opposite the property!

  Thank you for your helpful feedback and I am so pleased you enjoyed your holiday Property Owner

  Reviewed by Brian3.8★Aug 2021

• "Unfortunately the tumble dryer was broken for our first week so had to use washing line."

  Would be more beneficial to have the washing line in a more open space as washing doesn't dry very well in current location.

  Thank you for your helpful feedback and we will move the washing line Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sheena4.4★Aug 2021

• "The cottage was comfortable and well equipped."

  The grounds were superb with amazing views of the sea and surrounding cliffs and woods.

  Thank you for your helpful feedback. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Lynne4.4★Jul 2021

• "The instructions for the key-safe seemed to be out of date but it was very easy to work out how it did operate."

  Thank you for your helpful feedback. Re the keys, did you mean the instructions given by Dream Cottages? Property Owner

  Reviewed by Maureen5.0★Jun 2021

• "Fantastic location but unfortunately the furniture in the lounge was dated and extremely uncomfortable torn fabric on armchairs ."

  Needs seriously updating.

  Reviewed by Deborah2.5★Jun 2021

• "Arrived to a broken kitchen tap (note left by cleaner)."

  Lever had broken off, owner had been made aware and repairs would not take place until we left 2 weeks later, very poor. My husband was able to tape the lever back in place for the duration of our stay. I just hope it was repaired when we left for the next guests. Sofa and chair covers badly need replacing, torn through wear and tear. Carpet in sitting room needs a good clean, full of stains. Other than that wonderful location, peace and quiet.

  Reviewed by Susan4.1★Jun 2021

• "This was the best holiday we ever had."

  The location, and peace and quiet was wonderful! Watching the cows was the highlight, up and down the hills! Comfortable, walks for my Bella straight from the door. I can’t wait to come back to woodland cottage!! Can’t praise it enough. Love it, love it, ❤️

  Reviewed by Christine5.0★May 2021

• "We had a really lovely holiday in Ringstead Bay, the bungalow is amazingly located with a really big garden for the dogs and kids to play in and a view of the sea in the distance."

  Then a short walk through the woods leads you to a beautiful pebble beach, perfect for our family if 6 and 2 dogs! The bungalow was very comfortable, some of the sofas are showing wear and tear but that made us feel more relaxed, nothing is too precious. The dishwasher could maybe do with more salt or it needs replacing because it left a residue on the dishes. We loved staying here and would love to come back!

  Reviewed by Alero4.7★Apr 2021

• "The bungalow and location were brilliant."

  We were there at a very wet and muddy time with 2 dogs so we adjusted the furniture to block off the sitting room to keep carpets clean and dogs off furniture overnight!

  Reviewed by Mary3.8★Dec 2020

• "Really lovely place very peaceful and lots of wildlife Short walk to the beach for lovely photos and a picnic."

  Would definitely stay here again

  Reviewed by Kerry4.7★Sep 2020

• "Fabulous for the dogs."

  Open the gate and the woods are there, no need for leads. A few varying walks, one to the beach. Beautiful garden, lovely for my elderly mum to sit on the patio to look at. We blocked the dogs from kitchen to living room as we were worried about carpet. The kitchen/diner is large so they were happy. Very peaceful holiday in lovely surroundings.

  Reviewed by Jilly4.1★Aug 2020

• "This place was like a tardis, surprisingly bigger on the inside than it looked."

  The setting is amazing, and if you get your online shopping delivery right, you would not need to use your car at all once you were installed, which in Covid times was absolutely perfect. So many gorgeous walks immediately you set foot outside of the cottage, lovely big garden for the children to play In, beach was either 10-15 minutes walk down the lane, or even better 15-20 minutes walk through the fabulous woods adjacent to cottage. Emphasis Inside was on comfort, not luxury, great beds, Plenty of comfy sofas, new curtains throughout, loved the little touches like waste bins and door hooks, and more than adequate wardrobe and chest of drawers in each room. Well equipped. Only downside was that whilst I am sure that things like light switches, handles etc had been wiped down for covid, this might have been at the expense of some basic cleaning, e.g. carpet was covered in dog hair, some surfaces had a layer of dust on. However, this would not stop us booking this lovely cottage again which we hope to do. Booking process all straightforward.

  Reviewed by Marilyn4.7★Aug 2020

• "Our stay was as welcoming as all previous years except that we now have to carry all our rubbish 200m up hill to the collection point which we've never had to do before."

  Also disappointed to find that the hook behind the shower room door is still broken and unusable from last year. We also had a problem with a broken cooker but this was sorted within a few hours.

  Reviewed by Sheena3.8★Aug 2020

• "The cottage was in a lovely setting, very quiet and a short distance to the small bay."

  stones on the top section little sandy section when the tide went out. Car park nearby if you don’t want to walk a few yards down the road. Nice beach shop with a good variety of food. Gifts and toys etc.

  Reviewed by Christine5.0★Jul 2020

• "We had a fantastic time."

  Thank you!

  Reviewed by Natalia4.1★Oct 2019

• "A lovely cottage in a gloriously peaceful spot but still close to a dog friendly beach."

  Easy to reach adjoining places and explore more of lovely Dorset. Let down by a couple of small things. The curtains in the lounge were a little threadbare and need replacing and the windows didn't appear to have been cleaned for a very long time. My husband had a go but didn't have much success. The TV is quite old and has no recordable box which is good to have to catch-up on programmes after a long day out in the Dorset sunshine. We have been to Woodlands before and no doubt will go there again - it just needs a few little "tweeks"

  Thank you very much for your valuable feedback, we are glad that you found Woodlands Cottage to be ideally located in an area in which you could explore all that Dorset has to offer. We are sorry the windows needed cleaning upon your arrival, these are scheduled for regular cleaning and we will look into the option of doing this more often. The TV is only approximately 3 years old and once this is due for replacement the owner will consider SmartTV options. The curtains are due to be replaced at the end of the season. The Owner truly appreciates your feedback and looks forward to welcoming you back to Woodlands Cottage soon. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Pat4.7★Jun 2019

• "Loved it completely, we came from portsmouth for a long week-end from Fri-Mon in March 18 fell in love so much, had such a brill time & with our 2 lil doggies, that we booked this time a full week to come back in June so really can't wait."

  Highly recommend, surroundings are incredible fun beautiful peaceful deers/pheasants/buzzards the beach stunning.Hope anyone else that goes has as much of a fantastic time as we did and we will be again. Enjoy people. Worth every penny.

  Mrs FleetApr 2018

• "Lovely holiday again this year."

  Looking forward to coming back next year. Stayed August 2017

  Mrs Sheena SumnersAug 2017

• "Woodlands is in a wonderful location it's quiet, pretty and secluded."

  The property is close to the sea and through the trees you can see the sea, truly beautiful. Woodlands has everything you could wish for, spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, lovely lounge, nice kitchen come diner with all white goods. Property was lovely and clean (we left it the same, which was a challenge for a 10am check out). Stayed April 2017 Love to go back soon, THANK YOU 5***** Stayed April 2017

  Mrs Mary EaleyApr 2017

• "Really well equipped cottage in an ideal location for Ringstead Bay."

  I hope to stay there again in the New Year! Stayed November 2016

  Ms Merryl WallaceNov 2016

• "We felt that the property was lovely in a wonderful area = stayed October 2016"

  Mrs Sue BourneOct 2016

• "One of the few places we have found which is very quiet and peaceful with walks straight from the property and a fully enclosed garden."

  Cottage is very comfortable and very well equipped. Stayed September 2016

  Mrs DeanOct 2016

• "This is the Second time we have stayed at woodlands and hope to return next year."

  We enjoy the secluded location and the walk through the woods down to the beach. The property has recently been updated and now has more of a modern twist whilst retaining a cottage feel. The open fire in the lounge is perfect for chilly evenings in the colder months. The fact that the owners allows 4 dogs is an absolute godsend. Our 4 dogs love staying here and love the large fully enclosed garden. So all in all I would like to thank the owners of woodlands cottage for all the effort and hard work they obviously put into this cottage. Stayed November 2015

  Miss Sandra SmythNov 2015

• "Lovely cottage, exactly how it is described on the Internet."

  Stayed August 2015

  Miss Kate BennettAug 2015

• "The bungalow meet all our expectations and needs."

  So close to the sea and was a brilliant base for our holiday. Stayed July 2015

  Mr BywaterJul 2015

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