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  • 1 Aplands - Dorset - 1137517 - photo 1
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1 Aplands

(Ref. 1137517)

Child Okeford, Dorset Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 3 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Open fire
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (8)
  • lovely (8)
  • no (6)
  • welcome (5)
  • our (5)
  • owners (5)

11 Customer Reviews

  • "Beautiful Spotlessly clean high spec little cottage, we really enjoyed our weeks stay."

    It’s in a village with lots of lovely walks, places to eat and a great little shop.

    Thank you so much for your kind feedback on your stay—it means a lot to us to know you enjoyed the cottage and your time in Dorset. We’re also very grateful for leaving the cottage in such pristine condition. We hope to welcome you back to Aplands in the future. Andrew & Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sherry5.0Sep 2024

  • "Thanks for a lovely holiday Your house is beautiful"

    Thank you so much for the kind review. We are so happy to know you had a lovely time and hope to welcome you again. Andrew & Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jasvinder5.0Sep 2024

  • "Great place."

    Very clean with all the amenities I needed - and a lovely welcome pack. The owners gave me space but provided useful local information and were friendly and helpful when I had questions.

    Thank you Lesley for taking the time to leave such kind and positive feedback on your stay at Aplands Cottage. We hope you will choose to stay with us again and look forward to welcoming you back to Dorset. Andrew & Janine Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lesley5.0Jun 2024

  • "We love coming back to Aplands!"

    The cottage is very accurately listed and all the photos serve to give you a flavour of the cottage, the space and facilities. The downstairs is a great space and is flooded with light. The washer / dryer is a fantastic addition and so quiet, as is the dishwasher! Upstairs, the 2 bedrooms serve their purpose well. The double room allows both people access to get in and out.... no climbing over!! There is great hanging space in both rooms, storage and extremely comfy beds. I was surprised to note a review making comment on the stairs as it is a strong and sturdy staircase, with good handrail and decent width. For us, the cottage is perfect both up and down. It is immaculate and the owners a pleasure to communicate with, should there be any advice needed, it is clear they care about the guest experience. We appreciate the touch of luxury, the cleanliness and the environment ( in and out) that makes Aplands our number 1 choice.

    Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Fiona. It has been a pleasure to have you both as guests at Aplands and we look forward to welcoming you again soon. Andrew & Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Fiona5.0Mar 2024

  • "Lovely place to stay!"

    We have stayed here twice now and I am sure this won’t be our last visit. There’s so many nice touches and a lot of effort is clearly put into making the place lovely. The host Andrew is excellent and goes to any length possible to accommodate your needs and can’t recommend the cottage enough. Thankyou very much!

    Thank you, Scott, for sharing such a wonderful review. We’re particularly heartened to learn that the dedication we’ve put into making Aplands a warm and inviting home away from home is recognized and cherished. It’s truly rewarding to see our guests continuously return to enjoy everything that Aplands and the surrounding area have to offer. Warm regards, Andrew & Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Scott5.0Mar 2024

  • "This visit was a welcome return to Aplands."

    We genuinely feel very comfortable there and know the high standards of the owners shine through in the property and all it offers. It makes a fantastic base for rural North Dorset, yet it is close enough to some good amenities that mean you don't feel cut off. Cosy, comfortable with a little bit of luxury. Owners who care about your experience and are on hand for any queries. There's no doubt we will return. Thank you Andrew and Janine.

    We’re sincerely grateful for your kind words, Fiona, regarding your recent stay with us. It was truly a delight to host you, and we’re thrilled that you had a lovely experience. Your feedback is invaluable and encourages us to continue providing exceptional service. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to Aplands in the future. Thank you once again for choosing us and for taking the time to share your thoughts. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Fiona5.0Feb 2024

  • "To find a treasure of a cottage like this, is rare."

    It is such a cosy bolthole, immaculate and with everything you need. The moment you arrive you will appreciate the quality and thought that has gone into the cottage. The village is lovely if you are looking for a rural escape and has the added convenience of a great pub nearby and village shop. We will, no doubt, be looking to return again . The owners are readily on hand to answer queries and we thoroughly appreciated the welcome gift on arrival. Thank you Andy and Janine for a delightful break away.

    Thank you so much for the kind words Fiona - it means a lot to be able to host such lovely guests and to receive wonderful feedback. We look forward to welcoming you again! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Fiona5.0Jan 2024

  • "A fantastic stay in an extremely well-kept cottage."

    Everything was there that we could need...and more. Very clean and comfortable which made it so easy to relax and enjoy the surroundings. We will definitely plan to return. Thank you so much to the owners, Andy and Janine, for making this such a lovely experience.

    Thank you so much for taking time to leave these lovely words. It was a pleasure to host you and Jon for the past three weeks. Thank you also for leaving the cottage so beautifully clean and tidy. We really hope you will choose to come and visit again. Andrew & Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Fiona5.0Nov 2023

  • ""A welcome sight after our long drive, charming, compact and inviting."

    This elegant space is a real delight and rewards both inside and out. By day the cottage is relaxed and airy, by night it becomes snug and welcoming. I loved the sparkling fittings and elegant interiors, they show real attention to detail. The kitchen was better than our own, we left several appliances untouched! The washing machine and dishwasher looked most tempting and I'm sure are every bit as good. The village was peaceful and quiet, almost like stepping back in time. I loved the tranquil views and rural ambience, the church proved a lovely focal point. Thank you for the welcome tray which awaited us, the goodies brightened up our shop-bought fare! While the seating area at the front is charming, the lack of rear access threw us slightly. The description ought to make it clear that there is a steep staircase and access to the the double bed is quite cramped. The property is definitely not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. I think the request to hang washing outside is misleading -not many people want their smalls on show in the front and only garden! -John

    Thank you for the very kind words of feedback John - we are delighted you enjoyed your stay at Aplands and the charming village of Child Okeford. We thought it might be helpful to address some of the points you raise about the accuracy of the listing for the benefit of others who may be considering a stay at our lovely cottage. In terms of rear access, 1 Aplands does not have any which is mentioned in the listing: we'll make sure this point is made as clearly as possible to future guests. What guests might like to know is the cottage does have a lovely little sun-trap area with seating at the front of the property as shown in the pictures. It is also a stones throw from the highly-regarded Saxon Inn which is a great place to sit outside in the Summer or snuggle at in the Winter. To help others to understand the layout regarding your point on the stairs and the bedroom: the staircase is certainly no more difficult than most comparable properties of this type and it is a fairly 'normal' staircase by most standards. The master bedroom is cosy and hopefully the pictures serve to convey this. There is space to access the comfy double bed from either side. The bed in the adjacent single bedroom is easily accessible. All that said, guests with walking or manoeuvrability issues may find it more convenient to stay in a property based on one level. We offer such a property which has great accessibility in neighbouring Okeford Fitzpaine: type 'Willow Brook Barn' on the Sykes website for more details. Lastly on the subject of washing drying clothing - we'd certainly not wish to embarrass anyone and so guests benefit from use of a large capacity washer/dryer or clothes airer which can be found in the kitchen. Thank you again for your kind feedback and we hope you will choose to visit Dorset again soon. Andrew & Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by John4.4Oct 2023

  • "The cottage was absolutely spotless and met all our needs ."

    The food package was a complete surprise and very welcome .The wine was extremely good.

    Thank you for the very kind words Janet. It really does mean a lot to hear that guests enjoyed their stay and the cottage. Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. Andrew and Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Janet5.0Sep 2023

  • "This little cottage is a real gem of a place to stay in a beautiful part of the country."

    Easy to find, close enough to main routes but far enough away for some genuine peace and quiet in a lovely village setting. The cottage itself was beautifully presented, immaculately clean and had everything that we could have asked for (and more!). By far the best place we have stayed and we would definitely visit again and 100% recommend it if you are looking to stay in this part of Dorset. Six stars!!

    Thank you both for such a fabulous review. It really means the world to know our guests enjoy the cottage and the stay. We hope to welcome you back in future. Andrew & Janine. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ian5.0Sep 2023

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Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x single
  • Ground-floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Kitchen/diner
  • Sitting room with woodburning stove
  • Electric central heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
  • TV, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Roadside parking
  • Enclosed front garden with gravelled area and furniture
  • Sorry, no pets and smoking
  • Shop 0.4 miles, pub 0.1 miles
  • Please note: There is no rear garden

The property

Nestled in the picturesque town of Child Okeford, Dorset is this wonderful, two-bedroom abode, 1 Aplands.

Perfect for an unforgettable family retreat, this enchanting dwelling accommodates up to three guests, ensuring a remarkable and hassle-free, self-catering experience in a picturesque location.

Upon arrival, unwind in the inviting sitting room, clicking on the TV and lighting the woodburning stove, perfect for immersing yourself in a world of relaxation, especially on cooler evenings.

Meanwhile, allow your partner to showcase their skills in the well-equipped kitchen/diner, crafting a culinary masterpiece that will ignite your taste buds.

Come together at the dining table or venture out to the enclosed garden, ready to indulge in a delectable meal while toasting to a joyous and adventure-filled escape with your cherished ones.

As the evening unfolds, retreat to the elegant bathroom for a leisurely soak in the tub or rejuvenating shower, preparing yourself for a tranquil night’s rest in on two neatly-presented bedrooms.

In the morning, take a hike up Hambledon Hill, perfect for exploring the rolling countryside on foot and marvelling at the panoramic views from the top, delighting a picnic amidst the natural beauty.

Head to the nearby Shaftesbury and visit Gold Hill Museum, learn about the local history and heritage through a range of exhibits, including artefacts, photographs and interactive displays; here you can also explore Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden once one of the wealthiest nunneries in England.

Nature enthusiasts should visit Fontmell Down, a nature reserve known for its diverse flora and fauna, perfect for admiring butterflies and wildflowers.

With the Cranborne Chase AONB also within accessible reach, you’ll have plenty to explore.

Experience all of this and more at 1 Aplands.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

View on map

About the location

CHILD OKEFORD

Blandford Forum 6 miles; Shaftesbury 7.5 miles.

Child Okeford is a pretty village set on the edge of The Blackmore Vale, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to Blandford Forum in North Dorset. The village offers good pubs and shops, whilst the nearby ancient Iron Age Fort of Hambledon Hill dominates the landscape and provides wonderful walks and fine country views. A short drive takes you to the bustling market town of Blandford Forum, situated on the banks of the River Stour. It is renowned for its Georgian architecture, local brewery and Cavalcade of Costume Museum. Shaftesbury, an attractive hilltop town is close by, plus within easy reach is the county town of Dorchester, Sherborne's lovely castle and the breathtaking Jurassic Coast. This is an idyllic rural base for an interesting and relaxing holiday.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas