Peaceful countryside hideaway with exuberant interiors and a beautiful biodiverse garden (sleeps 4)
Space & setting.
*Brand new*
Once a dilapidated old brick and flint cottage (c.1870) on a farm in deepest Dorset, this now-contemporary space buzzes with colour and vitality. It took its owners 3 years to restore, living amongst the chaos with rooks and squirrels for neighbours, and having to climb a ladder to bed each evening. Once finished, they filled it with a riot of vibrant colour, gorgeous fabrics and pretty wallpapers by Barneby Gates, Jane Churchill and Colefax & Fowler, plus a wealth of interesting art – she’s an art historian. Finally, they imaginatively used 5 pigs to clear the overgrown garden (!), before replanting it with large drifts of bee-friendly plants, in a wave of soft mauves, pale lilacs, silver, deep purple and blues. Throwing open the back bedroom window to a bank of blooms each morning was utterly joyful, as were the spectacular views from the front bedroom, across rolling golden and green hills.
Though you’re close to historic cob-and-thatched villages and a renowned English vineyard, this is way off the beaten track in a peaceful, private valley. Which means you’ll hear tawny owls at night — and not a lot else. The footpaths of the Blackmore Vale wind out from the front door, promising pretty walks and gastro-pub lunches, but the real treat is just being here. The little ‘Potting Shed’ area is especially magical, a place to loll about reading, chatting and snoozing on the daybed, and stargazing every evening (this is a Dark Skies area). With 2 bedrooms it’s ideal for an escape with another couple, but how lovely to come here on your own (even solo) and just be…
Getting here: you’ll need to drive.
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Sustainability.
Logs for the woodburner sourced on the farm. Nature-friendly garden deliberately planted to encourage bees, hover-flies, butterflies and moths. Bat and owl boxes in the garden to encourage wildlife. Quirky outbuildings and fencing using reclaimed materials. Flint walls, built by Sarah, using flints from the garden and the local fields. Ecover cleaning products. Rain harvesting.
Surrounds.
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Milton Abbas -
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- Stroll to the village for free-range eggs, local honey, apple juice, cider and fresh trout from the fish farm (5 mins).
- Bring bikes and boots; there’s fabulous walking and cycling across the Blackmore Vale right from the front door. Head up to Bulbarrow for breathtaking views.
- Sarah recommends lunch at Goldhill Organic Cafe, which has a fabulous art gallery and organic farm shop (20 mins’ drive)
- This is a designated Dorset Dark Skies area and the starry nights are breathtaking, best seen from the garden!
- Milton Abbas is an exquisite historic village 5 mins’ drive away, with a row of 36 almost identical thatch cottages and an 11thC chapel hidden in bluebell woods, overlooking the majestic Abbey below.
- Excellent gastro pubs in the area include the Thimble Inn in Piddletrenthide, and the Saxon Inn in Child Okeford (20 mins’ drive).
- Historians will also enjoy the Iron Age hill forts nearby – Rawlsbury Rings, Hod Hill & Hambledon Hill – as well as the 14thC frescoes in Tarrant Crawford Church.
- Langham Wine Estate is 10 mins’ away, makers of award-winning English sparkling wine. Take a tour and do a tasting; or lunch in their cafe with a glass of their pink fizz (delicious!).
- Zip to the Jurassic Coast for a swim or walk along the beach (35 mins’ drive). Our favourite stretches are Mupe Bay, Kimmeridge and Ringstead.
Specifics.
- Semi-detached cottage with beautifully planted garden and amazing views
- 2 bedrooms with Hypnos beds: 1 kingsize + 1 double (cannot be twinned)
- 2 bathrooms: shower room downstairs + big bathroom with shower over tub upstairs
- Open-plan kitchen dining area
- Fully-equipped kitchen including fridge, freezer, oven, air fryer and microwave; basic supplies provided
- Gorgeous lounge warmed by a woodburner
- Smart TV with Netflix, board games, puzzles and books
- Patio with table and chairs
- Cosy undercover outdoor lounge area with daybed
- No children under 12 years
- Strictly no pets (owner has severe allergies)
- Parking for 2 cars
- The owners live next door and are available by phone should you need anything
- Walk 30 mins or drive 5 mins to local farm shop and pub
- Drive 10 mins to supermarkets
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay, which rises to 4, or 7 nights over Christmas and Easter. Only available Thurs-Sun in general, except during Christmas and Easter holidays when it is available Mon-Sun – check the calendar for applicable min stays and check in days on your dates.
- Remember to pack: walking boots, bikes if you can, a torch for evening walks or if arriving after dark to light up the driveaway (the farm road can be a bit bumpy)
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Terms & Conditions
FAQs.
In 4pm / Out 10am
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