Dorset self catering and cottage accommodation

Lancombe Country Cottages - Lydden, Higher Chilfrome, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 3
Weekly prices from: £600 to £899

Self catering accommodation in Higher Chilfrome sleeps 3.

Features include: • Pool • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Sleeps 3

Accommodation overview: Greenwood Grange offers the ideal holiday combination - premium quality accommodation, fine facilities all within a family-run friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and it has achieved a Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award in 2009

Set at Higher Bockhampton (which is Hardy’s ‘Upper Mellstock’), Greenwood Grange is a secret hideaway set in its own 4 acres of peaceful grounds and landscaped gardens. All the cottages have undergone a major refurbishment and offer the very highest quality accommodation and facilities, with each cottage having its own individually styled interior using natural and recycled materials where possible.
As well as offering plenty of space for strolling and relaxing, there are two en-tous-cas tennis courts, lawns for croquet and badminton, a children’s play area with swings and yurt (with toys and games) and a dogs’ exercise paddock, in addition to the newly established organic vegetable garden and pick your own fruit area, with free range chickens providing eggs, to be enjoyed by all the family. There is also a magnificent Roman-style indoor heated swimming pool (complete with mural!) with full changing facilities, a large sauna and sitting area.
At the entrance of Greenwood Grange is Thorncombe Wood - a wildlife sanctuary from which a nature trail leads through magnificent chestnuts, beeches and oaks, and through 70 acres of black heath, furze, birch, holly, heather and rhododendrons. This is just one of many walks directly from the door over some of the most beautiful countryside in Dorset, perfect for healthy walks for dog lovers and all the family. Greenwood Grange offers bicycles for hire and a drop-off and pick-up service by prior arrangement.
Those interested in the literary landscape can explore the locations of Hardy’s famous novels. Steeped in history, Greenwood Grange was built by Thomas Hardy’s father, whilst a short distance away is the thatched cottage where Hardy himself was born, built by his great-grandfather and little altered. At Lower Bockhampton, Hardy went to school and there is a lovely walk from there to the next village, Stinsford, where his heart is buried.
All around is a wealth of glorious National Trust countryside, pretty towns and villages as well as the beautiful coastline just 6 miles away. Excellent local village restaurants and pubs can be recommended. Kingston Maurward College with animal park, gardens, conference, function and education centre is within walking distance.
Dorchester (Roman Durnovaria and Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’) is a pleasant walk away (2 miles) and a most attractive country town, with museums of the dinosaur and the military, swimming pool, golf (good golf can also be found at Weymouth and Charminster) and has plenty of good shops, restaurants and pubs. Also of interest is Prince Charles’s development at Poundbury, near Dorchester.
Weymouth is 8 miles with its Georgian seafront Blue Flag beach - ideal for castle building! It is overlooked by an elegant 3-mile level esplanade; there is swimming from the beach, and there are lots of traditional entertainments. Two nearby RSPB reserves are at Lodmoor and Radipole which has nature trails from which grebes, swans and warblers may be seen. Nearby Portland is set to hold Olympic sailing events in 2012.
The beach at Ringstead Bay (6 miles) is known for its geology, fossils and the vegetation and wildlife of its under cliff; nearby can be seen the outlines of a village abandoned in the Middle Ages.
The Dorset World Heritage Coastal Path offers magnificent views and surprising sights, such as the natural arch of Durdle Door, and the almost circular cove of Lulworth, about 7 miles away.
Further west dotted along the coastline towards West Bay and the market town of Bridport are the ‘chocolate box’ villages of Burton Bradstock and Abbotsbury (famous for its Swannery and gardens).
The area offers abundant river stretches for coarse or trout fishing, and ...

The Loft, West Milton, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 3
Weekly prices from: £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in West Milton sleeps 3.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Golf nearby • Sleeps 3

Accommodation overview: In a lovely rural location with stunning country views over rolling Dorset countryside and only 6 miles from West Bay and Lyme Regis on the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast of Lyme Bay, this spacious detached hamstone house provides excellent holiday accommodation for up to two families. Close to the owner’s home, it offers two en-suite double bedrooms (one with a four-poster bed), two twin bedrooms, a large living room, a sitting room, a well equipped kitchen/dining room and a large enclosed garden to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. There are superb country walks, and a village pub within a short walk down the lane. For horse lovers riding is available nearby and also stabling by arrangement with the owner. Nearby visit the quaint market town of Beaminster, Mapperton Gardens and Broadwindsor Craft and Design Centre with its crafts, cream teas and restaurant. Within easy driving distance there is a wide variety of sand and pebble beaches including Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Eype and West Bay, all with a range of attractions. Lyme Regis, famous for the setting of The French Lieutenant’s Woman with its picturesque harbour, Cobb and beach, is a must and offers a host of outdoor activities ranging from coastal walking, boating, sailing, fishing, fossil hunting and golf. The market town of Bridport is 4 miles with two markets per week and an antique market held on a Saturday. Alternatively visit some of the other many attractions in this beautiful part of Dorset, such as Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Gardens or the Georgian seaside town of Weymouth with its sandy beach, several RSPB sanctuaries, Time Walk, Sea Life Centre and Deep Sea Adventure. Exeter cathedral city, Dorchester and Poole are all worth a trip. Shops 2 miles, pub 100 yards.

Large living room with wooden floor. Sitting room with TV. Large well-equipped kitchen/dining room. Utility. Separate toilet. First floor: Double bedroom with 6ft four-poster bed and en-suite shower room with double shower cubicle and toilet. Double bedroom with 5ft 6in bed and en-suite shower room with toilet. Two twin bedrooms. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.

Michaelmas House Stables, Wimborne, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from: £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in Wimborne sleeps 2.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pub nearby • Detached • Sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: These three single-storey barn conversions enjoy a courtyard setting in a countryside location. Just a short drive from Wimborne (with shops, cafés and weekly antiques market) and the New Forest with its abundance of wildlife. Within easy reach are Poole Harbour with its excellent sailing, Bournemouth, Christchurch and the stunning beaches of Studland on the Isle of Purbeck. The Georgian town of Blandford and the unspoilt Cranborne Chase are nearby. Superb walks and pubs abound. The holiday cottages were supported by a grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and are furnished to a high standard and well-equipped, with independent wheelchair access and facilities for wheelchair users. Shop ¼ mile.

Newfield Barn Cottages - Bluebell Cottage, Pimperne, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from: £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in Pimperne sleeps 2.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Easy Walking • Garden • Sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: This former barn, originally built in the 19th century, has been converted into four holiday cottages (four feature here) offering good, comfortable accommodation and retaining many characteristic features including exposed stone walls and open beams. Newfield Barn is set off the beaten track surrounded by open countryside on the edge of the village of Pimperne, which has a lovely village pub and store. Adjoining one another, the cottages share a large enclosed garden, and each cottage has its own patio furniture to sit and enjoy the views over open fields. Hidden down a country lane, the cottages offer peace and quiet with many walks to enjoy in the surrounding countryside.
The medieval town of Blandford Forum is only 2 miles away and boasts one of the most complete Georgian townscapes in England, with the town hall, and Church of St Peter and St Paul being the main attractions. Mrs Penny’s Cavalcade of Costume, and the town museum also offer points of interest to visit within the town. Proving popular with visitors are Milton Abbas, the idyllic village 6 miles south-west, and Cerne Abbas with its Tudor cottages and abbey ruins, a further 10 miles away. The latter is home to one of the most visited sites in Dorset - that of the famous 180ft giant carved in the chalk hillside. To the north of Blandford lies Shaftesbury, with its steep and well-known quaint cobbled Gold Hill.
Just a short drive away lies the county town of Dorchester, serving as the main agricultural centre for the area, and offering a lively Wednesday market. Catering for many different tastes, there are also several museums to browse around - including the county museum, a small dinosaur museum, a military museum and one dedicated to Tutankhamen. Maiden Castle just outside the town is an example of a prehistoric fort, and dates from the Iron Age - the banks enclose an area of fifty football pitches, which would have housed 200 families. Higher Brockhampton is just a little further from the town centre and is worth a visit to see the cottage where the novelist Thomas Hardy lived. Max Gate - the writer’s last abode and where he lived for the longest period of time - is also open to the public. Just past the quaintly named village of Puddletown is the fine 15th-century Athelhampton House, with its gardens adorned by elegant fountains and unusual topiary features.
Within a 30-minute drive lies the wonderful Dorset coastline, with the Blue Flag beaches of Bournemouth and Poole, the Purbeck Hills and the pretty villages of Corfe Castle and Lulworth Cove. Revelling in a mild climate, Bournemouth is renowned for its clean sandy beach and boasts several public gardens, the best known of which is Compton Acres, comprising seven different international garden themes.
The Jurassic and Heritage coastline takes in the port of Weymouth and the lovely village of Abbotsbury with its famous Swannery which is the only place in the world where over 600 swans can be visited during the nesting and hatching time (end May - end June). Along the coast is the pebbled Chesil Beach which is approximately 18 miles long, and the medieval port Lyme Regis which is the ideal place to have a relaxing cream tea. Shop 1 mile.

Small step to entrance. Living room with exposed stone wall. Three steps up to modern kitchen/dining room. Cloakroom/toilet. First floor: Double bedroom. Bunk bedroom. Single bedroom. Small cot room. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.

Newfield Barn Cottages - Forget-Me-Not Cottage, Pimperne, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from: £900 to £1299

Self catering accommodation in Pimperne sleeps 6.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Easy Walking • Garden • Sleeps 6

Accommodation overview: Near the character abbey town of Sherborne, 2 miles, these two well presented single storey barn conversions, offer comfortable and spacious accommodation in a peaceful location. They are delightfully situated and yet within 2 miles, one can be in the lovely town of Sherborne, enjoying the picturesque Blackmore Vale, or visiting many historic houses, such as Montacute, Forde Abbey, Stourhead and Longleat. Within easy driving distance of many family attractions such as the popular Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Motor Museum and days out exploring the World Heritage Coast from Weymouth to Lyme Regis, or inland central Somerset, Glastonbury Tor and the exquisite City of Bath. Shops and pub 2 miles.

Copper Beech, Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from: £1300

Self catering accommodation in Bridport sleeps 8.

Features include: • Pool • Short Breaks • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Sleeps 8

Accommodation overview: This restored detached holiday home, with a heated indoor swimming pool and 4 bedrooms all en-suite, is set in the heart of the quaint village of Netherbury, between the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast (6 miles) and the small market town of Beaminster (2½ miles). Visitors can enjoy the lovely accommodation, unwind by the pool or wander into the village and sample the local public house. It is excellent holiday accommodation for two families to enjoy this wonderful part of Dorset, with its lovely unspoilt countryside and superb scenic coastline stretching from Weymouth to Lyme Regis. Nearby visit the quaint historic town of Beaminster (Thomas Hardy’s ‘Emminster’), and Broadwindsor which has a lovely craft centre where visitors can relax looking at the craft, or wine and dine in the restaurant. Chesil Beach and the Heritage Coast are a must for scenic walking, fishing, swimming and fossil hunting, and are truly breathtaking. For some really exhilarating scenic coastal walking, try walking from Seatown up to the top of Golden Cap with views over the whole of Lyme Bay stretching from Torquay to Portland. Call in on West Bay with its pretty harbour and do visit Lyme Regis with its well known Cobb, which was built in the 18th century and became famous as the setting for John Fowles’ French Lieutenant’s Woman. Within easy driving are many family attractions ranging from the Victorian seaside resort of Weymouth with its Sealife, Timewalk, and Blue Flag beach, and for family days out which the children will love, Monkey World and the Tank Museum near Wool. For the bird lover, Abbotsbury Swannery and Tropical Gardens are a great place to visit, as are the two RSPB Nature Reserves at Lodmoor and Radipole Lake. Inland Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum with its concorde and carrier flight deck are very popular, as are Sherborne Castle, Haynes Motor Museum and many more memorable attractions. Shops 2½ miles and pub ½ mile.

Spacious living room with electric ‘coal-effect’ fire and patio doors. Well-equipped kitchen/dining room with tiled floor. Utility. Separate toilet. First floor: Two double bedrooms, each with 5ft bed; one with en-suite bathroom with separate shower cubicle and toilet, one with en-suite shower room and toilet. Two twin bedrooms, each with en-suite shower room and toilet.

Corner Cottage, Fitzpaine, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £295 to £692

Self catering accommodation in Fitzpaine sleeps 4.

Features include: Short Breaks Non smoking Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pub near by • Pets allowed sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: Set in the heart of a charming village – an ideal location for exploring Dorset's beautiful countryside – this pretty and very comfortable cottage also boasts a private well stocked garden. Adjoining another cottage 150 yards from the village shop and inn it is a short drive from the Georgian town of Blandford Forum (5 miles) Sherborne's abbey and castles and Kingston Lacey (N.T.). Lulworth Cove and Corfe Castle are easily accessible.

Entrance into attractive sitting room with wood burning stove and two steps up to dining area. Up to steps to well equipped modern fitted galley kitchen. Sunroom. Small utility room. First floor: Double bedroom with TV. Twin bedded room with TV. Bathroom/W.C. and separate shower cubicle.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Perhams House, Uplyme, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from: £900 to £1299

Self catering accommodation in Uplyme sleeps 8.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pub nearby • Sleeps 8

Accommodation overview: Less than 2 miles from the sandy beach and picturesque harbour at Lyme Regis, this single-storey detached cottage has been refurbished to provide very comfortable and well-equipped holiday accommodation with almost an acre of secluded gardens. Set peacefully on the edge of the village, with lovely countryside views, it offers fascinating walks along the Lym valley. Golf, sailing and sea-fishing 2 miles. Seaton, Bridport and Honiton are within easy driving distance. Shop and pub ½ mile.

Open-plan living/dining room with open fire, rugs on wooden floor and French doors to conservatory with panoramic countryside views. Spacious, well-equipped, modern fitted kitchen with breakfast area. Utility. Three bedrooms; one double with 6ft bed and French windows onto raised deck, and two twin. Bathroom with over-bath shower. Shower room. Two separate toilets.