Winterborne Houghton

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Board Games

Library of Books

Entertainment

Bathtub

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Freezer

Fridge

Kettle

Kitchen

Kitchen Utensils

Oven

Stove

Toaster

Kitchen & Dining

Dryer

Iron

Washing Machine

Bedroom & Laundry

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Wi-fi

Internet & Office

Central Heating

Fireplace

Heating & Cooling

Private Parking

Parking Available

Parking & Access

Barbeque

Garden

Outdoor Seating

Patio / Terrace

Outdoor

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Child Friendly

Smoke Detector

Other

If you’re looking for a rural retreat in the Dorset countryside, this charming thatched cottage surrounded by woodland more than delivers. Inside, the old beams and narrow staircases leading to four elegant bedrooms are charming. However, it’s worth noting it’s not the most accessible of homes. Spend winter evenings beside the inglenook fireplace and summers outside in the cottage gardens, complete with an egg barbecue for alfresco feasts.  Located in the quiet village of Winterbourne-Houghton, there's little nearby – but with wood by the fire at home and the bustling Blandford Forum just five miles away, you're well covered whether you want to unwind or explore.

Dorset Dreamers

Microwave

If you’ve been dreaming of a classic countryside escape, look no further than this 16th-century, Grade II listed cottage. Set within the Cranbone AONB, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful countryside, while the nearest pub and farm shop in Winterborne Whitechurch are just a short walk away. It’s also a great base for exploring the Dorset coast – Weymouth and Lyme Regis are within easy driving distance. Back at home, there’s a peaceful garden, an outdoor pizza oven, cosy rooms, wood burning stoves and plenty of traditional character. 


A Timeless Place

Satellite / Cable TV

Ping Pong Table

Hair Dryer

Toiletries

Cafetiere

Coffee Maker

Cooking Essentials

Black-Out Blinds

Ironing Board

Cot / Crib

Hangers

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Cleaning Products

Hot Tub

Wellness & Fitness

Desk / Workplace

Free Parking On Premises

Free Parking On Street

Self Check-in / Check-out

Private Entrance

Balcony / Patio

Throws

Nice to haves

Pets Allowed

Pets

First Aid Kit

Fire Extinguisher

Safe

Spend your mornings watching the wildlife such as pheasants and rabbits in the garden of this home with its peaceful location. After a stroll in 24 acres of woodland and rolling hills, relax in your private hot tub with a glass of wine – we’d be on cloud nine. Later cosy up inside with the faux fur throws and then cook a meal in the modern kitchen or order a takeaway. If you prefer to eat out, the market town of Blandford Forum, with its array of eateries is a five-minute drive. In the daytime, you can walk there too through a path of beautiful meadows and woods. Or play a round at the local golf club, a fifteen-minute saunter away. For those who prefer to unwind on the beach, Durdle Door, with its natural limestone arch, is just over a thirty-five minute drive.

Wood Anemone

Netflix

Smart TV

Rain Shower

High Chair

Drying Rack

Single-Level Home

Balcony

Rabbits, pheasants and foxes, oh my! Welcome to life at this cosy woodland hut, situated on the twenty-three-acre grounds of Downwood Vineyard in the Dorset countryside. 

Surrounded by towering trees and a myriad of wildlife – including an owl and an odd deer or two – this is a spot to switch off, unplug and bask in the quiet surroundings. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and pad out into the private courtyard for a morning coffee in the fresh air. In the evenings, rustle up dinner in the cute kitchen – it's compact but has everything you'll need – before sinking into the hot tub for ultimate relaxation. We could happily spend all our time bubbling away under clear skies filled with stars.

When you're not at home, the countryside is perfect for a wander and you're only a ten-minute drive from historic National Trust properties and five from the pubs and eateries in Blandford Forum. And if you fancy venturing a little further, the Jurassic Coast and the New Forest are also less than an hour away by car, perfect for day trips.

Meet Me in the Woods

Streaming Services

Blender

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Get far away from the madding crowd in Thomas Hardy’s Dorset with this beautiful home – it’s the perfect romantic retreat. Surrounded by woodland, relax in the hot tub with a glass of fizz (or whip up a smoothie with the blender in the kitchen), and when the sun sets, cosy up by the fire pit. There’s a hammock to unwind in as well. 

The sylvan setting can be admired through the French doors in the living room, too – keep your eyes peeled for visiting wildlife. At the end of an idyllic day, head up to bed in the treehouse-like bedroom with its honeycomb-shaped, whitewashed wood ceiling before exploring the area the following morning. 

Out and about, the market town of Blandford Forum, with its array of eateries, is a six-minute drive. Alternatively, the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster, is eight minutes in the car, while Thomas Hardy's Cottage is twenty-three minutes. Further afield, Sandbanks, with its award-winning beach and chic boutiques, is just over a thirty-five-minute ride, so there’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Honey Bee Cottage

Luxury Toiletries

Underfloor Heating

Multiple Sets of Keys

Welcome Hamper

Part of a manor that dates back to the sixteenth century, this beautiful listed barn conversion is not your average country cottage. With enough design credentials for a magazine spread, the home mixes old and new with aplomb. Gather in the grand room to see a space with cathedral-like ceilings and antler chandeliers, with pops of bright modernity from the aquamarine walls and huge pieces of artwork hanging on the walls. There are cosier spots too, including bedrooms that have been tucked up in the rafters ensuring a snug night's sleep, as well as a log-burning fire in the second living room. Comprised of two adjoining barns, the home has got enough room to seat the entire party, with two kitchens for whipping up a feast — ask ahead and the owners will provide you with eggs from the grounds' chickens. Outside, there's a private covered hot tub, a barbecue area and pretty walled gardens to explore, but beyond the gates, one of England's most beautiful counties awaits — Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in less than fifteen minutes by car, as can the architecturally unique town of Blandford Forum.

Hammoon Manor

Luxury Bedding

Vacuum Cleaner

Bicycles

Electricity Adaptors

EV Charger

Access to Business Centre

Meeting / Conference Rooms

Pet Bowls

Always fantasised about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic gatehouse (built in 1900) is part of a family estate, located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Recently refurbished by the owners in a modern but classic style (along with the estate’s stables, also available on Plum Guide), it's been opened up to outsiders for the very first time. We loved the balance between period features, such as the original windows, fireplace and kitchen floor, and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The kitchen worktop is made from cedar from the estate, for example. The owners clearly want their new guests to feel at home, as they’re happy to accommodate needs, whims and fancies, from arranging a paid-for chef or babysitter, to offering a choice of seasonal duvets, luggage storage, locally sourced ingredients in the welcome pack and everything you’d need to bring your baby (high chair, cot, dinnerware, pram, potty, etc). The home’s location is another definite selling point. At the end of a small village lane near a cricket green and traditional pub, it’s picturesque and quaint. The nearest town is Sturminster Newton where there are shops and cafes, a great deli and butchers. This home makes a great base to explore the famous Dorset coast and countryside or simply settle back and relax by the wood-burning stove and imagine your servants are just out of sight. 

The Manor Lodge

Heated Towel Rail

Always fantasized about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic stable building (dating back to 1900) is part of a family estate located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Along with the estate’s gatehouse (also available on Plum Guide), it's been recently refurbished and is accessible to outsiders for the first time. We loved the balance between period features and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom and kitchen gadgets. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The owners clearly want their new guests to feel at home, as they’re happy to accommodate needs, whims and fancies, from arranging a paid-for chef or babysitter, to offering a choice of seasonal duvets, luggage storage, locally sourced ingredients in the welcome pack and everything you’d need to bring your baby (high chair, cot, dinnerware, pram, potty, etc). The home’s location is another definite selling point. At the end of a small village lane, near a cricket green and traditional pub, it’s picturesque and quaint. The nearest town is Sturminster Newton where there are plenty of shops and cafes, a great deli and butchers. This home makes a great base to explore the famous Dorset coast and countryside or simply settle back and relax by the wood-burning stove and imagine your servants are just out of sight.

The Manor Stables

Foosball / Table Football

Games Console

Games Room

Pool / Snooker Table

Baby Bath

Changing Table

Espresso Machine

Pod Coffee Machine

Wine Cooler

Swimming Pool

Temperature Control

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Out in the unspoiled countryside of Cranborne Chase AONB, this Victorian house sits in red-brick splendour. It’s a five-minute drive into the centre of Blandford Forum, a charming town to stock up on groceries and perhaps pause for a cup of coffee. Though there’s plenty to keep you busy on the estate as well – wander between the grapevines of the small vineyard, or head to the private tennis court. There’s over 30 acres of woodland walks to explore too. Within an acre of private garden, this home has its own heated swimming pool, hot tub for six, gas barbecue and croquet lawn. But, if the weather isn’t on your side, you can always while away the days in the games room. Two living rooms and a conservatory offer the group plenty of space to spread out, and you’ll have the choice between a cosy crackling wood-burner or streaming sunshine from glass walls. You can still picture scullery maids bustling around in the country-chic kitchen. In keeping with the Victorian grandeur of the home, bedrooms are a plush medley of chandeliers, silk curtains and four-poster beds and the master comes with a beautiful claw-foot tub. 

Downwood

Who doesn’t love a hideaway amidst the grapevines? This cosy little lodge sits in the grounds of a vineyard, so you can spend evenings sampling the local sparkling wine in the bubbling warmth of the hot tub outside. There’s also a bistro set for two out here, should you wish to take your dinner in the open air. Inside, your hideaway has a tufted velvet sofa for a spot of luxury, and a kitchen equipped with everything you need for self-catering. Big windows show off a view of rural Dorset at its best, surrounded by greenery. You’re on the edge of the Cranborne Chase AONB, a five-minute drive from the charming town of Blandford Forum where a handful of shops, cafés and restaurants await. Golfers will love the proximity to Ashley Wood golf course and if you’re packing the bike, you can hit the North Dorset Trailway. 

Two Turtle Doves

Shared Pool

Tucked away in the sleepy village of Dewlish, this 18th-century barn has been converted into a cosy rural retreat. Surrounded by the Dorset Hills, you’ll find easy access to beautiful walking trails and it’s just a short stroll to the local pub. It’s also a great base for exploring the Jurassic Coast with the nearest beaches just a short drive away. Back at home, there is a private patio, a shared heated pool and a games room – making this a great option for families. It’s worth noting the furnishings and decor are a little dated, but it’s well equipped with all the essentials you could need for a relaxing break. 

The Village Barn

Tucked away in a private clearing, with superb views over the local countryside, this home is small but mighty. It's aimed squarely at anyone looking to escape the rat race for a while to just soak up the soothing sights and sounds of the natural world. A converted artist's studio, it's a cosy and well-equipped home for a couple or a solo traveller – there's even room for a baby cot and a dog bed. Step inside and you'll be bowled over by how much the host has cleverly fitted into the space. With plenty of white-painted wood panelling and a romantic feel, it's kitted out with a comfy bed, a pretty shower room, a fully functioning kitchen and a little dining table. Outside, you'll find the secluded hot tub and a terrace with a barbecue and a fire pit – an ideal spot for stargazing. Just a six-minute drive to the town of Blandford Forum, with its famous Georgian architecture, shops and restaurants, you're also around half an hour from the New Forest and from Dorset's famous Jurassic Coast. 

Hop Little Bunny

This 200-year-old coach house has been lovingly restored into a cosy countryside retreat. Set across two floors, the bedrooms are on the ground floor, while the upper floor sitting room has everything you could need to switch off and unwind – including a wood burning stove. Head outside and you’ll find a private courtyard and a peaceful garden. Private parking is available and there’s lots to explore in this beautiful part of Dorset. Head towards the village of Piddletrenthide or adventure further afield to the Jurassic Coast. 

Rose of the Countryside

A cosy lodge made from a shipping container, this is the ideal place for a couple's retreat. It's packed with character (including a log burner), and though the owners live next door, privacy shouldn't be an issue. The enclosed patio is an absolute highlight. With a fire pit, pizza oven, and a variety of seating, a great time in the great outdoors is all but guaranteed. We also can't get enough of the countryside views. Scenic walks are right on the doorstep, making it ideal for pets. You're further away from the beach and other conveniences here – Bournemouth is about an hour away – but Shaftesbury is within easy driving distance.

Southwest Serenity

Set within an organic dairy farm, this cottage makes the perfect setting for a restorative rural escape. You can enjoy views across the surrounding countryside while soaking in the hot tub. There is also a barbecue and outdoor seating for alfresco dining. Inside, the rooms are simple, fresh and family friendly with all the essentials you could need to settle in and make it your own. Outside, you can meet the resident alpacas and follow nearby hiking trails. It’s also just a short drive into the heart of Sturminster Newton where you’ll find pubs, restaurants and a supermarket. 



Fields of Wonder

Amazon Prime

Piano

Sound System

Children's Dinnerware

Mini Bar

Private Washing Machine

Baby Monitor

Desk

Buzzer / Wireless Intercom

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Umbrellas

Stair Gates

This picturesque, Grade II-listed cottage set within the grounds of a 19th-century mansion is full of surprises. Designed by eminent architect Benjamin Ferrey, it features characterfully towering chimney stacks and a charming redbrick facade. So far, so traditional. But step inside and we think you'll do a double-take. The interior is a contemporary design haven, with bold colour choices (we love the lavender dresser in the living room and the playful candy-coloured chairs in the kitchen) and stunning modern artwork (say hello to Michael Caine as you sashay through the kitchen). Large windows let light flood right in, and make every colour pop in a joyful way. There are thoughtful, almost-kitsch touches everywhere you look - the neon disco ball cocktail glasses on the gilded drinks trolly, the flamingo leg table lamp in the kitchen, the silver graffiti slogan on the royal-blue dresser in the master bedroom and the cute zebra-print cushions in the twin room. And it's not often we say the downstairs loo is a real highlight in a home, but check out this one with the retro cassette wallpaper and you'll see what we mean. The home's private terrace is the perfect place to give those disco glasses a whirl (might we suggest a Mai-Tai?), and the enormous, immaculate shared gardens are waiting to be explored. Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the dramatic Jurassic Coast is about 30 minutes away, and the magnificent cathedral city of Dorchester about a 20-minute drive.

Chimney Stack

Playground

Baby Changing Mat

Laundry Supplies

Heated Pool

Outdoor Pool

Fenced Garden

Garden Games

Hammock

Herb Garden

Sun Umbrellas

Sat snug in delightful Dorset, this cosy cottage is here to give you a taster of that famous British country lifestyle – and from the moment you lay eyes on the place, we promise you’ll fall instantly in love.

Neighbouring a row of other cottages, this home boasts a white–washed facade with pretty mint–green picture windows, drawing inspiration from its idyllic surroundings, and as we wander inside, the home’s endearing appeal continues to grow. From the wood burning stove with its picturesque, open–brickwork surround to the rustic–style shaker kitchen, this place feels like the dwellings of a gentleman farmer. Natural oak furnishings, doors and floors instantly warm the place up, meanwhile the soothing colour scheme of earthy neutrals and occasional blues creates a sense of calm.

We could spend hours just cosied up by the fire with a pot of tea and a huge slice of cake, but the azure depths of the heated, shared outdoor pool are enough to tempt even the most indoorsy types to venture into the garden. Enwreathed by a backdrop of succulent green saplings, when the sun is shining, you couldn’t wish for a more beautiful spot to soak up the rays. 

Outside, you’ll also find a neatly–manicured garden with perfectly–pruned shrubs and blooms, and a wonderful children’s play area – ideal for those with excitable little ones joining them on their stay. 

Peeling yourself away from your snuggly setup won’t be easy, but if you can muster the motivation to explore a little, be sure to venture into Dorset's county town. Landmarks such as the Roman Town House and Amphitheatre are well worth seeing, and of course, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to keep you suitably fuelled for your adventures.


Tea & Cake

Nintendo Wii

Nestled deep in the Blackmore Vale in Dorset, this quaint cottage is the perfect base for a country escape. Rain or shine, you'll find a cosy spot to relax, whether that's on the patio, in the bright conservatory, or beside the woodburning stove. We expect younger guests will love sleeping up in the gables, accessed via a charming spiral staircase, where they can enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. But you're not here to stay at home – you're an hour's drive from the South Coast, and the market town of Dorchester is just thirty minutes away. 

Rustic Hamlet

Surrounded by fields, you'll be within walking distance of two pubs when you stay at this barn conversion, a short walk from the village of Winterborne Zelston. The historic market town of Wareham, home to an array of shops, restaurants, galleries and bars is nearby, too. Or explore the Isle of Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Set within the owner's grounds, this detached barn conversion is a great place to come home to. Outside is a private patio with seating, a barbecue, and a large pond. Inside, there’s a modern, well-equipped kitchen, and the kids will love the bedroom in the eaves, which has its own living area or playroom.

The Scenic Hideaway

Nestled in the picturesque Dorset countryside, this stone home is adorned with vines and hedges, making it as beautiful and charming on the outside as it is on the inside. Every window seems to look onto an equally stunning green vista – here, the countryside is never far from sight or mind. The kitchen is large and pristine, inviting for all kinds of meals, and the breakfast nook is a cosy spot to begin the day with a mug of coffee. We love the living room’s focal point – a wood burning stove – ideal for game nights or chillier evenings spent with a bottle of wine. At the end of the night, settle in the plush farmhouse-inspired bedrooms that encourage true rest and relaxation. When you’re ready to explore, the Jurassic coast’s striking beach scenery is just a thirty minutes’ drive away, while you’ll find local pubs and countryside walks even nearer by. 

Garden Watch

Parking On Premises

Tucked in the charming village of Shroton, this converted barn is ideal for a relaxing Dorset getaway. It’s suitable for a couple or a small family with up to two children over the age of six, as the second bedroom is on a mezzanine level accessed via spiral stairs. Still, with everything needed for a comfortable stay and the village offering fresh local produce, this is a home where you can truly switch off. With countryside walks on your doorstep, yet just a forty-five-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast, you’ll never be lost for things to do. 

Dorset Soul

For those craving a countryside retreat, this charming Dorset cottage presents the ideal place to escape to. Enlivened with rustic charm and kitted out with all the amenities you could wish for, from the moment you walk through the front door, you’ll feel your shoulders drop and your stresses melt away. It’s time to unwind in style.

With its white–washed facade, slate roof and mint–green picture windows, from the outset, this place looks utterly blissful – and as we make our way through the front door, we can’t help but feel instantly at home. 

From the dark, wooden floorboards to the pendant lights of the stylish shaker kitchen, this cottage is packed with homey appeal. We particularly love the blue velvet sofa in the living area. As dusk settles, make a beeline for its snuggly depths and while the evening away over a large mug of cocoa as you contemplate the roaring fire. 

Inside you’ll also find a beautiful dining area made for sociable feasts with family and friends, three dreamy bedrooms and a bathtub – ideal for moments when a touch of ‘me time’ is needed. Simply pour yourself a large glass of red and recline into your bubbly bliss and indulge in some well–deserved R&R.

There’s a heck of a lot to love about this place, but the real piece de resistance has got to be the heated outdoor pool. Perfect for daytime and evenings alike, plunge into its crystalline waters for an invigorating dip before showering off & refuelling with a tasty treat from the kitchen. Just note that it's shared with other cottages.


Fire & Water

Access to Gym / Spa

Tennis Court

Free Parking

Sitting confidently on the edge of Beaumont Lake, It’s not hard to see why this home caught our eye. Designed to bring ease and comfort to family living, you’ll be welcomed by sweeping views and plenty of space to sit back and soak it all in. There’s also direct access to the lake for swimming or canoeing. You will have access to a wide range of estate amenities – including a spa, an outdoor heated swimming pool and tennis courts. 

The Dorset Dancer

There’s adventure in abundance at this home within a lakeside holiday park. You can launch kayaks and paddle boards from the lakeside beach, spend days playing tennis or swimming in the shared pool, or indulge in a spa session. With forest playgrounds, biking trails and a rooftop bar all onsite, it’s a great spot for families. A state-of-the-art kitchen has everything you need for self-catering and dinner can be served al fresco, on the private terrace. A wood-burner in the open living area keeps things cosy.  

The Arty Cottage

Embrace the peace and tranquillity of life in the spectacular Dorset countryside at this charming former farmworker's cottage. As one of a collection of four recently renovated residences, it's perfect for a weekend retreat with immediate family, or it can be booked in combination with adjacent cottages for larger group get-togethers.

Your hosts have considered every detail in transforming the cottages into high-end holiday homes. However, they've been careful to preserve the period features and rustic charm you'd expect of a stay in the English countryside. Beautiful oak doors, an eye-catching brick fireplace and exposed beams in the bedrooms all add to the overall aesthetic. Even the sleek Shaker-style kitchen, equipped with all the mod cons, is in keeping with the style. Elsewhere, make the most of those seemingly endless summer evenings and enjoy the privacy of your own patio, leading to the charming country garden and inviting pool – both shared with other guests. 

Beyond the back garden, a path leads you to the nearby pub garden, where you can sup a cider in the sun after a refreshing dip. Alternatively, follow the public footpath into the rugged wilds of the Dorset countryside. As an official Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), the landscape calls out to be explored and guarantees breathtaking scenery at every turn. 

Further south, the South West Coast Path hugs the awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast and is well worth the approximately 20-mile drive. Return home at the end of an unforgettable day and stock up on essentials at the village shop, while there's always the Gaggle of Geese pub if you don't feel like cooking.

Fox Earth Cottage

Accessible Parking

Helipad

Want to recreate a passionate escape à la Bridgerton - just on a much smaller scale? Then we think you'll fall in love with this home in a 400-year-old former gatehouse lodge. Part of the glorious 5,500-acre St Giles House estate, it's been personally and immaculately renovated by the estate's owner (real-life nobility Lady Shaftesbury) to stunning effect. The natural and historical character - original lead windows, log burner and dove grey stone slabs - pack a punch, but it's her Ladyship's keen eye for style that has elevated this home into a truly romantic stay. We're talking about bold splashes of colour (a vibrant coral in the living room and soothing forest green in the bedroom) plus beautiful illustrated artwork and the highest quality Egyptian cotton sheets. This rural location is the perfect place to hide away from the rest of the world, but if you tire of each other's company, the beaches of the Jurassic Coast, the New Forest and the classic British seaside resorts of Poole and Bournemouth are all within a short drive away.

Tangerine Lodge

Gated Community

A historic gatehouse on the grounds of the Shaftesbury Estate in rural Dorset, this petite one-bed lodge has recently undergone a loving refurb by one of the estate owners, Lady Shaftesbury. She obviously has a great eye for design, as her palette of delicious apricot and duck egg blue stylishly updates this vintage cottage into not just a twenty-first-century home, but a home with charm and character. There are plenty of thoughtful touches we found exquisite, from soft dressing gowns to the complementary breakfast hamper – and everything, from Egyptian cotton bedding to the plush sofas, is of boutique hotel quality. The hosts are attentive, meticulously committed to making sure your every whim is met. All in all, this cosy country hideaway is perfect for city escapes, with nearby the great beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest, the National Trust property of Kingston Lacey, cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth and traditional seaside in Bournemouth. And while it feels like one of a kind, a twin lodge and two maisonettes in a neighbouring cottage are also available, so you can bring your friends too (although you might want to keep this little secret to yourself). 

A Little Peach

Transformed from humble farmworkers' cottages into one of a collection of four beautiful self-catering getaways in the picturesque Dorset countryside, this home offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Set within extensive grounds, the cottage has a private patio and garden leading to a shared heated pool and a secret gate straight to Narnia, a.k.a. the local pub beer garden. What more could you possibly want on a warm summer's day than a dip in the pool followed by a refreshing cider in the sun?

Having previously been open to the public under the National Garden Scheme, your hosts are striving to return the gardens to their former glory. They also maintain a charming country garden stocked with all manner of seasonal fruit and vegetables – some of which may well find their way into your welcome hamper.

Inside, the cottage retains plenty of period charm, including the original 'Dorset winder' staircase, and adds a contemporary take on farmhouse chic thanks to a beautiful Shaker-style kitchen and matching dining area. Comfy sofas set up facing the wood burner make for cosy nights in with a good book before retiring upstairs to the two captivating bedrooms.

Located in a quintessential Dorset village, the rural setting offers plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning landscapes that form part of an officially designated Area of Natural Beauty (AONB). There's even a public footpath leading directly from the grounds. For a grand day out, the beautiful Jurassic Coast and the likes of the picturesque Lulworth Cove are a little over 20 miles away – well within day-trip distance. Finally, for those who'd rather not shatter their rural idyll by heading out on a supermarket supply run, the village shop is stocked up with essentials, while the local pub is perfect for those evenings when you don't fancy cooking.

Yakety Axe

If you’re looking to experience the magic of the English countryside, this 17th-century thatched cottage delivers the perfect solution. Nestled in the little town of Winfrith, it’s just a five-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast and some of the most beautiful spots in Dorset. There’s also a village shop and a pub within walking distance and you’ll find private parking alongside the cottage. Inside, the rooms are cosy, classic and full of charm. There’s a fireplace in the living room along with board games for relaxing evenings at home. You’ll also have access to a little garden with a barbecue for warm weather days. 

Rose of the Heart

Sitting on a fantastic complex on the beautiful Beaumont Lake in Dorset, this home is ideally placed for exploring the Dorset AONB, which includes some great seaside spots such as Durdle Door. The home itself is simple and stylish, but what will make your stay special is enjoying access to the site's marvellous facilities, including a communal heated pool, shared gym and spa, plus the lake for water sports, equipment for which you can hire at the on-site activity centre.

The Piazza

Situated on a holiday park in West Dorset, this family-friendly home overlooks the lake and provides comfortable spaces for the whole group to kick back and relax. Outside, there’s a large deck with lounge seating and although there isn’t an alfresco dining table, the kitchen diner’s sliding doors open wide for an indoor-outdoor living experience. Guests staying here have access to a range of communal amenities, from forest playgrounds to a spa. And if you’d like to explore a little, rent bicycles for a ride around the surrounding area or jump in the car and take the twelve-minute drive to Eweleaze Beach.

Ivy & Sage

Perfect for family holidays in the country that aren't too far from the city, this bright modern home has much to admire. Its sleek open plan interiors are elevated by thoughtful touches, including a log burning fire, a welcome pack, and two passes for the on-site spa. Upstairs you'll have a choice of three bedrooms (though little ones may bag the bunk bed), while outdoors you'll find your own private hot tub. Though some neighbouring homes are still under construction, the holiday village this home is part of has some premier facilities, including a shared pool and tennis court. You'll also be less than half an hour from the south coast, in reach of Weymouth and other charming harbour towns.

The Country View

Bathrobes

Step-Free Access

Part of a nineteenth-century groom’s cottage on the grounds of St Giles House in Dorset, this maisonette in a former stable block looks like a scene straight out of Bridgerton. A stylish mishmash of antique brickwork, vintage pieces and modern design touches, every inch has been cleverly renovated by Lord and Lady Shaftesbury to enhance the history and character in an uber-cool way. Think bold paint colours, jazzy wallpapers, traditional flagstone floors, hand-crafted bespoke showers and a drool-worthy copper roll-top tub. While the Egyptian cotton bedding and plush dressing gowns are modern luxuries worthy of a boutique hotel, the estate's rolling green fields, the stable views and the cosy living area – complete with a wood-burning fire – feel authentically rural. You'll love strolling among the manor's private garden, or, when you crave a bit of adventure, enjoy day trips to the beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest and cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth. Larger groups can even rent the neighbouring cottages and lodges, all beautifully designed by Lady Shaftesbury. If you're looking for a glamourous stay in the stunning English countryside, this is it.

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