Storybook Tale
6 guests
-
3 bedrooms, 3 beds
2 bathrooms
sq/ft
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Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
In the UK, particularly charming rural properties are often called 'Chocolate Box Houses' after pretty cottages were put on the front of confectionary tins during Victorian times. This address fits the definition perfectly. Built back in 1770 out of cob and thatch, it has since been Grade-II listed and it's not hard to see why. Traditional elements remain inside, including wooden beams and inglenook fireplaces, but plenty of modern additions have been made in a sensitive manner, including a large extension at the back. That means you get things like the giant wine cooler that takes up one side of the open kitchen-diner and the bifold doors that open out to the terrace. Here, guests will find an alfresco dining area with a barbecue for summer days, but it continues up to a lawn with a couple of seating areas from which you can admire the view of thatched rooftops in the village of Milton Abbas. There's a gastropub two minutes' walk down the road and plenty of scenic walking routes in the surrounding Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Jurrasic Coast can be reached in just over half an hour by car, too.
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Ask the host anything
Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights

Explore the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that surrounds this address

Spend sunny days playing around in the carefully cultivated garden

Light up the barbecue and serve up to guests sitting underneath the parasol

Keep children entertained with the large amount of toys and books in the house

Relax after a long day in the elegant claw-foot bathtub

Visit a local vineyard and store at the optimum temperature in the wine cooler
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
There's private parking available at the property, as well as spaces on the street
The uneven floors and split level garden might be difficult for guests with reduced mobility
The ceilings and doorways in the home are generally low, so taller guests will need to watch their heads
There's a huge amount of equipment for infants here, including a pair of travel cots, tableware, a high chair, a baby bath and toys
A private chef is available for hire and babysitter recommendations can be provided as well
The mobile signal is poor in the village
About this stay
Amenities
Desk / workplace
Wi-fi
Parking available
Dryer
Garden
TV
Dishwasher
Fridge
Bedrooms & bathrooms
3 bedrooms, 3 beds
2 bathrooms
Extras
VIP services
Arrange a chef
Baby sitting
Daily cleaning
Massage
Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.
Local guide
About Blandford Forum
Sixty-five years after the Great Fire of London wreaked havoc on the capital, the sleepy Dorset town of Blandford Forum was also the victim of a catastrophic inferno that burnt down the vast majority of the wooden, thatched dwellings. From the ashes, local architect brothers John and William Bastard were called upon to draw up a new town plan and using stone quarried from the nearby Isle of Portland, they...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts

Stroll the Jurassic Coast
Stretching out for ninety-five miles, the Jurassic Coast was England’s first World Heritage Site. The rugged landscape offers ample opportunity for walks.

Get the village pub experience at Hambro Arms
Serving up traditional pub fare and a range of coffees during the day, the Hambro Arms is a classic local haunt.

Wander around Milton Abbas
Originally built to house local villagers, Milton Abbas is now a boarding school. Stroll around the picturesque gardens and check out the nearby artificial lake.

See the home of a writer at Max Gate
The former home of writer Thomas Hardy, who lived there until his death in 1928, the grounds and interior of Max Gate are now open to visitors.

Try the innovative menu at Sienna
With a focus on local and seasonal produce, Sienna offers up modern British food with a twist.

Experience prehistory at Maiden Castle
Maiden Castle is an Iron Age hill fort, built around the 1st century BC. You're free to wander around the maze of its ramparts.

Explore the old market town of Shaftesbury
With sweeping views of the Blackmore Vale, a weekly farmers' market and boutique shops Shaftesbury has a lot to offer. The town's highlight is the iconic cobbled Gold Hil.
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
No pets
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 11:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
30
days
Cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date for a full refund.
Up until
7
days
Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Stephanie and Harold
This home is managed directly by its owner who will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Stephanie and Harrold bought this cottage in 2013 and set about renovating it completely. They designed it with families in mind and, having spent many holidays here themselves, they are very knowledgeable about the local area. They are happy to help with any questions you might have.
This home is a Plum Guide Award winner.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
The Plum Promise
- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
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- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.