My Darling Charming Quirky Old Dorset Cottage

This is my darling cottage set in the delightful village of Melbury Osmond known as "Little Hintock" in Thomas Hardy's book "The Woodlanders". It is perfectly placed to reach many of the wonderful things that Dorset has to offer - the Jurassic Coast, the charming villages of Cerne Abbas, Evershot and Cattistock and the quaint towns of Beaminster and Sherborne. There are many lovely walks around - an amble with the dog, The Hardy Way nearby or a walk through Melbury deer park to the Acorn Inn at Evershot.

This is a charming, characterful old cottage set in lovely countryside and it must be noted that it is in imperfect decorative order with old furnishings. On the first floor where there is a lovely double aspect main bedroom with rural views, a small bathroom with bath and hand held shower for hair washing and a single bedroom. Steep stairs rise to a twin bedroom with two single beds perfect for sharing. There is a large garden overlooking fields and a small sun room with its little table is wonderful to read a book in or kick your boots off after a long walk. We are happy to welcome dogs and there are some great walks from the cottage. SORRY, NO CHILDREN UNDER 5.

However, if this is the type of property you like, it's a great place for family holidays or weekends with friends, a Dorset institution in fact where many of my Dorset friends have had much jollity and fun with its coloured walls, cottage rooms with rural views in a wonderful rural setting and surrounded by wonderful things to see and do.

The cottage is located in one of the prettiest parts of Dorset bordering the 'Cattistock country' with its green undulating land which gets more dramatic as you weave your way to the coast 25 minutes away. It could be said that it is in the centre of the county and access to many of the iconic Dorset landmarks are within 1/2 hour's drive in any direction. The village features in one of the great writer, Thomas Hardy's books 'The Woodlanders' and in fact his mother was brought up in the village and her cottage still stands. It is one of the 'choice villages' in estate agents speak with its lovely period properties, handsome church and 'the Splash' - a small brook that crosses the village road and flanks the Melbury Estate with its parkland.

Dogs welcome but please leave £20 in the cottage for the cleaner. NB. GARDEN NOT ENCLOSED.

25 minutes to the coast and beaches
Located in wonderful Dorset countryside in a very pretty village
Located almost "in the middle of the county" which provides great access to many parts of Dorset
Close to the A37 which gives good access into and around the county
Railway station (Yeovil Junction) c.5 minutes away with trains from London Waterloo
Surrounded by good restaurants, archetypal Dorset villages and towns and many things to do (information provided in the cottage or please ask)

Broadband
DVD player with films
Wood burning stove
Oil-fired Rayburn (similar to an AGA)

Microwave
Washing machine/drier
Dishwasher
Larder fridge
Small freezer (30L)
La Gaggia coffee maker
Downstairs WC
The sun room is perfect for muddy boots or to sit in and read the newspaper
Large gravelled parking area for 3/4 cars or 3 cars and a boat (c. 6m).
Large garden mainly laid to lawn (not enclosed) to sit out in
BBQ
Tennis court about 5 minutes' walk away (no pavement) which can be used by guests (contact Melbury Osmond Tennis Club).
Heating: A Rayburn in the Dining Room runs several radiators and there is electric heating.

Tea and coffee will be available just to give you time to shop. Bedlinen, towels, soap and lavatory paper is provided. There is also a hairdryer.