Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children Not suitable for elderly or infirm No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Recently featured in The Sunday Times' 'Britain's 20 Best Cottages' this is truly 'a home for all seasons'...... in winter, curl up cosily in front of the woodburning stove surrounded by sumptuously rich fabrics... in summer, soak up the long, light-filled days from the hillside garden, perched above the tiled and thatched roofs of Shaftesbury whilst taking in the views over miles and miles of glorious English countryside. This 5 star graded cottage sleeps 6 in 4 beautifully decorated and furnished bedrooms, complemented by an en suite shower room, a bathroom and a wet room but also makes the perfect romantic retreat for a couple. We are delighted that we can now offer the services of a world class chef to cater for any occasion within the cottage, taking advantage of its dining facilities for up to 12 people and an additional cleaning service.
The old Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury stands on a 700 foot spur above Blackmore Vale in Dorset near the south coast of England. Its history dates back to the times of Alfred the Great who founded the Abbey in the 9th century, the old walls of which form part of Gold Hill. A 2 minute stroll up the hill will find an eclectic selection of stylish shops, delicatessens, restaurants, galleries and museums.
Updown Cottage, Gold Hill
'Aqua' with its window seat overlooking Gold Hill
The sitting room with inglenook fireplace and woodburning stove
The music room with views over Blackmore Vale
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/29440
The West Country / Dorset region
Updown Cottage is perfectly placed for exploring the south-west of England - the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and beyond. The region is populated with villages and manor houses of beautiful local mellow stone and surprising and stunning views at the turn of a corner. Steeped in history, the towns of Salisbury and Sherborne offer excellent shopping, eating and nationally renowned music festivals centred around the Cathedral and Abbey. Stonehenge is of course a must! The Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Poole and Bournemouth are all reached well within the hour and further afield Bath, Bristol, Longleat and parts of Devon.
Shaftesbury / Gold Hill area
Gold Hill is the location for Ridley Scott's most famous advertisement for Hovis Bread featuring the boy on a bicycle and in which Updown Cottage may be seen. Shaftesbury is a centre for superb locally produced food and hosts a Food Festival each May. There are many excellent restaurants within half an hour to plan a gastronomic break. The town now boasts it's own refurbished indoor swimming pool tucked between the old buldings of Bell Street. The Gold Hill Fair is held at the beginning of each July (but is in fact not on Gold Hill!). Shaftesbury Abbey was destroyed during the Reformation but the ruins may still be visited and the old walls dating from the C8th form the wall of Gold Hill. Close by are 2 popular wedding venues, Old Wardour Castle and Larmer Tree Gardens which also holds a Music Festival each July featuring Jools Holland amongst others. Updown Cottage is also convenient for golfing at Rushmore Golf Course and perfect for anyone wishing to make use of the facilities at Compton Abbas Airfield which is easily accessible by taxi or car. Many guests enjoy the beautiful walks throughout the area.
How to get there
Shaftesbury is easily accessible by car and National Express Coaches as the coach stop is only 2 minutes walk from the cottage. Bournemouth airport is the nearest airport at only 52km but London Heathrow is 154km. A car is advisable to make the most of the beautiful countryside and coastline within an hour's drive however it is perfectly possible to have a restful stay in the cottage without a car as every requirement is so close at hand.
Nearest Travel Links
Railway:
Gillingham, Dorset: 8 km
Ferry:
Poole: 45 km
Activities near Shaftesbury
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 12, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden
Further details indoors: Free wired / wireless broadband internet access and national phone calls Personal chef and additional cleaning service may be arranged Welcome basket of breakfast goodies: tea, milk, orange juice, bread, butter, jam, marmalade, Dorset Cereals muesli Nespresso coffee machine & capsules White Company Egyptian cotton bedlinen Bathrobes, Bath sheets, bath towels, hand towels & bath mats Complimentary welcome White Company toiletries T Towels, apron & oven gloves Baby grand piano Flat screen TVs, DVD, Video & DAB Radio, CD Units Extensive library of sheet music, DVDs, videos, CDs Logs & heating included
Further details outdoors: Spectacular views from the terrace equipped with wooden garden furniture & arbour seat. Beautifully planted hillside garden. Giant Jenga.
Further details
Weekly changeover day is Friday. Short breaks available from Friday to Monday or Monday to Friday all year round.
For more information please visit our website, a link "Visit Owners Website" is provided in the contact details area at the bottom of this page.
Conditions
£100 deposit is requested with the balance and £100 housekeeping deposit payable 4 weeks in advance of the start of the booking. A comprehensive information pack is then supplied with details of the local area including restaurants and delicatessens so that bookings may be made.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low season
30 May 08
27 Jun 08
795£795
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
27 Jun 08
4 Jul 08
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
High season
4 Jul 08
5 Sep 08
1195£1,195
0-
0-
3 Nights
Low season
5 Sep 08
17 Oct 08
795£795
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
17 Oct 08
7 Nov 08
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
Off season
7 Nov 08
5 Dec 08
695£695
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
5 Dec 08
22 Dec 08
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
High season
22 Dec 08
5 Jan 09
1295£1,295
0-
0-
1 Week
Off season
5 Jan 09
6 Feb 09
695£695
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
6 Feb 09
20 Feb 09
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
Off season
20 Feb 09
27 Mar 09
695£695
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
27 Mar 09
24 Apr 09
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
Low season
24 Apr 09
1 May 09
795£795
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
1 May 09
8 May 09
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
Low season
8 May 09
22 May 09
795£795
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
22 May 09
29 May 09
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
Low season
29 May 09
26 Jun 09
795£795
0-
0-
3 Nights
Mid season
26 Jun 09
10 Jul 09
995£995
0-
0-
3 Nights
High season
10 Jul 09
4 Sep 09
1295£1,295
0-
0-
3 Nights
181
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Please refer to website or contact us for exact dates of Seasons and special late deals
Payment by cheque.
Short breaks are available Friday to Monday or Monday to Friday at 65% of the weekly rate.
Guestbook
“wonderfully comfortable with a real spirit of generosity”
“easily the best holiday cottage we’ve stayed in”
“The cottage feels like a boutique hotel but with such unique charm”
“restored with such love and inspiration”
“nothing but praise for this inspirational place”
"it's got the wow factor!"
Availability
Please contact the owner to enquire about available dates.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/29440
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