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.
As an estate agent recently said "you rarely come across unrenovated cottage these days". PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REALLY OLD COTTAGE IN IMPERFECT DECORATIVE ORDER WITH OLD CHINTZ SOFAS, OLD WALLPAPER, STEEP STAIRS, A VERY SMALL BATHROOM WITH BATH AND HAND HELD SHOWER ONLY (NO SHOWER) AND AN ATTIC BEDROOM. IT BACKS ONTO FIELDS WITH LIVESTOCK SO AS HARD AS WE TRY, YOU MAY BE SHARING WITH SOME 'WILDLIFE' AND BEING DOG-FRIENDLY, UNSUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES! IF THIS IS NOT FOR YOU, PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IT. SORRY, NO CHILDREN UNDER 5.
However, if this is the type of property you like, it's 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, cosy wood burner, 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 £10 in the cottage for the cleaner. NB. 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
Close to good restaurants, archetypal Dorset villages and towns and many things to do (information provided in the cottage or please ask)
Broadband
Netflix
DVD player with films
Wood burning stove
Rayburn (similar to an AGA)
A gun cabinet for shooting weekends
Microwave
Washing machine/drier
Dishwasher
Larder fridge
SMALL bathroom with small bath and hand held shower (NO SHOWER)
Downstairs WC
The sun room is perfect for muddy boots or to sit and read the paper.
Large gravelled parking area for 3/4 cars or 3 cars and a boat (c. 6m).
Large gravelled parking area for 3/4 cars or 3 cars and a boat (c. 6m).
Large garden mainly laid to lawn with lovely views over fields
BBQ
Tennis court about 5 minutes' walk away (no pavement!) which can be used by guests (£10 for unlimited use subject to availability - key code required).
Heating: A Rayburn in the Dining Room runs several radiators and there is electric heating.
Milk for tea/coffee, tea and coffee will be available to tie you over until you shop, Bedlinen, towels, soap and lavatory paper is provided.
