18th Century Cottage in Heart of Dorset

Summary:
Badger Cottage is a quaint 18th-century home located in the heart of Dorset. You’re surrounded by the tranquil countryside of Holway Woods Nature Reserve and just a stone's throw from the pretty town of Sherborne. Step inside to find a welcoming home with bags of character, traditional interiors and plenty of space for 5 guests to relax. Unwind in the spacious garden, head out on walks from the front door or settle in front of the fire - it’s bliss no matter the season.

The Space:
A quintessential Dorset home brimming with character, Badger Cottage is really as cosy as it looks. This is a proper family home with space for 5 guests throughout the cottage and gardens, so spread out and relax after busy days out exploring. Exposed wooden beams are found throughout, as well as flagstone floors and pretty cottage windows.

Rustle up delicious meals in the farmhouse kitchen using local produce picked up from the market. Then enjoy it all together in the dining room before curling up in front of the fire in your living room. No matter the season, you’ll be able to enjoy views out across the garden and surrounding countryside from pretty much every room. Nothing beats waking up to the sights and sounds of nature. The cottage has two gardens to explore, one adjoined the house with a raised decking with seating. Opposite the cottage across a small lane is a much larger garden for the kids and dogs to run wild in! Here you'll find benches to relax and listen to the sounds of a stream running by.

Upstairs, there are 3 well-sized bedrooms flooded with natural light thanks to the vaulted ceilings. Find a master bedroom with a kingsize bed and en-suite bathroom, as well as additional double and single rooms. Next door is a family bathroom with both a shower and a bath. Plus, there’s space for 2 vehicles outside in the dedicated bays.

Guest Access:
Guests have access to the whole cottage and gardens.

The Neighborhood:
Badger Cottage is nestled away in Poyntington - a quiet village in the heart of Dorset. Enjoy the stunning surroundings of Holway Woods Nature Reserve, which is accessible right from the front door. Directly behind the cottage, walking up Ladies Mile you will arrive at the border between Dorset and Somerset. Head onwards to The Queens Arms at Corton and Denham via the Beacon, which boasts views all the way to Glastonbury and onwards to Cadbury Hill Iron and the bronze age fort associated with King Arthur. The perfect stomping grounds for walkers and nature lovers alike!

Consistently voted as one of the most beautiful market towns in Britain, Sherborne is located just a short 7 minutes drive away. This charming, honey-coloured town is brimming with history and heritage and has plenty to offer. Wander around the spectacular Abbey or Old Castle - the grounds are beautiful. Then head to the high street to enjoy a spot of shopping. There are lots of independent boutiques, art galleries, delis and antique stores. Every Thursday and Saturday, the town comes alive with market stalls. Find the very best of local artisans, crafts and food producers with over 170 stalls and free music and entertainment in Pageant Gardens.

Within half an hour, you can enjoy many more of Dorset’s picturesque towns. Shaftesbury, with its famous Golden Hill or Blandford Forum. Meanwhile, walkers can enjoy lots of walking country - Cerne Hill, Coombe Hill Woods and Hambledon Hill to name a few. The historic town of Bruton is also only around 20-25 minutes drive away. This renowned market town is rife with independent shops, excellent eateries and a world-famous contemporary Art Gallery, Hauser and Wirth.

If you’re looking for some coastal time, it’s still only a 40 minute drive to Weymouth, Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove - so you really can enjoy the best of both worlds! Find more of our local tips and tricks in the Guest Guide, which is available on booking.

Getting Around:
Due to the remote nature of Dorset, we would recommend bringing a car for your stay. There are 2 dedicated parking spaces in the bay. However, for those that wish to travel by train, the South Western Railway runs all the way from London Waterloo and takes just over 2 hours. From the station it is only a 5 minute taxi or short cycle ride to the cottage.

Other Things to Note:
Dogs are welcome on the condition they are kept off sofas, beds and that any mess is cleared up after. They also mustn't be left in the cottage unattended. We allow a maximum of 2 dogs but would consider more depending on the breeds.

The cottage is not recommended for toddlers due to the steep stairs with hard flooring at the bottom. There is also a stream running through the garden opposite the cottage which is not fenced off.

The BBQ is available for use from April to October.