8 Bed Cottage in Dorchester

About this property

Part of the historic Minterne Estate, this area is renowned for the exquisite Minterne Gardens, which are nestled in a Himalayan style valley in the neighbouring hamlet of Minterne Magna. The gardens meander through the valley and offer a route that takes in the delights of a renowned collection of Himalayan rhododendrons and azaleas, with spring bulbs, cherries, maples and many fine and rare trees, set against a backdrop of lush, rolling Dorset hills. Complementary access to the gardens is offered to guests, and the estate offers a range of events to enjoy throughout the year. Home to notable figures such as Sir Winston Churchill and Admiral Robert Digby, Minterne House is steeped in history. Private tours for guests can be booked in advance. Further afield, Cerne Abbas (2 miles) boasts the famous hillside giant, and within 10 miles, you'll find Dorchester, the vibrant county town, and Sherborne, with its two castles and beautiful abbey

A shared, unmade road leads to the private entrance gates and driveaway to this detached former farmhouse. This statuesque double fronted property has a central front door and a welcoming entrance hallway. Heading into the inner hallway you'll find the kitchen on your left, which has all you need to prepare family meals. The first of two staircases rises to the first floor from this room. Just next door is an elegant dining room, with open fire and space for 16 to enjoy leisurely meals. Step into the beautiful dual aspect sitting room, with a second open fire, Smart TV and carefully considered furnishings to ensure your stay is a comfortable one. Completing the ground floor accommodation is a useful utility area with shower, washing machine and tumble dryer, space for muddy boots and a separate WC. A striking spiral staircase rises from the rear of the hallway to the first floor and a galleried landing, flooded with natural light. There is a super king-size bedroom on the right, with a wash basin. On the left is a further light and bright super-king-size, with particularly lovely countryside views and an en-suite bathroom. This room links with a cosy single bedroom next door, also with a wash basin. The single bedroom can also be closed off and accessed via its own door onto the landing. There is a king-size bedroom, again with a wash basin, and a fabulous bathroom can be found on this floor, with a particular feature being the fabric lined walls. Head up the final flight of stairs to the second floor and the remaining bedrooms; two doubles, a twin and a family room with four singles. This room is perfect for children as it has a Smart TV, en-suite shower room and the option of two additional pull out single beds, which are suitable for children. Completing the accommodation is a further bathroom. On the second floor, due to the setting within the eaves there are areas of restricted head height throughout, which only adds to the character and charm of the property, but care should be taken when moving around the rooms.

Heading outside via the utility room you will find a private hot tub and adjacent patio with furniture, making this property a real stand out choice for family get togethers. There is a large lawn to the rear of the property and a private outlook due to the countryside surrounds. A short car ride of approx 900m, will take you to a shared walled garden adjacent to Minterne House. There is a shared lawn tennis court and heated outdoor pool with changing room, open from April to September between 10am - 4pm daily. Each property will have a designated 2 hour slot each day (varying times) for sole use of the pool, with times displayed in the cottage on arrival. Access to Minterne Gardens is included daily from 10am to 6pm.

Additional information and rules

- 8 bedrooms - 2 super-king-size; 1 king-size; 2 doubles; 1 twin; 1 single; 1 family room with four single beds and 2 singles

- 5 bathrooms - 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC; 1 bathroom with WC; 1 en-suite bathroom with hand-held shower attachment and WC; 1 en-suite shower room with WC; 1 separate shower within the utility room; 1 separate WC downstairs

- Range-style cooker with electric ovens and hob, microwave, fridge, two dishwashers and De'Longhi coffee machine

- Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer

- 2 open fires (logs and firelighters provided)

- Smart TVs available in the lounge and family bedroom

- Ample seating for 16 guests around the dining table

- Further foldaway dining table for up to 4 guests in the kitchen

- Seating for 16 guests in the sitting room

- Travel cot and highchair available on request

- Garden laid to lawn, hot tub (please bring hot tub towels), patio, furniture and gas BBQ (gas included)

- Ample off road parking available

- Freshly prepared food by a chef can be arranged with the owner - perfect for a dinner party

- Free daily access to Minterne Gardens between 10am and 6pm - dogs on leads are welcome in the garden

- Shared access to a lawn tennis court (rackets and balls supplied) within 900m (a short drive away or walk through the estate)

- Shared outdoor heated pool within 900m (please bring pool/hot tub towels), with changing room, available from April until the end of September between 10am - 4pm, you will have a designated 2 hour slot each day (varying times) for the pool - times will be confirmed on arrival (a short drive away or walk through the estate)

- When Lord Digby is in residence, guests are welcome to have a complimentary tour of the house and learn about the history

- Children must be accompanied when using the facilities

- Beach 15 miles, shops and pubs 2 miles