Bay Tree Cottage
51235.8 miles SW of Shaftesbury / Sleeps 6 + cot
7 Nights from £800
Bedroom details
Bedroom 1
KingBedroom 2
KingBedroom 3
DoubleBedroom 4
TwinThis gorgeous Grade II Listed property, tucked away in the pretty village of Marnhull, epitomises a country cottage with traditional features aplenty. Bay Tree Cottage offers a wonderfully spacious retreat with a delightful wrap around garden. You are sure to fall in love with its honey-coloured stone exterior, pretty windows and delightful interior space, all tucked under the picturesque thatched roof.
After you have walked through the attractive garden, head in through the rear door (the utility-room offers a very handy first stop for drying off the dog and tucking away your wellies) and you will immediately feel the charm of this property. The gorgeous kitchen boasts every piece of equipment you could need to cook up holiday meals and the breakfast table offers a good spot to sit and enjoy your morning coffee. Tucked away off the kitchen you will find a cosy snug, complete with wood-burner - no-one could blame you for wanting to hide out in this room for hours.
Heading into the sitting/dining-room, you will find a sociable space where all the family can spend time together. Snuggle up in front of the wood-burner or play board games around the dining-table; whatever your desires on holiday you are sure to love this beautiful room. An added bonus is the sunny conservatory, adjacent to the dining-area, that offers extra seating and lounging space.
Making your way upstairs to the first floor (being careful of the low beam on the way up), you will find three delightful bedrooms. Each bedroom has a super comfy bed and soft linen just waiting for you to sink into. We love the cute window seats too, where you can sit and take in the garden view. Up a few internal steps will bring you to the family bathroom that is bright and modern. Rising one more level to the second floor (please take care as the stairs are quite steep), you will find a beautiful twin bedroom with original beams and lots of light streaming through the pretty windows.
There is lots of space in the garden to explore, including a raised terrace where the outside dining area is situated. Throughout the garden there are mature shrubs and trees so you can seek out a shady spot and take in the tranquil atmosphere.
Marnhull is the largest village in Dorset and is usually best known for being 'Marlott', the home of the ill-fated Tess of the d'Urbervilles so you are truly in Hardy country. Being tucked away in the Blackmore Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means the village is surrounded by glorious countryside so you can head out and explore to your heart's content. Within walking distance of Bay Tree Cottage are two welcoming pubs serving local food, as well as the convenient village stores where you can pick up any essentials.
The pretty market town of Sturminster Newton is a short drive away and boasts a picturesque watermill on the River Stour that is certainly worth a visit. Running adjacent to the River Stour is the Stour Valley Way, which is a wonderful trail to walk along. Other traditional market towns of Shaftesbury, Blandford, Sherborne and Dorchester are also within easy reach and have a number of independent shops and local eateries to try.
In addition to beautiful countryside and rich history, Dorset is also home to a fabulous coastline. Hop in the car and within an hour (heading south), you will find yourself at the Jurassic Coast where millions of years of rock formations can be seen. The imposing golden cliffs at West Bay are a sight to behold and if you are feeling energetic there are some clifftop walks that will offer you incredible vistas across this special place.
Ground Floor
Utility-room with washing machine and tumble-drier
Shower-room with shower, WC and wash-basin
Kitchen/Breakfast-room with electric hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher
Snug with TV and wood-burner
Sitting/Dining-room with TV and wood-burner
Conservatory
First Floor
Bedroom 1 with king-size double bed (5')
Bedroom 2 with king-size double bed (5')
Bedroom 3 with double bed (4'6")
Steps to Bathroom with bath, shower cubicle, WC and wash-basin
Second Floor
Bedroom 4 with twin beds (3')
As to be expected in a traditional cottage of this age, there are some low beams and lintels, sloped ceilings, internal steps and uneven floors. Please note the Aga is ornamental and not available for use. There are also some steps in the garden and it is not enclosed. There are approximately five steps from the parking area to the property. Take care when entering and exiting the driveway, as the gradient is quite sharp where it meets the roadway. Please note that although this property has beds for eight, it only accommodates a maximum of six guests.
Features
- Dogs welcome (1 only)
- Travel cot and high chair
- Arrive/Depart Friday
- Short breaks available
- Wood-burner/Open fire
- Private parking for 3 cars
- WiFi
- No smoking
- Pub .25 miles
- Patio furniture
- Full gas-fired CH (partial under-floor)
Light the wood-burner and cosy up.
Holiday meals here will be ones to remember.
Such a gorgeous house awaits you.
You'll enjoy cooking up holiday meals in this sociable space. Please note the Aga at the far end is decorative only and not for use.
The open plan sitting/dining-room is perfect for socialising in.
Sink back in to the super comfy bed in the main bedroom.
There are so many parts of the garden to explore.
Excellently equipped with all you could need.
Bay Tree Cottage is a true country cottage with wonderful charm.
Just off the kitchen/breakfast-room is this cosy snug; perfect for hiding away in.
Oh so cosy.
The conservatory is an additional bonus space where you can escape with a good book.
While away the hours in here.
Another view of this pretty bedroom.
We love the cute window seat.
Neutral tones and soft linen ensure you can totally relax.
The modern family bathroom has a bath and separate shower cubicle.
The gorgeous twin room has so much character. Please take care with the sloping ceilings.
Glorious beams showing the history of this cottage.
In true cottage character this property has a number of internal steps, wonky floors and low beams/ceilings - please take care.
Please take care on the steps down from the garden.
Play hide and seek amongst the trees.
Keep your eyes peeled for the driveway.
The famous Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is a short drive away.
The National Trust Stourhead Estate is a wonderful place to visit.
The golden cliffs at West Bay are a sight to behold.
The beautiful market town of Sherborne is a short distance away.
To truly immerse yourself in Hardy country, take a visit to his birthplace, just outside of Dorchester.