Hillside Cottage, Shaftesbury

Dorset. Sleeps up to 10

Nestled in the picturesque Donhead St Mary just outside the market town of Shaftesbury, on the Dorset and Wiltshire border lies Hillside, a delightful cottage dating back to the 19th Century boasting a tree-top setting and an irresistible calmness. Perfect for a multigenerational family, this inviting modern cottage offers everything you will need for a relaxing break. Stepping into the property, a stunning open-plan living space offers to be the social hub throughout your stay; with a sleek kitchen fit with an electric oven, gas hob and two handy dishwashers, you can look forward to gathering as a group over dinner to discuss the day's activities. From here, make your way into the sitting room where you can warm your toes in front of the woodburning stove before sinking into the sofas to watch TV or play games for the evening with your loved ones. As the evening draws to a close, head to one of the 5 bedrooms (3 with ensuite bathrooms) with their super comfortable beds before another busy day of exploring the local area. The ground floor is home to a king-size with an en-suite shower room and French doors leading to it’s own little terrace, providing a haven of calm and a bit of easier access for some members of your group. Climb the stairs to the first floor where you will find the remaining sleeping quarters including three king-sizes (two ensuite) and a twin, where the group can rest their eyes, open the windows and take in the amazing woodland sounds, owls by night and a multitude of birdsong at dawn. Servicing two of the bedrooms is a family bathroom complete with a bath, a rain shower over, a double basin and WC where you can freshen up between activities, and a cloakroom back on the ground floor. The outdoor space at the property should be taken advantage of any time of year; boasting pretty terrace gardens, you can take your lunch al fresco, have a game of table-tennis or perhaps spend an evening watching the full moon rise gazing up at the stars. For days out while at Hillside cottage, explore the immediate vicinity walking, cycling the trails, or visiting some of the best pubs in the country like the Beckford Arms in Tisbury, or King John’s Head in Tollard Royal both just 10 minutes away. Why not head South to Poole Harbour, Wareham. Durdle Door on the Jurrassic Coast. Head North to Bruton with its exquisite art galleries and restaurants like Hauzer and Wirth. If you head East to Salisbury with arguably Britain’s most extraordinary Cathedral which took a hundred years to build starting in1220 with a wooden spire more than 400 feet high. Of course, if you want to get really stuck into history Stonehenge is also only 15 minutes drive from Salisbury. Head five minutes West from Hillside Cottage to the picturesque Shaftesbury home of Gold Hill, the steepest street in England. The Gold Hill museum is encompassed by a well-kept garden with a view over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale. You could visit the picture-perfect Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden, and spend an afternoon exploring the grounds where the dramatic abbey once stood; here, you will also find extensive herb gardens and orchards dating back as far as 888. Avid walkers will relish in the abundance of walking routes, which can also be taken by bicycle, with the famous Castle Hill being a popular walk due to the vast and rewarding views over the town from the top, the Rushmore Estate, the Fonthill Estate and Wardour Castle all so close by. Further afield there are many more walks and attractions, such as the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, or if you are travelling with younger members of your group, Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World is reachable by car. If you don't fancy cooking one evening, head out to The Mitre, for traditional pub grub and real ale, The Beckford Arms, or the King John for a gastro-pub experience, or if you are more of an early bird, The Rising Sun is just a short walk away and offers Barista coffee in a homely setting, or the Shaftesbury High Street offers a fine selection of breakfast and coffee options. For a magical trip with your loved ones, choose Hillside.