Notes from the host
Lavender Cottage D
Summary:
Located on the borders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this cottage for 3 offers the best of both worlds. It’s heaven for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with some of England’s loveliest country and access to over 50 miles of woodland trails with beautiful scenic views in neighbouring Pen Selwood. This charming terraced cottage has two bedrooms, a pretty garden and a cosy sitting room with a wood burner and smart TV. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
The Space:
Nestled amongst the idyllic Dorset countryside, on the outskirts of Cranborne Chase AONB, is this picture-perfect cottage for three. Surrounded by luscious greenery and a host of wildlife, Lavender Cottage blends seamlessly into its peaceful landscape.
Its close proximity to the Somerset/Wiltshire borders means you have dozens of picturesque towns and villages to explore (Bruton, Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Bath to name a few) with an ample selection of some of the best gastropubs in the UK (many of which welcome dogs) and only an hour from the beautiful Jurassic coast.
The cottage is a great base for visiting a number of nearby events and attractions, from country estates such as Stourhead, Longleat and The Newt to the world famous Stonehenge and Glastonbury Festival and the thrills of Wincanton Races.
For those seeking a more active break, there are over 50 miles of woodland trails to enjoy (whether by foot, on horseback or by bike) a stone’s throw away, and you can head out on quiet country lanes straight from your door! For keen golfers, there is a beautiful, scenic and challenging short course right in the village. If you prefer to stay put, the spacious garden provides the perfect backdrop for sunny days, and you can while away the hours with a good book and afternoon tea.
On cooler evenings, it’s easy to stay sitting snuggled up on the sofa while the wood-burner blazes and a film plays on the smart TV. Beautiful traditional features have been restored throughout, adding to the homely feel that welcomes you from the minute you arrive.
Upstairs, two cosy bedrooms await with plenty of built in storage to make you feel right at home. The master, which has a double bed, overlooks the garden, so you can wake up to the gentle sounds of nature. Whilst the bedroom next door has a small single.
Walkers, cyclists, horse riders and dog lovers will all be in heaven here! Expect the English countryside at its finest.
Guest Access:
Guests have access to the whole cottage, including a secure utility room that offers extra storage space. There is parking for two vehicles on the drive and a shed to store bikes.
The Neighborhood:
Lavender Cottage lies in the heart of the West Country, surrounded by peaceful countryside and abundant wildlife. Despite the tranquil rural location, it’s conveniently situated just minutes from the A303 and within easy reach of three mainline train stations with direct connections to London, Bristol and Bath. The journeys are worth it for the views alone! The nearby towns of Wincanton and Gillingham have excellent amenities, from supermarkets and local shops to sports centres and swimming pools. Bourton village has a well-stocked shop, post office and a great pub, the White Lion, within walking distance.
The local Farm Shop sells superb, locally-sourced fresh meat, vegetables and other produce whilst the Otter Garden Centre is fun to potter around and also has a good café. There are numerous top-quality restaurants within easy reach, including The Newt at Castle Cary, The Clockspire in Milborne Port, The Green in Sherborne and Osip, The Table, Matt’s Kitchen, At the Chapel and Roth Grill (Hauser and Wirth) in foodie Bruton. Fantastic gastropubs include The Bell and Crown at Zeals, The Smithy at Charlton Musgrove, the award-winning White Post in Yeovil and the Bradley Hare at Maiden Bradley.
Shaftesbury and Sherborne, known as the region’s best market towns, are a short drive away. Shaftesbury is perfect for picking up freshly-baked bread at the Saturday market, visiting independent shops and wandering the steep cobbled street of Gold Hill (that iconic Hovis ad). Sherborne’s glorious abbey is a must, whilst its castles, antique and art shops and fashion boutiques are also unmissable. Stylish Bruton – a treasure trove of foodie ties and artisan shops - is just 14 minutes away whilst Bristol and Bath are only an hour away by car. The cottage is surrounded by several splendid country estates. 5 minutes’ drive away lies Stourhead with its mansion house, celebrated gardens and 2,500 acres of unspoilt countryside to explore. King Alfred’s Tower is a great historical landmark here, set amidst miles of fairy-tale forest trails winding through the estate. Expect scenic views and English landscapes at their finest!
Just a hop, skip and a jump away is The Newt, a relatively new arrival on the local scene which has attracted international acclaim for its acres of stunning gardens, woodland, farmland, cider orchards and renowned farm shop and restaurants. Likewise in terms of international profile, Hauser and Wirth just outside Bruton is a contemporary art gallery on a restored working farm that features landscaped gardens, dining and a fabulous farm shop. Only a little further afield is Longleat, with another magnificent stately and a world-famous safari park.
Other local attractions include the amazing Fleet Air Arm Museum (with a genuine Concorde in situ) at Yeovilton, the thrills of Wincanton Racecourse (9 minutes away), the scenic 18-hole Bullpits golf course, the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge and iconic Glastonbury Festival (within 45 minutes). The Jurassic Coast and Dorset’s fabled sandy
beaches are only an hour or so’s drive away.
Many more recommendations for the area can be viewed in our comprehensive Guest Guide.
Getting Around:
Due to the remote nature of Dorset, we would recommend brining a car to make the most of your stay. There is parking for 2 vehicles on the driveway.
There are several train stations within easy reach of the cottage (Gillingham, Bruton, Castle Cary), offering both direct connections and scenic routes to London, Bristol and Bath, the Dorset coast and further into Somerset and Devon.
Other Things to Note:
Dogs are welcome at Lavender Cottage. Whilst the garden is fenced, we cannot guarantee it is completely secure so would not advise leaving dogs unattended.
Please note, the bathroom has now been upgraded following on from some guest's feedback.
Some guests have commented that the ceilings in the property are low, which is to be expected of a period cottage. However, they are still much taller than most people with the lowest ceiling in the master bedroom being 6ft 6.5 inches. The other rooms are all above 6ft 8 inches.
Interaction with Guests:
We will be available via message, email and phone during your stay. Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
