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Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country.

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country.

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Outdoor dining
Property grounds
Unclassified image, 4 of 41, button
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel cot

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 51 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace

Room options

Exterior

A spacious, well equipped private annexe with garden and parking in Shaftesbury.

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (9)
A spacious, well equipped private annexe with garden and parking in Shaftesbury.
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About the area

Map
Shaftesbury, Dorset

What's nearby

  • Gold Hill Museum - 5 min walk
  • Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden - 6 min walk
  • Stourhead - 19 min drive
  • Center Parcs Longleat Forest - 24 min drive
  • Longleat Safari and Adventure Park - 31 min drive

Getting around

  • Gillingham Dorset Station - 11 min drive
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gillingham Railway Station - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Orchard Park Garden Centre - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪San Tonino Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Half Moon - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Amy's Fish & Chips - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country.

Our popular cottage provides a comfortable base to explore the local area. Shaftesbury is renowned for its stunning location and Barbers Cottage provides a central location to stay at with all the lovely cafes and boutique shops within a couple of minutes walk. Internal exposed stonework and beams couple with a house which is designed to be a home from home.
A large living space has two sofas, and a gas 'wood' burning stove - cool in the summer and cosy warm in winter months. A large 6-seater dining room with limed, solid oak furniture is adjacent to an excellently equipped kitchen with range cooker and both lead onto a private terrace with garden tables and chairs. There is a lovely raised terrace as well which is perfect for idyllic morning sun (and a coffee) giving you in-town peace and tranquility. Through the gate, steps lead you to the lawn and unique, mature garden - a plant lovers paradise and a place to play games with children.
Upstairs the large master bedroom has a king size bed and original ceiling beams (an extra person can be accommodated here)with vintage furniture. The twin bedroom leads from a large landing. The bathroom, with a separate shower, has a roll top double end bath and and a loo. There is a second loo upstairs.
The furniture has been chosen to be as sustainable as possible - FSC wood or vintage. Cotton sheets and comfy beds add to a very enjoyable stay.

IN A WEEK.....
- browse the boutiques, cafes, antique and craft shops
- buy fresh bread and cakes at local artisan bakers
- have a lunch at the Grosvenor's restaurant or go for a sandwich in the salt cellar at the top of Gold Hill with stunning views (if you remember the Hovis advert!)
- walk on the downs (this is an area of outstanding natural beauty) or take the views in from Park Walk in town, past the Abbey and to the other side on Castle Hill and admire the magnificent views towards Glastonbury Tor and the Downs
- have a swim in the outdoor pool in town (in summer)
- watch the sun set from the Mitre pub back deck
- walk down (rather than up) Gold Hill, from the Hovis Ads

or visit castles, safaris parks, English houses and gardens, the jurrassic coast, stonehenge, farms or go for a swim in the sea.

or just relax in our comfortable cottage drinking tea and eating gorgeous cake that can we can have waiting for you by request.

Worth a trip:
Shaftesbury boasts lots of independent shops from delis to cake shops to cafes. Try the Chutneys at the Deli or the morning croissants at the Bakers. The Mitre pub in town has a back deck with views down the Blackmore Vale, a great early evening spot in the summer. There are many walks straight from town which can take you to the heart of the countryside and the Cambourne Chase.

Our House / Young Kids?:
The garden was created by a keen gardener and there is a top lawn which in spring and summer is bursting in colour and plants. The terrace which can be accessed by the back door or fence windows is a great place to relax or have a BBQ. A gate to the steps and the rest of the garden means toddlers can play without you worrying about them walking up the steps.

Other things for Kids

There are games and books for children to use. The house is equipped with a high chair, cot, blender, microwave and other things that parents with babies and toddlers may need. The local area has hundreds of things for children to do from longleaf Safari Park to Old Castles - it would be difficult to get bored even in the rain.

Markets in town:
Every Tuesday - Antiques Market (Town Hall)
Every Weds Early Evening - Paella outside the town hall
1st saturday of every month - Farmers Market
1st sunday of the month - a fabulous market
Thursday mornings - WI Country Market (Town Hall)

DORSET COUNTY FAIR - September
SNOWDROP FESTIVAL feb - March
SHAFTESBURY FESTIVAL - June for a week
SHAFTESBURY OPEN GARDENS - June
GOLD HILL FAIR first week of July
LAMER TREE FESTIVAL July
SHAFTESBURY CARNIVAL September
Gillingham Carnival Oct
Jane Austen Lyme Regis Weekend Oct

Property manager

Sally Warren

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 11 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Listed Cottage Heart Shaftesbury's Saxon Area
Listed Cottage Heart Saxon Area
Listed Heart Shaftesbury's Saxon Area
Listed Heart Saxon Area
Listed Cottage in the Heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon Area Cottage
Cottage Listed Cottage in the Heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon Area
Listed Heart Saxon Area

Frequently asked questions

Does Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country. located?

This family-friendly Shaftesbury cottage is located in a rural location, within a 10-minute walk of Gold Hill Museum and Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden. Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs and Melbury Vale Winery are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tricia R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas stay
I booked the cottage for family members visiting over Christmas and was delighted w my choice. The house itself is beautifully appointed and has been sympathetically extended. It was a pleasure to welcome my travel weary relatives into such a warm and restful space. Everything went smoothly from the minute I contacted the host through the cpl of amendments made and then the key pickup. I would definitely recommend this cottage and hosts to anyone visiting the town.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacky T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great base for exploring this part of Dorset
Lovely, quirky, old property well renovated to maximise useable space. Well appointed and well supplied with disposables (loo roll, dishwasher tablets etc). Small issue with slow draining shower resolved promptly.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Helen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cottage
We had the most fantastic 5 days staying at this beautiful and very comfortable cottage. We had everything we needed, the beds were so comfortable, the garden is heavenly and the location is fantastic.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect local feel
Great place in a perfect English town. Great area and walking distance to everything. Having a parking spot was a must and extremely helpful. Our fam of four absolutely loved our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Roger W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pre winter break
Ideal location for walking and exploring - very comfy cottage located close to all the amenities of the small town.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

john d.

Liked: Cleanliness
August Week
Superb location for visiting the surrounding areas. Ideal as the property is on the edge of the town centre and everything you need is within walking distance
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

louise v.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property
Lovely property and a great stay but the check in process was really confusing, I had no idea of the address where the key safe was kept. I asked 2 local people for directions and finally found it after 30 mins.

10/10 Excellent

Emma L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous
What a stunning cottage! Quirky, but very spacious. We really enjoyed our stay, the cottage had everything we needed. Hosts were fantastic - we had an issue with the shower and the handyman arrived within 15 minutes of my phone call to Sally! Super, I’d highly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Kim B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Cottage and Garden
A super, well-equipped cottage full of charm and character with a well-designed, spacious layout. Very comfortably and tastefully furnished. The garden is very pretty and a large part of it was in the sun all day long in September. The parking space at the back of the property was very useful. All the attractions of the historic centre of Shaftesbury are within easy walking distance. The owner was very friendly and helpful. Everything you could want for a relaxing holiday.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Monica K.

Lovely cottage in Shaftesbury
Really beautiful cottage, very comfortable and near the town, with cafes, restaurants and nice views nearby. The downstairs room is very cozy and comfy. Upstairs, nice towels, linen, and pillows, comfy beds. Plenty of storage for clothes, a nice bath, everything set with a calming atmosphere in mind, and in good working order. Sally clearly knows how to host and gave us some great ideas of things to do, all very much appreciated. The kitchen is well equipped but due to CV19 cutlery was reduced (not sure why) so we had to wash them every time instead of loading the dishwasher. Overall cleanness (bathroom and kitchen) could improve, yet this didn't spoil our stay. Very relaxing. We wouldn't hesitate to come back or recommend this place.

10/10 Excellent

Felicity S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Central location
Lovely cottage in the heart if Shaftesbury. Well equipped and comfortable. Great base for exploring the surrounding area and an excellent Indian restaurant on the same street (Chutney’s).
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tracy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just Lovely!
Wonderfully comfortable, cosy and welcoming - we have stayed twice, and look forward very much to returning one day. Sally was enormously helpful, and very patient with me when I got in a muddle over dates - she could not have done more.

8/10 Good

Sue L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Barbers Cottage
spacious, comfortable, excellent location

10/10 Excellent

Victoria M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Berber cottage - the cottage was delightful and thoughtfully equipped. Would definitely recommend!
The rental experience was straightforward and easy. Sally answered any queries promptly. Shaftesbury is lovely, a really pretty town set in amazing countryside. However we spent a lot of time driving south ( which is quite time consuming) so would probably base ourselves nearer the coast in the future.

8/10 Good

JULIA W.

Lovely cottage, good location
We stayed for a week over Christmas. Lovely cottage, decorated beautifully and very clean. Very thoughtful welcome gifts were an unexpected surprise!! Has all the amenities that you'd need and the parking space is very handy. The location in the centre of Shaftesbury is very convenient for shops, pubs and restaurants. Some lovely walks nearby, recommend Fontmell Down. Four stars instead of five only because of the single glazing that makes traffic noise and people very loud sometimes. Neighbor with dogs was also somewhat disruptive, but overall these minor distrubances did not detract from a wonderful stay, thanks!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Jane S.

Cosy Cottage in Central Location
Lovely cottage which is very close to the town centre, with the added bonus of a parking space. We had a lovely few days with amazing weather and would heartily recommend Shaftesbury as a base from which to explore the area. One comment - would suggest that the kitchen lighting be improved as it was a little dull for cooking in the evening.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tracy H.

Idyllic
Spotless, pretty, comfortable, cosy and ideal for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Raúl G.

Amazing house and very convenient for those with children
Stayed there with familly for 3 nights. The place is very clean. Beds are comfy and the kitchen very well equipped. Sally, the owner, was allways helpful when we had any questions. The house is located in very centre of shaftesbury so you can walk around easily. It has a parking place just at the back of the property, just 1 minute walk. After a day out you can relax in the garden! Strongly recommended, will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

The property was very comfortable and its location brilliant
Had a great relaxed time. Lovely to find somewhere close to the town and that had a lovely garden to relax in.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Debbie M.

Barber cottage well located to the village town center.
The overall experience was delightful. Loved having the half bath. Parking space a wonderful addition. When railing is installed on steps it will give easy access to entering cottage through garden. The key pick up was complicated due to the typo in email for the address. The GPS did not recognize (Pasrons Poole) nor did locals.The key box is not located at cottage but off property. We finally discovered that the street is Parsons Poole for lockbox. We had issues with lack of hot water but the problem was solved. Kitchen well stocked, beds comfortable. We would come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

Wonderful Cottage
The cottage has everything you need is generously sized with a lovely garden to enjoy. The bedrooms are very comfortable and it was nice and cool in the warm weather. The parking space behind the cottage is also an added bonus. There is plenty to do and see nearby and the shops are very handy. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten T.

Cosy cottage with lovely garden
Perfectly fitted, comfortable cottage in the centre of Shaftesbury. Large kitchen. The garden has seats and benches in several areas. A real home from home we would love to revisit.

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Great winter bolthole
Lovely well set out cottage which was perfect for a long weekend. The kitchen was very well equipped and the place was warm and had welcome provisions when we arrived...and some daffodils! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018

8/10 Good

Susan B.

Sweet and comfortable cottage
Well located cottage with close proximity to walking paths and shops. We did not have a car so quickly became familiar with the surrounding area. Infrequent bus service made for some careful planning. The property owner was very quick to respond to questions. Shaftesbury is a delightful town and we enjoyed the week immensely.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Juliet B.

Beautifully restored , clean, cosy and homely feeling
Property on high street , perfect location for a short walk to the town and amenities . Gold hill just around the corner . Plenty of lovely cafes and eateries . A short drive away from airfield and longleat . Fabulous , can't wait to go back .
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017