Rosemary Cottage

In the heart of a private estate of holiday cottages at Higher Bockhampton, opposite Hardy’s Cottage and framed by the ancient Thorncombe Woods, sits Rosemary Cottage. Graded 4-Star by VisitEngland, this two-storey terraced cottage sleeps four and combines the character of antique furnishings with the ease of modern updates. With French doors leading directly onto the estate’s badminton lawn and shared hot tubs, it’s a lively, sociable spot for families or friends looking for both comfort and fun.

The kitchen has been thoughtfully modernised with a breakfast bar, large fridge-freezer, dishwasher and washer-dryer, so self-catering is simple and practical. The sitting room brings charm and comfort together, with a smart flat-screen television, stylish modern fire, and a dining area at one end. French doors open out onto a patio with table, chairs and umbrella, where you can sit back while others enjoy the games on the lawn or soak in one of the two shared hot tubs nearby.

Upstairs, two comfortable bedrooms give Rosemary Cottage its flexible layout. The double overlooks the courtyard and includes a smart TV, while the twin room has zip-link beds that can be arranged as two singles or a superking, with views across the gardens. Between them sits a contemporary bathroom with shower over bath, basin and WC. Soft rugs and carpets throughout the upper floor add warmth and comfort, making it easy to relax after a day of exploring.

Staying at Rosemary Cottage means enjoying not just the cottage itself but also the facilities across the wider estate. Guests have access to two tennis courts, badminton and croquet lawns, and a boule pitch, while the games room offers pool, table tennis and table football for indoor entertainment. Children will find hours of fun in the wooden playhouse, willow den, swings and playroom, while families enjoy collecting fresh eggs from the hens or picking seasonal produce from the kitchen garden. Dogs are well looked after too, with a secure paddock for off-lead walks and direct access to woodland trails. Shared hot tubs and landscaped lawns provide peaceful places to unwind at the end of the day.

The estate’s setting in Higher Bockhampton places you in the heart of Hardy’s Dorset, with woodland and heathland walks starting right outside the gate. Trails lead through Thorncombe Woods and Puddletown Forest, where ancient Roman roads, wide open tracks and shaded glades provide routes for everything from short family strolls to long rambles. Wildlife is often spotted here too, with deer, ponies and a variety of birdlife to discover.

Three miles away, the county town of Dorchester offers an appealing mix of history and convenience, with independent shops, regular markets and museums including the Dorset Museum and The Keep. For days by the sea, the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast is within easy reach. Families will love Weymouth’s sandy beach, while walkers can explore the dramatic cliffs of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Fossil hunters may head to Lyme Regis or Charmouth, while those seeking quieter corners will enjoy Ringstead Bay or the sweeping stretch of Chesil Beach. Traditional pubs and inns, such as The Wise Man in West Stafford or The Blue Vinny in Puddletown, offer hearty Dorset meals at the end of a day outdoors.

Stylish yet homely, with a unique position overlooking the badminton lawn, Rosemary Cottage offers a comfortable base within a sociable estate setting, where families and friends can enjoy both lively shared spaces and the tranquillity of Dorset’s countryside.