Heather Cottage

• Distance to Maiden Castle - 5.6 miles
• Distance to Athelhampton House & Gardens - 3.7 miles
• Distance to Pub (The Blue Vinny) - 3.3 miles
• Distance to Grocery Shop (Waitrose & Partners) - 2.6 miles

Heather Cottage is a welcoming retreat that blends rustic charm with modern comfort, making it a wonderful choice for families or groups of friends seeking space, style, and a touch of Dorset heritage. Certified 4-Star Gold by VisitEngland, this single-storey, dog-friendly cottage has been thoughtfully renovated to combine exposed beams and original brickwork with sleek furnishings and contemporary artwork.

Sleeping six across three bedrooms, the cottage is both practical and inviting. The master bedroom features a sumptuous super king-sized bed and smart television, while a flexible twin room (with zip-link beds) and a cheerful bunk room provide versatile options for both adults and children. Two modern bathrooms — one with designer fittings and a bath with shower over, the other a sleek shower room with power shower — ensure comfort for all guests.

The heart of the cottage is its spacious open-plan living and dining room, designed for sociable evenings together. A large dining table sets the scene for relaxed meals, while comfortable seating and a smart television make the lounge an ideal spot to unwind after a day’s adventures. The adjoining galley-style kitchen is finished with solid wood worktops and includes a fridge freezer, dishwasher, and double oven, plus a handy breakfast bar for morning coffees or easy suppers.

Outside, Heather Cottage enjoys its own fully enclosed garden, complete with a private hot tub, barbecue, and outdoor dining furniture. It’s the perfect setting for long summer evenings or warming dips beneath the stars, and being enclosed, it also offers peace of mind for guests bringing dogs or little ones.

Set within an exclusive countryside estate, Heather Cottage offers far more than just a cottage stay. Guests have use of superb shared facilities including tennis courts, a games room with table tennis, pool, and table football, and an indoor playroom for younger children. Families can explore acres of grounds, complete with a play area, willow den, and kitchen garden where you can pick your own seasonal produce. Dogs are also very welcome here, with an enclosed paddock for safe off-lead exercise and miles of woodland trails leading directly from the site. For added indulgence, guests can also enjoy shared outdoor hot tubs on the badminton lawn and collect fresh eggs from the resident hens.

Heather Cottage sits in the peaceful hamlet of Higher Bockhampton, just steps from Thorncombe Woods and opposite Hardy’s Cottage, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. From your door, you can head out on woodland and heathland trails that stretch through Puddletown Forest and across the rolling Dorset countryside. This is a location where history and nature meet: ancient Roman roads, hidden ponds, and free-roaming ponies make every walk feel special.

The nearby county town of Dorchester (just three miles away) offers independent shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as two excellent museums dedicated to Hardy’s life and work. Within a short drive, you’ll also find the Jurassic Coast, with its spectacular cliffs, coves, and sandy beaches, including Ringstead Bay, Lulworth Cove, and the famous Durdle Door. Traditional pubs and tearooms can be found in every neighbouring village, offering hearty meals and a warm welcome after days spent exploring.

Whether you’re seeking a restful countryside retreat or a base for discovering Dorset’s coast and countryside, Heather Cottage offers the best of both worlds in an undeniably charming setting.