Lilac Cottage

In the village of Higher Bockhampton, opposite Thomas Hardy’s birthplace and bordered by Thorncombe Woods, lies a private estate of characterful holiday cottages. At its heart is Lilac Cottage: a magnificent thatched home graded 4-Star Gold by VisitEngland and designed for gathering on a grand scale. Sleeping up to twelve guests across four spacious bedrooms, this dog-friendly retreat is the largest house on the estate and the perfect choice for celebrations, from milestone birthdays and anniversaries to festive family reunions.

The vast sitting and dining room is designed for memorable evenings together. Exposed beams arch overhead, a long table seats twelve with ease, and a wood-burning stove brings warmth and atmosphere to the space. Sofas gather around a 52” smart TV and Wii console, making the room just as suited to lively games as it is to long, firelit conversations. The adjoining galley kitchen, recently updated, is fully equipped for cooking on a grand scale with two ovens, a gas hob, dishwasher, two fridges, a freezer, microwave and washing machine. A utility space with cloakroom WC adds convenience for large groups.

The four bedrooms are arranged to suit both families and friends. The master suite comes with a king-size bed, 40” smart TV and en-suite bathroom with separate shower. A second king room has its own shower room, while another combines a king-size bed with full-size bunks to create a generous family suite. The fourth bedroom is perfect for children or teens, with twin zip-link beds (convertible to a superking) alongside additional bunks. Every bedroom offers ample storage, TVs and space for cots, and a family bathroom completes the layout.

Doors from the sitting room open to a broad patio with dining furniture for twelve, sun loungers and a barbecue. Beyond lies a large enclosed lawn that sweeps down towards a willow-fringed paddock and wildlife pond, with views across the surrounding countryside. It’s a garden designed for fun, games and celebrations that spill easily from indoors to out.

Guests at Lilac Cottage enjoy access to the estate’s extensive shared facilities, which make holidays here just as appealing for children as they are for adults. There are two tennis courts, lawns for badminton, croquet and boules, and a well-equipped games room with table tennis, pool and table football. Younger children can explore a dedicated playroom, a wooden playhouse, a willow den and swings, while families enjoy visiting the kitchen garden to pick seasonal fruit and vegetables or collect fresh eggs from the hens. Dogs are warmly welcomed, with a secure paddock for off-lead exercise and direct walking access into the surrounding woods. For quieter moments, landscaped gardens, nature trails and communal hot tubs across the site provide peaceful alternatives.

The estate sits within Hardy’s Dorset, a landscape of timeless heath, ancient woodland and scattered villages that inspired much of the writer’s work. From the gate, trails lead directly into Thorncombe Woods and Puddletown Forest, where Roman roads cut through open heathland, hidden ponds glint between the trees, and wild ponies and deer are often seen at dawn or dusk. These walks suit both casual morning strolls and full-day rambles, with routes that reward you with sweeping views across the rolling countryside.

Just a few miles away lies Dorchester, the county town, where history and culture meet modern convenience. Visit the Dorset Museum or the Keep Military Museum, browse independent shops, or take in the regular markets. Dorchester also has two train stations with mainline connections to London and the South West, making it a practical base as well as a rural escape.

Within a short drive, the Jurassic Coast stretches out in both directions. Families can enjoy Weymouth’s long sandy beach with its Blue Flag waters and promenade, while walkers can follow the South West Coast Path over the cliffs at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Fossil hunters can head further west to Lyme Regis or Charmouth, while those seeking quieter spots will love the pebbled arc of Ringstead Bay or the wild sweep of Chesil Beach.

Closer to home, traditional country pubs such as The Wise Man at West Stafford or The Blue Vinny at Puddletown serve hearty meals and Dorset ales, while farm shops and tearooms in the surrounding villages offer homemade treats and local produce. With so much variety close at hand, days here can be as active or as relaxed as you choose, with the promise of Lilac Cottage’s garden and hot tub to welcome you back at the end of each adventure.