Poppy Cottage

In the hamlet of Higher Bockhampton, opposite Hardy’s Cottage and surrounded by the beauty of Thorncombe Woods, sits a private estate of holiday cottages with shared gardens, play areas and facilities for all ages. Among them, Poppy Cottage is a 4-Star Gold single-storey property designed with families in mind. Dog friendly and sleeping four plus a cot, this light-filled cottage combines contemporary open-plan living with outdoor spaces that make the most of its peaceful setting.

The layout is designed for easy family living. An open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room means everyone can enjoy time together, whether cooking, playing games at the table, or watching a film on the smart television. French doors lead straight onto a secure lawn at the back of the cottage, making it easy for children or dogs to potter safely outside.

Two bedrooms provide comfort and flexibility. The master bedroom features a super king-sized bed, a modern fire, seating area, smart TV and French doors leading to a private patio that catches the afternoon sun—a lovely retreat for a quiet moment with a book or an evening drink. The second bedroom has full-size bunk beds, perfect for children but equally suited to adults. The bathroom is modern and practical, with a shower over bath, WC and basin. Outside, a table and chairs create a relaxed space for al fresco dining.

Guests at Poppy Cottage have access to the full range of facilities across the estate. There are tennis courts, badminton and croquet lawns, and boules, while the games room provides entertainment indoors with pool, table tennis and table football. Younger children will delight in the playroom, wooden playhouse and willow den, while the kitchen garden and hen run are firm favourites with families keen to collect fresh eggs and seasonal produce. Shared hot tubs are set among the gardens, ideal for unwinding after a day’s exploring, and dogs are well catered for too with a fully enclosed paddock and direct access into the woods for long walks.

The estate is set within Hardy’s Dorset, a timeless landscape of woodland, heath and farmland that inspired much of his writing. From the door, trails lead into Thorncombe Woods and Puddletown Forest, where you can follow ancient tracks, discover hidden ponds and watch for deer in the early mornings. These walks are as well suited to a gentle family amble as they are to a longer day’s adventure.

The nearby county town of Dorchester offers history and culture with its museums, weekly markets and independent shops, as well as two railway stations with mainline connections to London and the South West. A short drive takes you to the Jurassic Coast, where options range from the sandy beach and lively harbour of Weymouth to the iconic cliffs of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, or the fossil-rich beaches of Charmouth and Lyme Regis. For quieter escapes, the sweeping shingle of Chesil Beach and the sheltered arc of Ringstead Bay offer a more tranquil experience. Villages across the area are dotted with welcoming pubs such as The Blue Vinny at Puddletown or The Wise Man at West Stafford, perfect for hearty meals at the end of a day’s exploring.

Combining a modern open-plan layout with its own secure garden and sunny patio, Poppy Cottage is a family-friendly cottage where children, adults and dogs alike can enjoy the very best of a countryside estate and Dorset’s spectacular coast and woodland.