Snowdrop Cottage

Set within a private countryside estate opposite Hardy’s Cottage in Higher Bockhampton, Snowdrop Cottage is a VisitEngland 5-Star retreat designed for families and groups looking for a blend of luxury and comfort. Sleeping up to eight across four bedrooms, this detached, dog-friendly property combines traditional country character with stylish modern touches. Wooden floors, soft furnishings, and a welcoming log-burning stove set the tone, while the enclosed garden, complete with private hot tub, outdoor seating and barbecue, offers the perfect setting for both lively summer evenings and quiet starry nights.

The cottage’s sociable heart is its open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. The fully equipped kitchen, with its double oven, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washing machine, makes self-catering easy, whether it’s a simple breakfast before heading out for a walk or a celebratory family dinner. A large dining table anchors the space, ideal for long, chatty meals, while the lounge invites you to sink into the sofas by the warmth of the log burner. A smart TV and DVD player ensure relaxed entertainment on quieter evenings.

Each of the four bedrooms has been carefully designed to balance practicality with comfort. The master suite feels especially indulgent, with its king-size wrought iron bed, en-suite WC and a roll-top claw-foot bath in the room, perfect for an evening soak with a view of the garden beyond. A twin bedroom with zip-link beds can be arranged to suit your group and comes with its own en-suite shower room, while a spacious double provides storage and a desk space should you need to work while away. The final bedroom, set up with a small double bunk and a single above, is full of cheer and perfectly suited to children or teens. A family shower room and an additional cloakroom WC ensure there is no waiting, even with a full house.

Step outside and the enclosed private garden becomes an extension of the living space. A hot tub invites evenings of indulgence, while a barbecue and outdoor furniture make dining al fresco effortless. It is a space designed to be lived in throughout the day, from lazy mornings with coffee to nights gathered under the stars.

Snowdrop Cottage is one of a collection of cottages set within a private estate that feels wonderfully rural yet comes with an impressive range of facilities. Guests can enjoy acres of green space with tennis courts, a badminton and croquet lawn, and boules for those who like a little gentle competition. For children, the estate is a playground in itself, with a wooden playhouse, playroom filled with toys, a willow den, football nets and a nature trail to spark the imagination. Older children and adults alike will enjoy the games room with pool, table tennis, table football and bar billiards, while quieter corners offer shelves of books and DVDs for rainy days.

Food lovers can gather fresh produce from the kitchen garden or collect eggs from the hens in the morning, adding a wholesome touch to holiday breakfasts. For dogs, there’s a fully enclosed exercise paddock, while the wider grounds and surrounding woodland offer an endless variety of walks. Communal hot tubs set by the lawns create a sociable space to soak, and a central laundry provides additional machines and storage space for longer stays. A weekly events board keeps guests informed of local happenings, from village fairs to markets.

The estate sits at the edge of Thorncombe Woods, which merge into Puddletown Forest, offering a network of trails that begin right outside the gate. These ancient paths inspired much of Thomas Hardy’s writing, and today they provide everything from shaded short walks to longer rambles where you may spot deer, wild ponies or the shimmer of hidden ponds. It is an area rich in history and natural beauty, perfect for those who like to lace up their boots and explore.

Within ten minutes’ drive lies Dorchester, the county town, with its weekly markets, museums, independent shops and mainline rail connections to London and the South Coast. The Jurassic Coast is equally close, with Weymouth’s sandy beach, Chesil’s dramatic shingle ridge, and the iconic natural landmarks of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door all within easy reach. After a day of adventure, nearby country pubs such as The Blue Vinny in Puddletown or The Wise Man in West Stafford provide hearty meals and a warm Dorset welcome.

With its luxurious finish, extensive facilities, and superb location, Snowdrop Cottage offers the best of both worlds: a house that feels special enough for celebrations, yet relaxed enough for a week of unwinding in the Dorset countryside.