Cathy's Say

In a nutshell: Cosy, well appointed, large grounds, wi-fi, play area, walk to pub, pet friendly. These charming Dorset cottages were formerly part of the Forde Abbey estate. Now privately owned, the abbey was founded by the Cistercians in 1140 and became one of the richest and most learned monasteries in the country. The church was demolished in the dissolution and later rebuilt as a magnificent house. Today, it is a family home and very much a living, working estate rather than a museum piece. It has award-winning gardens open to the public including a mature arboretum, rockery, bog garden and working walled kitchen as well as a cascade of lakes providing a wonderful setting for the Centenary Fountain, the highest powered fountain in England.
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Property Description

In beautiful countryside bordering Devon and Somerset, these charming courtyard cottages are set within the grounds of an elegant Georgian farmhouse (previously part of neighbouring Forde Abbey estate). The cottages are cosy and well appointed and share 8 acres of lovely grounds encompassing meadows, orchard, a bubbling stream and pond (unfenced, so toddlers beware!). Chesil Beach is a great favourite for beach casting. Bere Farm is home to a handful of wild animals and also attracts abundant wildlife such as barn owls and kingfishers.
The locality has a wonderful array of visitor attractions and places of interest – Abbotsbury Swannery is within easy driving distance as are Montacute House and Barrington Court (both NT). The West Dorset Heritage (Jurassic) Coast lies 10 miles away, offering superb walking with breathtaking views as well as opportunities for fossil hunting. Coastal towns and villages invite exploration – pretty Lyme Regis with its famous Cobb, Charmouth, Chiddeock, Eype and Bridport with its lively street market. And in nearby Devon, Branscombe, Beer and Sidmouth’s Regency promenade are well worth a visit.
Local produce can be sourced at great farm shops and farmers’ markets and there are many fine pubs and restaurants to choose from – the establishments of celebrity chefs Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Mark Hix, Mat Follas and Phil Vickery are particularly popular. Shops and pubs 0.25 miles.

Ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen area. First floor: 1 double bedroom. Bathroom with toilet.