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Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

Prides Cottage

Prides Cottage, High Street, Child Okeford, nr Blandford Forum, Dorset, England

Tucked between two ancient hill forts is the pretty hamlet of Child Okeford. Snug in the middle of the village, opposite the post office, is Prides Cottage. This listed 17th-century thatch has all the lovely, quirky details you'd hope for – exposed beams, wonky windows, an ancient bread oven, even a secret staircase – yet manages to stay refreshingly light and airy. Expect white walls, contemporary lighting and sandy wooden floors covered by sumptuous Middle Eastern rugs (picked up by owners Kate and Richard on their travels). Upstairs, the two bedrooms are similarly bright with fresh white sheets and tasteful throws, the delightful master room with a high brass-knobbed bed and its own cast-iron fireplace. The second room is more compact but just tuck yourself into the window seat and catch the views – they stretch for miles up Hambledon Hill to the woods. If you're feeling energetic you can set off on the 184-metre hike to the top direct from your front door – or choose from one of ten walks from the village along the River Stour. On lazy days, relax in the enchanting cottage garden: its rockery, climbing pink rose and small terrace make it the perfect spot for summer dining.

Special Notices

Posted: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Special events!

The beauty of rural Dorset is that there are not many special events! Exceptions are the Great Dorset Steam Fair (1-5 September 2010), Blandford Georgian Fayre (May 2010) and Dorset Arts Week (29 May-13 June 2010). During the summer there are lots of local agricultural and country shows, fetes and festivals

This information has been provided by the owner or management of Prides Cottage and is not verified or endorsed by ASP.

Next steps

Details

Prides Cottage

Contact: Kate Partridge & Richard Choat

  • Tel: +44 (0)20 763 98698/+44 (0)772 5245066
  • Sleeps: 4 + cot.
  • Rooms: 1 double, 1 twin/double, bath/shower room, shower room.
  • Price: £350 – £700. Short breaks available.at discounted rates
  • Closed: Rarely
Children are positively welcomed, with no age restrictions, but cots, high chairs etc are not necessarily available. Within 10 miles of a bus/coach/train station and owner can arrange collection. No smoking anywhere in the house. Well-trained pets are accepted and may sleep in your room (not on the bed). Check when booking. Wireless internet access available for guests.

Checklist

  • Dishwasher
  • Electricity included
  • Washing machine
  • Microwave oven
  • Central heating
  • Mobile reception
  • Television
  • BBQ
  • Beach within 3 miles
  • Cooked meals available
  • Restaurant nearby
  • Short breaks possible
  • Extra bed/cot available
  • Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

  • Hambledon Hill Iron Age Fort & great walking & cycling on the doorstep
  • Georgian market town of Blandford Forum, 6 miles
  • Shaftesbury and Gold Hill (the one in the Hovis ad) 7 miles
  • UNESCO designated Jurassic Coast with cliffs and sandy beaches, 40 minutes
  • Excellent locally produced food and organic farm shop in village as well as 2 pubs
  • Country lanes, idyllic sleepy villages & wonderful countryside

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.

Prides Cottage Rush hour outside Prides Cottage

Rush hour outside Prides Cottage

Prides Cottage Spacious master bedroom with antique bed

Spacious master bedroom with antique bed

Prides Cottage Cosy beamed sitting room with door to rear patio with BBQ & garden

Cosy beamed sitting room with door to rear patio with BBQ & garden

Prides Cottage Secluded back garden

Secluded back garden

Photo captions have been written by the owner or management of Prides Cottage and are not verified or endorsed by ASP.

Help

Children of all ages are welcome. Cots, highchairs, etc, are not necessarily available.
Guests’ pets can sleep in the bedroom (not on the bed).
Working farm or vineyard.
Wireless internet access available for guests.
No smoking anywhere in the property.
At least one bedroom and bathroom accessible for wheelchair users. Phone for details.
Tennis court on the premises; use may be by arrangement.
Credit cards accepted, most commonly Visa and MasterCard.
Bikes on the premises to hire or borrow.
Swimming pool on the premises; use may be by arrangement.
Within 10 miles of a bus/coach/train station and owner can arrange collection.
At least one bedroom and bathroom accessible without steps.

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