Title: Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82530000/82523000/82522983/d37d9da9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![TV, fireplace, books, offices](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82530000/82523000/82522983/302dd882.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82530000/82523000/82522983/4725c7b7.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82530000/82523000/82522983/7998eb48.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82530000/82523000/82522983/a8bef82a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Nestled in a picturesque Dorset village, Lavender Cottage offers the perfect retreat for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Surrounded by luscious greenery and with access to over 50 miles of woodland trails, this charming cottage boasts a pretty garden and cosy sitting room with a wood burner. 9.4 Exceptional ### Entire home 2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 3829 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Parking available - Dryer - Washer - Pet-friendly - Fireplace - Outdoor space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking Summary: Located on the borders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this cottage for 3 offers the best of both worlds. It’s heaven for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with some of England’s loveliest country and access to over 50 miles of woodland trails with beautiful scenic views in neighbouring Pen Selwood. This charming terraced cottage has two bedrooms, a pretty garden and a cosy sitting room with a wood burner and smart TV. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. The Space: Nestled amongst the idyllic Dorset countryside, on the outskirts of Cranborne Chase AONB, is this picture-perfect cottage for three. Surrounded by luscious greenery and a host of wildlife, Lavender Cottage blends seamlessly into its peaceful landscape. Its close proximity to the Somerset/Wiltshire borders means you have dozens of picturesque towns and villages to explore (Bruton, Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Bath to name a few) with an ample selection of some of the best gastropubs in the UK (many of which welcome dogs) and only an hour from the beautiful Jurassic coast. The cottage is a great base for visiting a number of nearby events and attractions, from country estates such as Stourhead, Longleat and The Newt to the world famous Stonehenge and Glastonbury Festival and the thrills of Wincanton Races. For those seeking a more active break, there are over 50 miles of woodland trails to enjoy (whether by foot, on horseback or by bike) a stone’s throw away, and you can head out on quiet country lanes straight from your door! For keen golfers, there is a beautiful, scenic and challenging short course right in the village. If you prefer to stay put, the spacious garden provides the perfect backdrop for sunny days, and you can while away the hours with a good book and afternoon tea. On cooler evenings, it’s easy to stay sitting snuggled up on the sofa while the wood-burner blazes and a film plays on the smart TV. Beautiful traditional features have been restored throughout, adding to the homely feel that welcomes you from the minute you arrive. Upstairs, two cosy bedrooms await with plenty of built in storage to make you feel right at home. The master, which has a double bed, overlooks the garden, so you can wake up to the gentle sounds of nature. Whilst the bedroom next door has a small single. Walkers, cyclists, horse riders and dog lovers will all be in heaven here! Expect the English countryside at its finest. Guest Access: Guests have access to the whole cottage, including a secure utility room that offers extra storage space. There is parking for two vehicles on the drive and a shed to store bikes. The Neighborhood: Lavender Cottage lies in the heart of the West Country, surrounded by peaceful countryside and abundant wildlife. Despite the tranquil rural location, it’s conveniently situated just minutes from the A303 and within easy reach of three mainline train stations with direct connections to London, Bristol and Bath. The journeys are worth it for the views alone! The nearby towns of Wincanton and Gillingham have excellent amenities, from supermarkets and local shops to sports centres and swimming pools. Bourton village has a well-stocked shop, post office and a great pub, the White Lion, within walking distance. The local Farm Shop sells superb, locally-sourced fresh meat, vegetables and other produce whilst the Otter Garden Centre is fun to potter around and also has a good café. There are numerous top-quality restaurants within easy reach, including The Newt at Castle Cary, The Clockspire in Milborne Port, The Green in Sherborne and Osip, The Table, Matt’s Kitchen, At the Chapel and Roth Grill (Hauser and Wirth) in foodie Bruton. Fantastic gastropubs include The Bell and Crown at Zeals, The Smithy at Charlton Musgrove, the award-winning White Post in Yeovil and the Bradley Hare at Maiden Bradley. Shaftesbury and Sherborne, known as the region’s best market towns, are a short drive away. Shaftesbury is perfect for picking up freshly-baked bread at the Saturday market, visiting independent shops and wandering the steep cobbled street of Gold Hill (that iconic Hovis ad). Sherborne’s glorious abbey is a must, whilst its castles, antique and art shops and fashion boutiques are also unmissable. Stylish Bruton – a treasure trove of foodie ties and artisan shops - is just 14 minutes away whilst Bristol and Bath are only an hour away by car. The cottage is surrounded by several splendid country estates. 5 minutes’ drive away lies Stourhead with its mansion house, celebrated gardens and 2,500 acres of unspoilt countryside to explore. King Alfred’s Tower is a great historical landmark here, set amidst miles of fairy-tale forest trails winding through the estate. Expect scenic views and English landscapes at their finest! Just a hop, skip and a jump away is The Newt, a relatively new arrival on the local scene which has attracted international acclaim for its acres of stunning gardens, woodland, farmland, cider orchards and renowned farm shop and restaurants. Likewise in terms of international profile, Hauser and Wirth just outside Bruton is a contemporary art gallery on a restored working farm that features landscaped gardens, dining and a fabulous farm shop. Only a little further afield is Longleat, with another magnificent stately and a world-famous safari park. Other local attractions include the amazing Fleet Air Arm Museum (with a genuine Concorde in situ) at Yeovilton, the thrills of Wincanton Racecourse (9 minutes away), the scenic 18-hole Bullpits golf course, the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge and iconic Glastonbury Festival (within 45 minutes). The Jurassic Coast and Dorset’s fabled sandy beaches are only an hour or so’s drive away. Many more recommendations for the area can be viewed in our comprehensive Guest Guide. Getting Around: Due to the remote nature of Dorset, we would recommend brining a car to make the most of your stay. There is parking for 2 vehicles on the driveway. There are several train stations within easy reach of the cottage (Gillingham, Bruton, Castle Cary), offering both direct connections and scenic routes to London, Bristol and Bath, the Dorset coast and further into Somerset and Devon. Other Things to Note: Dogs are welcome at Lavender Cottage. Whilst the garden is fenced, we cannot guarantee it is completely secure so would not advise leaving dogs unattended. Please note, the bathroom has now been upgraded following on from some guest's feedback. Some guests have commented that the ceilings in the property are low, which is to be expected of a period cottage. However, they are still much taller than most people with the lowest ceiling in the master bedroom being 6ft 6.5 inches. The other rooms are all above 6ft 8 inches. Interaction with Guests: We will be available via message, email and phone during your stay. Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch! ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in the house: WiFi ### Parking and transport - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Hob - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator - Toaster ### Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Bathtub - Hair dryer - Shower - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Fireplace ### Entertainment - Books - TV with cable/satellite channels ### Outdoor areas - Garden ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Work spaces - Office ### Comfort - Heating ### Pets - Pet friendly ### Suitability/Accessibility - If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking. - Handrails in stairways - Stair-free path to entrance - Upper floors accessible by stairs only - Smoke-free property ### Services and conveniences - Iron/ironing board ### Location highlights - In a rural location - In a village ### Things to do - Golfing nearby - Swimming nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - First aid kit - Fire extinguisher ### General - Garden - Recycling - Unit size: 829 square feet ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM Minimum check-in age - 21 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Rules One well behaved dog is welcome on the condition they are kept off sofas and out of bedrooms, and they must not be left in the cottage unattended. ... ### Pets Pets are allowed Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees Note from host: Charge may apply ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### Property is also known as 62a739a4e740460037e6ff6c ## About the area Located in Gillingham, this holiday home is in a rural area. Some of the area's popular attractions include Longleat Safari and Adventure Park and Center Parcs Longleat Forest. Mill on the Brue and Gartell Light Railway are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as swimming and other activities like golfing. [Visit our Gillingham travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Gillingham.dx6049370) [View more Holiday homes in Gillingham](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Gillingham-Private-Holiday-Homes.d6049370-aaPrivateHolidayHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C51.07258%2C-2.34093&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=s2uPNjhpJT-2ztiFwmEKH1iLh24=) Gillingham, England ### What's nearby - Stourhead Garden - 6 min drive - 5.2 miles - Stourhead - 7 min drive - 5.4 miles - Longleat - 21 min drive - 13.3 miles - Center Parcs Longleat Forest - 21 min drive - 15.8 miles - Longleat Safari and Adventure Park - 25 min drive - 18.1 miles ### Getting around - Bruton Station - 12 min drive - Bristol International Airport (BRS) - 73 min drive ### Restaurants - ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive - ‪Bell and Crown - ‬3 min drive - ‪Cale Park Cafe - ‬8 min drive - ‪The George Inn - ‬7 min drive - ‪The Dolphin - ‬8 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking pet-friendly? > Yes, pets are allowed at this property. ### What time is check-in at Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking? > Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking? > Checkout is at 10:00 AM. ### Where is Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking located? > Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Stourhead Garden and within 9 miles (15 km) of Stourhead and Hauser and Wirth Somerset. Chruch of St. Mary and Mill on the Brue are also within 9 miles (15 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Idyllic Cottage in Dorset, Garden & Parking Reviews 9.4 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 5 8 - Good 3 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.0/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### Tracey F. 9 Sept 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Perfect Everything you need for a lovley stay ,with a few extra touches just to spoil us! Great stay and very relaxing , ##### Tracey F. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Clare C. 28 Jun 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### review The garden is lovely, well kept and we enjoyed sitting in the sun and eating our meals outside - listening to the birds feeding next door. the woods nearby provide wonderful walks - we went there every day of our stay ##### Clare C. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gene M. 10 Jun 2025 ##### Gene M. Stayed 3 nights in May 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Annabelle D. 24 Nov 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy ##### Annabelle D. Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Harm B. 31 Aug 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### nice and cozy nice and cozy house. cottage is right on the busy road, outside you can hear the traffic. The kitchen is fully equipped. oven with ceramic hob, fridge with large freezer, microwave, toaster, dolce gusto coffee machine and dishwasher. unfortunately we had the misfortune that the refrigerator broke, it was solved well by the landlord. The beds sleep well, the bathroom is a bit tight but big enough. unfortunately the drain of the bath was leaking, this will have to be repaired by the manager. the furniture is comfortable and there are blankets for the cold evenings. We could not always receive the television. but the internet does enough well to watch digital TV on the laptop. Outside is a large garden with many birds, the outdoor chairs are not for long sitting. The cottage is centrally located near gardens, stonehenge, ancient villages and ruins to visit. A little further away about 1 hour drive are larger cities such as Bath, Bristol and Bournemouth. You can take a nice walks in the area ##### Harm B. Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Katrin W., Sachsen 29 Jul 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Schönes, aber sehr kleines Haus Das Cottage ist gut ausgestattet und liebevoll eingerichtet. Wir haben uns wohl gefühlt. Man muss aber wissen, dass es wirklich klein ist. Vor allem die Räume sind sehr niedrig. Große Menschen müssen öfters den Kopf einziehen! Für unseren Geschmack hätten ein paar mehr Gläser vorhanden sein können. Und eine Teekanne habe ich vermisst – in England hätte ich die eigentlich erwartet. Es gibt einen schönen Garten und auch Liegestühle sind da. ##### Katrin W. Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Norunn L. E. 22 Jun 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Hi Nice cottage, but we coul’d not find the washingmachine ##### Norunn L. E. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Andrew P. 7 Aug 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely place, great base for touring Lovely cottage, very well equipped. Great location for touring around Dorset ##### Andrew P. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022 ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [The Coppid Beech Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bracknell-Hotels-The-Coppid-Beech-Hotel.h3809.Hotel-Information) > > [Carden Park](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Chester-Hotels-Carden-Park.h190780.Hotel-Information) > > [Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Gatwick-Hotels-Hampton-By-Hilton-London-Gatwick-Airport.h7234788.Hotel-Information) > > [Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Stansted-Hotels-Hampton-By-Hilton-London-Stansted-Airport.h18464320.Hotel-Information) > > [Stratford Manor Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Stratford-Upon-Avon-Hotels-Stratford-Manor.h27936.Hotel-Information) > > [Ashford International Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ashford-Hotels-Ashford-International-Hotel.h527123.Hotel-Information) > > [Retallack Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/St-Columb-Major-Hotels-Retallack-Resort.h4537229.Hotel-Information) > > [Bloc Hotel London Gatwick Airport](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Gatwick-Hotels-Bloc-Hotel-London-Gatwick-Airport.h6594190.Hotel-Information) > > [Sand Bay Holiday Village](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Weston-Super-Mare-Hotels-Sand-Bay-Holiday-Village.h11443695.Hotel-Information) > > [St Michael's Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Falmouth-Hotels-St-Michaels-Resort.h2951426.Hotel-Information) > > [Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Stratford-Upon-Avon-Hotels-Crowne-Plaza-Stratford-Upon-Avon.h11307.Hotel-Information) > > [Hilton London Gatwick Airport](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Gatwick-Hotels-Hilton-London-Gatwick-Airport.h20753.Hotel-Information) > > [Norbreck Castle Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Blackpool-Hotels-Norbreck-Castle-Hotel.h6377.Hotel-Information) > > [Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ashford-Hotels-Eastwell-Manor.h905662.Hotel-Information) > > [Camelot Castle Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tintagel-Hotels-Camelot-Castle-Hotel.h8083111.Hotel-Information) > > [Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Shipley-Hotels-Hollins-Hall-Hotel.h63744.Hotel-Information) > > [Chesford Grange Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kenilworth-Hotels-Chesford-Grange.h920291.Hotel-Information) > > [Grand Burstin Hotel Folkestone](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Folkestone-Hotels-Grand-Burstin-Hotel-Folkestone.h1201483.Hotel-Information) > > [The Mill Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Chester-Hotels-The-Mill-Hotel-Spa.h1695656.Hotel-Information) > > [Village Hotel Manchester Ashton](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ashton-Under-Lyne-Hotels-Village-Hotel-Manchester-Ashton.h1848975.Hotel-Information) > > [The Winchester Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Winchester-Hotels-The-Winchester-Hotel-Spa.h26080.Hotel-Information) > > [Hilton at St George's Park, Burton Upon Trent](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Burton-On-Trent-Hotels-Hilton-At-St-Georges-Park.h5094740.Hotel-Information) > > [Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester, Airport](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Manchester-Hotels-Radisson-Blu-Hotel-Manchester.h120016.Hotel-Information) > > [The Spa Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Royal-Tunbridge-Wells-Hotels-The-Spa-Hotel.h8849.Hotel-Information) > > [Hythe Imperial Hotel Spa & Golf](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hythe-Hotels-Hythe-Imperial-Hotel-Spa-Golf.h9108.Hotel-Information) > > [The Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell, Derbyshire](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bakewell-Hotels-The-Rutland-Arms-Hotel.h792056.Hotel-Information) > > [Harbour Beach Club & Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Salcombe-Hotels-Harbour-Beach-Club-Hotel-Spa.h2261933.Hotel-Information) > > [Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa - Adults Only](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Newquay-Hotels-Fistral-Beach-Hotel-And-Spa-Adults-Only.h1895493.Hotel-Information) > > [Worcester Whitehouse](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Worcester-Hotels-Worcester-Whitehouse.h18498.Hotel-Information) > > [Cotswolds Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Chipping-Norton-Hotels-Cotswolds-Hotel-Spa.h13106835.Hotel-Information)