Garden Cottage

Reference Number: H350
Location: Stock Gaylard, Dorset
Sleeps: 4 + cot

Introduction
Accommodation
Photo gallery

The sitting room is tastefully furnished with comfy leather sofas and a woodburning stove

Magnificent, centuries-old oak trees on the Stock Gaylard estate

Bordered by mature laurel hedges, Garden Cottage is tucked away in an idyllic setting within the Stock Gaylard estate. Completely renovated and refurbished, it affords privacy, peace and seclusion for its guests and an opportunity to discover one of Dorset’s most ancient hamlets.

Stock Gaylard has changed little over centuries and extends to some 1700 acres, with a deer park (about 120 fallow deer), ancient oak woodland and an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The estate offers superb walks and guided nature/estate history walks can be arranged at certain times of the year. The main Grade II* listed house dates from the early Georgian period and can be visited on specific days in April, June and September. The current owners also hold an annual, “Oak Fair”, as well as small summer concerts in the church to raise money for local charities and Stock Gaylard’s parish church, St Barnabas.

Situated in Dorset’s low lying and very fertile Blackmore Vale, Stock Gaylard is 3 miles from the market town of Sturminster Newton and just 7 miles from the historic abbey town of Sherborne. To the south the countryside could not be more contrasting, with Okeford Hill and Bulbarrow at 900 feet both affording breathtaking views across Wessex. Visitor attractions in the area include historic houses at Kingston Lacy and Athelhampton, Sherborne and Milton Abbey, Hardy’s Cottage and the Cerne Abbas Giant all being within 20-25 minutes’drive. A large stretch of Dorset’s World Heritage, Jurassic coastline stretching from the Isle of Purbeck to Lyme Regis is also within convenient driving distance.

Comments from previous visitors

"We greatly enjoyed the peace of Garden Cottage and the closeness to nature - the rutting deer, the hooting owls, the wonderful oaks and the flitting bats! Thank you for this warm welcoming cottage (and the tasty chocolate slices!)." The Bolus family, October 2010.

"Welcomed warmly by snowdrops and daffodils and Chocolate Brownie....this secluded and beautiful spot provided just what we needed. Enjoyed long walks on the estate. Wish we could have spent 4 weeks here." Rev. & Mrs Heyhoe, February 2011.

To find out more about Garden Cottage and Stock Gaylard, click here.

Accommodation

Garden Cottage offers privacy and seclusion to its guests in a peaceful setting. Tastefully and thoughtfully refurbished, it provides a very desirable country retreat for couples or a small family.

Entrance into hallway. Sitting room with fireplace containing a woodburning stove. Downstairs bathroom/wc with independent shower over the bath. Farmhouse style kitchen with fitted units and dining table. Utility room and “back” entrance lobby for coats/ boots etc. Door to the garden. Wooden stairs from main hallway lead to a small landing area and two bedrooms – 1 double with a 5ft bed and 1 twin. (N.B this room has low, lockable windows).

Outside, the lawned garden is enclosed by laurel hedging with chestnut paling, making it secluded and safe for children. There is a picnic table and barbecue.