Sterndale Cottage

Reference Number: H326
Location: Melbury Osmond, Dorset50.8678770844892;-2.60671019554138
Sleeps: 6 + cot

Introduction
Accommodation
Photo gallery

Dating back more than 400 years, this Grade II listed, detached, thatched cottage is situated on a 'no through' road in a peaceful conservation village in the heart of the Dorset countryside. The author, Thomas Hardy's mother came from the village and was married in the church, 50 yards from the cottage.

The area surrounding the village offers many interesting country walks with immediate access onto footpaths from the top of the garden - maps & books are available in the cottage.

Moving south, the Dorset Heritage coastline is about 25 minutes' drive. There are National Trust beaches at Abbotsbury and near Burton Bradstock as well as the larger resorts and harbours of Weymouth and Poole. Other visitor attractions in the area are abundant - museums, stately homes and gardens and good pubs at which to wine and dine. Visitors can use the tennis court and boules 'court' on the village green - tennis rackets and a set of boules are available in the cottage. There is a good childrens' play area on the village green. Alternatively you can play croquet on the cottage lawn.

Comments from previous visitors

"An excellent house and the caretaker was very helpful." Mrs Nicholls, September, 2008

Accommodation

Sterndale Cottage is not lacking in character - its original A frame 'cruck' beams are still in evidence as well as the large inglenook (decorative use only) with bread oven. There are many exposed beams but with these go low ceilings and doorways so please mind your head! The cottage is very tastefully decorated and has been sympathetically modernised throughout.

Hallway with quarry tiled floor. Sitting room with low beamed ceiling and inglenook fireplace. Two low archways lead through to the kitchen/dining room with oil fired rayburn for heating & cooking plus additional 2 ring electric hob. Childrens' playroom with a selection of toys. Downstairs bathroom/wc with shower attachment above the bath. Wide but steepish stairs to 1st floor with stairgates at top and bottom. Large landing (space for travel cot). 3 bedrooms - two doubles and one with 2 singles (incl. a 3'6" bed). Small bathroom/wc with ¾ size cast iron bath. Large, very attractive, rear garden comprising a stone paved terrace & lawned area with steps up to a further lawn, vegetable garden & very small, fenced wildlife pond.