Guests say
Keepers Cottage in Dorset receives high praise for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and well-equipped nature, offering a comfortable and peaceful stay. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches such as cake and dog treats, and the property's suitability for dogs and walking. Despite some minor issues with furniture comfort and maintenance, the overall experience is very positive, with many guests returning for multiple visits.
The majority of reviews highlight the property's cleanliness, describing it as 'clean', 'well maintained', and 'spotlessly clean on arrival'. This consistent feedback suggests a high standard of cleanliness throughout the property.
The location is frequently described as peaceful, quiet, and scenic, ideal for dog walking and relaxation. Its proximity to local attractions and the countryside is also appreciated, indicating a favourable location.
Comfort is generally rated highly, with mentions of comfortable beds and a cosy atmosphere. However, some guests found the furniture, particularly the sofas, to be low and uncomfortable, which slightly impacts the overall comfort score.
Facilities are well-regarded, with mentions of a well-equipped kitchen and a secure garden for dogs. The games room and electric charging points are positives, but some maintenance issues like blunt knives and lighting are noted.
Guests frequently mention the thoughtful gestures such as welcome treats, which contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. While these gestures are highly appreciated, it is important to note that such personal touches, although common, are not guaranteed with every stay.
About this property
Keepers Cottage is a characterful, single-storey holiday retreat set in the rural village of Winterborne Stickland, offering a relaxed and practical base for couples, friends or a small family keen to explore Dorset. This tastefully furnished end-terrace barn conversion enjoys a peaceful position overlooking a landscaped courtyard and benefits from easy, mainly level access throughout, with just a low step leading to the kitchen and a further low step to the bedroom corridor. Inside, the cottage is arranged entirely on the ground floor and blends traditional charm with everyday comfort. The sitting room is warm and inviting, featuring exposed beams and a woodburning stove that creates a welcoming atmosphere whatever the season.
This space also incorporates a dining area, ideal for leisurely breakfasts or evenings spent sharing meals after a day out and about. The kitchen is well laid out and functional, making self-catering straightforward and stress-free. There are two comfortable bedrooms, including a king-size double with its own en-suite bathroom, complete with a bath and a shower over for those who prefer a long soak. The twin bedroom is served by a separate shower room, making the layout particularly convenient for guests sharing. Outside, Keepers Cottage enjoys an enclosed, private garden with a lawned area, patio and picnic bench, providing a pleasant spot for a morning coffee or a relaxed alfresco lunch.
Guests also have use of a larger shared front lawn and a shared games room, equipped with a pool table, table football and air hockey, offering entertainment for all ages. Winterborne Stickland is well placed for discovering some of Dorset’s most appealing attractions. The nearby market town of Blandford Forum offers independent shops, cafés and riverside walks, while the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is on the doorstep, with miles of scenic countryside to explore. The Jurassic Coast, with its iconic beaches and dramatic cliffs, is also within easy driving distance, making Keepers Cottage a well-rounded base for a varied countryside and coastal break.
Note: This property is in a courtyard with Refs. 18978, 19285, 905896, 905897 and 905898, together they sleep 28.
Winterborne Stickland is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering good walks and superb views. Take a visit to the market town of Dorchester, home of Thomas Hardy. Within an easy drive lies the Jurassic Coast with sandy beaches at Weymouth and Swanage and cliff top walks along the South West Coastal Path.
Accommodation
All ground floor.
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x twin.
Shower room with shower, basin and WC.
One low step to kitchen, one low step to bedroom corridor.
Kitchen.
Sitting room with dining area and woodburning stove.
Electric heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with FreeSat, DVD, WiFi, selection of books and games.
Fuel, power and starter pack for stove included in rent, additional logs available to purchase.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
A hand and bath towel will be provided for each bed space.
Travel cot and highchair on request.
Ample off road parking.
EV charger available, please download the "Pod Point" app for EV charging and payments.
Covered bike storage.
Enclosed, private garden with lawned area, patio and picnic bench.
Further larger shared front lawned area.
Shared games room with pool table, table football and air hockey.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome, please keep dogs on a lead at all times whist on the premises due to nearby livestock.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 5 miles, pub 1 mile.
One low step to kitchen, one low step to bedroom corridor.
Wheelchair ramps available upon request.
Note: Please use extensive footpath and farm tracks, and walk carefully avoiding crops
Nearby points of interest
- Poole Harbour
Reviews (56)
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Robert
Great for walking the dogs on the farm footpaths. Excellent base for exploring the area. We like it so much we have stayed 18 times
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Elaine
The central grassed area is very attractive. Everything you need is provided and the cottage is warm and comfortable, spotlessly clean too on arrival. The property manager is extremely prompt at responding to queries - one of the lounge lights needed a bulb replacing and within 10 minutes of my message to her it was being dealt with. Cannot fault anything. We had a fabulous week despite the rain and would very definitely return and recommend these cottages to anyone.
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Susan
The property is very well managed and guest information is easily accessible and well-organised. Entries in the guest book show how well-liked Keepers Cottage is, with many guests returning for several stays.