Samstone, Donhead St. Mary Near Ludwell

Dorset. Sleeps up to 8

Shaftesbury 3.5 miles. Placed in the quiet surroundings of a picturesque village, this charming cottage offers a delightful resting spot for a group of up to eight looking to find an idyllic retreat. Samstone is a beautiful detached property, with outstanding views across the Dorset/Wiltshire countryside, located in a conservation area. The house is in traditional style but with all the benefits of modern insulation, solar energy, and underfloor heating. Park up and make your way into the impressive property via a handy utility room - perfect for kicking off muddy boots and benefiting from a convenient washing machine and drying area. Throw together your best home-cooking in the lovely kitchen/diner, allowing for plenty of food prep space alongside fantastic amenities including two ovens, a dishwasher, hob, fridge, freezer, and microwave, with a casual dining table taking centre stage. Formal meals can be enjoyed in the dining room next door, a classy space, fitted with intimate seating placed in front of large French doors where you can look out to the garden and panoramic countryside views as you tuck into your meal. Snuggle up in the lounge for a restful evening, with an open fire and even more stunning views; A place to settle in to board games or to get cosy and enjoy a family film night. Guests with limited mobility can utilise the ground-floor super-king-size bedroom and shower room, both situated next to each other, with the beds offering zip/link features if needed. The rest of the bedrooms can be found on the first floor, comprising a king-size with an en-suite shower room, another king-size and a twin room, all tastefully decorated and with ample storage. On this floor, you will also find the family bathroom, perfect for a long soak to unwind after a day of adventure. Make use of the garden area on a sunny day, dining alfresco on the patio and enjoying views of the lawn, lush fields and the hills beyond. The tranquil village of Donhead offers the perfect setting for an idle stroll around the Wiltshire countryside, stopping off at one of the many local pubs for a refreshing pint of ale and some pub grub. Or for something special, try the Pythouse Kitchen Garden, an enchanting 18th Century walled garden, restaurant and bar. In the nearby village of Ludwell you can stock up on supplies from the award winning Ludwell Stores with its tasty and fresh local produce, and meat from the family butchers next door. The stores include a Post Office and there is a pub and restaurant nearby. There are other local amenities in the neighbouring village of Semley, including a delightful community shop and a farm selling fresh milk direct from the herd. Enjoy a day of exploration within the encompassing Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB, taking in scenic walks around Win Green and Fontmell Down Nature Reserve. With superb landscapes, rolling green hills and breath-taking views you can embrace outdoor adventure along challenging cycle routes and long walking trails. Spend a day out at the hill top town of Shaftesbury, with historical connections back to Saxon times. The town is in the centre of countryside made famous by the author Thomas Hardy and local scenes, including Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill, have featured in film and television productions. The cottage is perfectly situated for a trip to the iconic world heritage site of Stonehenge or on to Salisbury Cathedral whose majestic spire can be seen from miles around. Closer by is the ruin of Old Wardour Castle, an English Heritage site, perfect for picnics or hide and seek, and Stourhead, a 17th century mansion with beautiful landscaped gardens and lakes, is a short drive away. And last but by no means least there is the varied coastline, with beaches near Poole and Bournemouth, dramatic scenery at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, and fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast near Lyme Regis. Make memories that will last a lifetime with your family and friends at Samstone.

More details, photos & booking info