Set right in the heart of Dorset’s most beautiful town Shaftesbury is 22 Bell St – a glorious thatched cottage which accommodates 4/5 guests.

The cottage has a large living room with inglenook fireplace, kitchen, dining room, a lovely garden and patio eating area, writing room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and ground floor WC.

The entrance of 22 Bell St takes you to a small hallway from which you can go upstairs or into the living room which has a beautiful fireplace with woodburner and seating for up to 5 guests.

There is a family kitchen, dining room and WC on the ground floor. French doors in the dining room open out into a pretty garden with lawned area, terrace and a romantic summer house which is perfect for reading, studying or to spend a few quiet minutes having a nap in the armchair.

The property has a characterful winding staircase (this is not suitable for young children, the elderly or for those less mobile) which takes you up to a double bedroom and bathroom with bath and shower. Please be aware that this is extremely steep and quite tricky to negotiate.

On the second floor is a bright and spacious bedroom under the eaves which has a double bed. There is an extra mattress if guests need to sleep another person or if children prefer to sleep in separate beds (additional charge £25 for the weekend/£50 per week).

Well behaved dogs are welcome but they are not allowed on the furniture, upstairs or to be left unattended at the property. There is a charge of £27.50 per dog for stays up to 7 days and £27.50 for each subsequent week.

There is no private parking at the cottage but there is 1 hour parking almost opposite the cottage and there is a car park about 2 minutes’ walk down the road in Bell St. If you prefer to park for free there is limited unrestricted parking at the far end of Bell St or there is a free car park at Barton Hill Car Park (about 5 minutes walk from the house).

There are numerous shops and cafes to be explored in this vibrant town. Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill was the location for the iconic Hovis advertisement and it is a treat to walk up or sit at the café at the top of the hill enjoying the quaint houses that line the street and the fabulous countryside beyond. There is also a Lido two minutes’ walk down Bell St which the kids will love!

Please note that guests need to bring all household items such as toilet roll (although there is some left for arrival!), firewood, washing up liquid and all provisions for your stay.


Nearby attractions are Stonehenge, the glorious house and gardens of Stourhead, Sherborne Castle, the art gallery, restaurant and farm shop at Hauser & Wirth, The Newt gardens and restaurant and Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset. Bath is about a one hour drive, as is the beach. Cheddar Gorge and Go Ape at Moors Valley country park and forest are also within easy striking distance.

There are glorious walks almost from the door but you do have all the benefits of staying in a vibrant town where you don't need to even get into the car during your stay: there are wonderful shops, the theatre, cosy pubs and restaurants, supermarkets nearby and just a 10 minute drive to the local train station in Gillingham.