Abbas Cottage

About this property

Staying at the characterful Abbas Cottage in the historic village of Cerne Abbas is an absolute treat! Nestled in the stunning Dorset countryside, this beautiful historic house oozes inviting appeal and charm. Abbas Cottage was built in 1580 and retained its unique features. It once hosted a visit from Sir Walter Raleigh! Brimming with inglenooks, warm ancient beams, uneven stairs, panelled walls and wonderful sumptuous furnishings, this fantastic house has been fully modernised and sleeps 6 guests in superb comfort.

Cerne Abbas is a quaint village, world renowned for the Cerne Giant, a 180ft high ancient chalk figure carved into the steeply sloping hillside above the village. It is 6 miles from the alluring town of Dorchester and close to other Dorset delights such as Sherborne, Bridport, Maiden Castle, Nothe Fort, Portland Bill, West Bay Beach and Lyme Regis. Within a stroll, you will find 3 excellent village pubs, a shop and a tea room. Abbas Cottage is a wonderful base for exploring the surrounding countryside and fabulous coastline.

As soon as you arrive and enter Abbas Cottage, you will appreciate the beauty and comfort of this idyllic home. The large sitting room is brimming with wonderful features including the large inglenook fireplace with its contemporary wood burning stove, ancient ceiling beams, oak window shutters and little nooks and crannies. A large library of books are provided for your enjoyment, and this is the perfect place to enjoy them, nestled in comfort, watching the relaxing glow of the fire. There is also a Sonos sound system. At the rear of the house, the atmospheric kitchen features an electric aga, a country kitchen table and chairs and modern appliances ready to prepare gourmet meals. There is access to the charming courtyard garden where you can enjoy alfresco dining using the pizza oven and barbecue. Though small, it is very pretty. Also on the ground floor, you will find a shower room.

The ancient uneven stairs take you to an equally charming first floor. The panelled landing is an ideal spot to chill and read or listen to music. The pretty front bedroom enjoys bustling village views and boasts a double bed and ample hanging space. Across the landing are a characterful bedroom with a double bed, feature fireplace and a leaded window to the front. The cool blue family bathroom is at the rear with the super master bedroom which boasts a kingsize bed and overlooks the courtyard garden. Sloping ceilings, wooden panelled walls and original features make you feel as though you have stepped back in time in this fabulous house. This is definitely an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures!

The quaint and charming village of Cerne Abbas is known for the Cerne Giant which is now owned by the National Trust. You can walk to the 180ft carving from the house. Apparently the chalk figure is over 1500 years old but there is no known historical record before 1694. Cerne Abbas grew around a great Benedictine Abbey which was founded in AD 987 and destroyed after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. Cerne’s fresh underground water gave rise to a highly successful brewing trade and at one time the village boasted no fewer than 15 pubs. Visitors enjoy the picturesque setting and the local pubs such as The New Inn, The Giant Inn, The Royal Oak and Abbots Tea Rooms which all serve delicious fare.

Dorchester is Dorset’s vibrant county town and the birthplace of the famous author and poet Thomas Hardy. The town boasts various interesting museums, fantastic shopping, riverside walks, quaint cafes and some of the country’s best preserved Roman ruins. Dorchester enjoys a rich history dating back as far as the Iron Age and is home to the Roman Town House. The museums include the Dorset County Museum, the Keep Military Museum and the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum which tells the tale of the grizzly trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. There is a popular weekly market on Wednesdays which features indoor and outdoor stalls. Brewery Square is a vibrant location with many restaurants and bars in an alfresco setting. The Dorset County Show takes place in Dorchester each September. It is a celebration of the area’s agricultural history with many displays. The Borough Gardens and Maumbury Rings are venues for summer and spring festivals and events. Close by, Athelhampton House, a Grade I listed 15th century manor house boasts a wonderful award winning garden.

In the Dorset countryside you can enjoy quad biking, archery and axe throwing with Henley Hillbillies and Insight Activities. There are miles of cycling trails and hiking routes where you can enjoy the stunning wildlife and nature.

The Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens are beautiful and feature a Wonderland Sculpture Train with enchanting characters from classic literature such as Alice, the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit and more. There is a magnificent Victorian walled garden, a woodland valley, sunken gardens, a children’s play area and a wonderful colonial style teahouse.

The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, a distance of about 96 miles. The cliffs are full of fossils, particularly around Lyme Regis. Charmouth Beach, West Bay aka Broadchurch, Chesil Beach, Durdle Door and Lyme Regis are all extremely popular.

Accommodation

Ground Floor
- Living room with sofas and TV
- Family area
- Fully equipped kitchen with dining table
- Shower room

First Floor
- Small living area
- Double bedroom with double bed
- Double bedroom with fireplace (not in use)
- Family bathroom
- Master bedroom with super-king size bed and ample storage

Exterior
- Courtyard garden with dining table
- Traditional Italian pizza oven

Additional Facilities
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher