Old Gaol Cottage

About this property

Previously voted England's most beautiful village, Old Gaol Cottage is located in the charming and lovely village of Cerne Abbas. ‘Guarding’ the village is the Cerne Giant, at 180ft, he's the largest chalk figure in the UK; folklore surrounds his presence but there are associations with fertility.

Welcoming you into the traditional cottage is the cosy sitting room, where you can cosy up with a good book or a favourite film. The generous kitchen dining room is well equipped for all your culinary needs with everything you need to prepare that perfect meal. The comfortable cottage bedrooms provide the perfect setting to unwind at night while recharging your batteries for a new day of activities. The supersized single beds are a real treat and still leaving plenty of room for a comfy night’s sleep.

Dating back to 1859 Old Gaol Cottage is steeped in history. Formerly the village gaol (jail) and police station, it is now a traditional English country cottage presented for guests who are looking to enjoy the finer charms of village life. Decorated and finished to a high standard you will find all around individual touches such photographs of the area and framed and quirky mementos of times gone past such as an antique truncheon and the jailer’s keys.

As you wander through the village stop at the village tearooms for a morning cup of coffee or a delicious cream tea. A choice of pubs serves provincial ales and good food, the village shop stocks almost everything! Cerne Abbas is a ramblers delight with an abundance of routes right on the door step, designated area of outstanding natural beauty and nestled in the Cerne Valley the views are stunning. Only 8 miles away is the county town of Dorchester and has a great combination of shopping, historical and visitor attractions. The coast at Weymouth with its long and sandy beach, shops and restaurants is about a 30-minute drive away. Many guests like to visit Old Gaol to recapture a simpler and less busy lifestyle in a pretty village for a week or so.

This cottage is perfect for a family who want to explore Dorset and its history, and what better way than to spend a holiday in a cottage with so much of it’s own!

Enjoy the Owners video showing a possible day in the life of Cerne Abbas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHh7tJUXQsQ and another showing the cottage - some of the cottage has been updated since: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JUhZhKWhcY

Cerne Abbas have in recent years held two lovely events in June, firstly they have open gardens and secondly, they hold a music festival which are both very popular to visitors to the village. Please check websites for details. www.cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk and www.cerneabbasmusicfestival.co.uk

Cerne Abbas is a picturesque village in Dorset, and plenty of chocolate box charm and character, it was once voted as Britain's most desirable village! Dating back to Medieval times, the remains of the Benedictine Abbey, can still be seen today. Today, it's most well known for the Cerne Giant, the 180-foot figure of a naked man cut into the steep chalk downlands, which dominates the surrounding landscape. Local facilities abound, including three pubs and a tea room, plus the surrounding countryside is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which offers superb views and great walks. A short drive takes you to Dorchester, Sherborne and the Dorset Jurassic Coast. A truly fascinating area close to many places of interest at any time of the year.

Accommodation

Bedrooms: 1 x king-size double.

1 x twin large single beds.

Bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC.

Ground-floor cloakroom with WC.

Sitting Room.

Kitchen dining room.

Night storage heating.

Electric cooker, Microwave, Fridge/freezer.

Dishwasher.

Washer/Dryer.

Flat screen TV.

WiFi.

Fuel and Power included in rent.

Bed linen and towels includedin rent.

On street parking subject to availability.

Sorry No Pets.

Sorry No smoking.

No short breaks less than 5 nights.