Squirrel Nutkin

Squirrel Nutkin: Dorset

Ground yourself in the extraordinary landscapes of the West Dorset countryside and the Jurassic Coast with a stay at this cottage idyll perched just a short drive from the beach.

Squirreled away on a postcard-pretty farmland estate, the family owners have lovingly reimagined the farm dwellings into an intimate collection of nine holiday cottages. Spend your days voyaging through the twenty acres of bucolic country grounds – there’s rowing boats and fishing on the lakes, woodland and meadow walks on your doorstep, and a playground (and a games room and skittle alley, if the weather misbehaves). And, of course, there’s the mighty Jurassic Coast. Pack up your bucket and spades for seaside days down at Hive Beach – its sandy, golden shores, and cafe for lashings of ice cream is an afternoon well spent.

When tummies start to rumble, head back home to your cosy cottage to rustle up a bite to eat in the well-equipped country-style kitchen. You can always swing by the on-site farm shop to pick up some fresh local produce. Or get together for long summer evening barbecues on your west-facing private terrace – the views of the surrounding meadows are outstanding.

Home truths:
*This cottage with no internal stairs or steps is suitable for wheelchair users with an extra large bathroom and grab rails
*A high chair is available for little ones
*The wider gardens are shared with the other cottages located within the grounds, but that west-facing terrace with picnic table is all yours
*You’ll need to bring your own charcoal for the barbecue
*There's a shared laundry room
*Due to its remote location, mobile signal is variable inside the cottage
*You'll find a convenience store to pick up essentials just over two miles away and there’s a village pub within walking distance