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Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Country Cottage With Lovely Garden Views & Great Location

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The front of the cottage
The cosy living room opens out into the light dining area and kitchen
The house is full of cosy corners and books and comfy furnishings
The kitchen table, the heart of the house, with views onto the garden
Kitchen has washing machine, dishwasher, fridge / freezer and gas hob and stove

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Fifehead Magdalen, ENG
  • Place, Gold Hill Museum
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
    ‪78 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Country Cottage With Lovely Garden Views & Great Location

This beautiful terrace cottage is owned by a renowned travel writer & contains decorations from all over the world - as well as a myriad of books! There are 2 bedrooms, a cosy lounge with open fire and a large airy kitchen & dining area. French windows lead from the kitchen to the garden which is small, a little wild, but much loved -- there is plenty of room to have lunch outside but you might struggle to organize a five-a-side football tournament. There are beautiful views from the end of the garden southwards towards the Dorset Downs. As well as the kitchen and living room, the downstairs has a small book-lined library, a bedroom with two single beds and a guest loo. Upstairs is a large landing with a divan or day bed that could be used to accommodate a fifth person, or perhaps just for afternoon naps, a double bedroom and a large family bathroom with bath, sink, bidet and shower. The house stands on a quiet road on the edge of an even quieter village. There are plenty of walks from the front door. There is WiFi throughout the house, TV and DVD, a stereo system for CD's and all necessary equipment and facilities, including a gas hob, in a well-stocked kitchen. Weekly guests will find a welcome pack of essentials on arrival to get them started, including a bottle of wine, and the kitchen contains all the usual stuff like tea, coffee, salt, pepper, olive oil, etc etc that guests are welcome to use.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1458353
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Gillingham

Located in Gillingham, this holiday home is in a rural area. Sturminster Newton Mill and Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Riversmeet Leisure Centre and Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre. Gartell Light Railway and Shaftesbury Arts Centre are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, cycling and horse riding nearby.
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Map
Fifehead Magdalen, ENG

What's nearby

  • Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre - 15 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Gold Hill Museum - 15 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Shaftesbury Arts Centre - 15 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden - 16 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs - 18 min drive - 13.9 km

Getting around

  • Gillingham Dorset Station - 10 min drive
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Meaders - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Benjis Kebab - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The White Horse - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪White Hart Alehouse - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Virginia Ash - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Country Cottage With Lovely Garden Views & Great Location pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Country Cottage With Lovely Garden Views & Great Location?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Country Cottage With Lovely Garden Views & Great Location?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Country Cottage With Lovely Garden Views & Great Location?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Gorgeous 2 Bedroom Country Cottage With Lovely Garden Views & Great Location located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre and Gartell Light Railway. Sturminster Newton Mill and Gold Hill Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a lovely place to come on holiday! Such a homely comfortable house and so interesting to see everything that the owner has picked up on his travels over the years, especially his extensive book collection. The kitchen was very clean and extremely well stocked - everything a cook could need and more! The beds were comfortable and bedrooms a good size.The best thing was the location though - in a lovely tucked-away village with stunning views from the bottom of the garden and several footpaths to explore. We had a wonderful walk along the River Stour in the beautiful May sunshine!We will definately come back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location was perfect for us to get out on multiple day trips. We saw Stonehenge on the way to the property and visited other great spots like the Jurassic Coast, Bath, the Cotswolds and Dunster Castle. Each of these was a 1-2hr drive each way but that didn't bother us, we got to enjoy the scenic countryside. The house itself was perfect. We were able to wash clothes, cook our own meals, and veg out after dinner. The house was a great size for a family of 4. The host provided great info up front and checked in with us before we left, just the right amount of communication.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing mini break in the countryside

A home from home. Comfortable, peaceful and with everything we needed. We would love to stay again. In a rural location but also close to lots of interesting places with a car.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

House with character

We very much enjoyed our vacation in Fifehead Magdalen. Very nice and cosy house with a beautiful view. Happy to come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic

Comfortable house and pretty garden in very quiet area in easy reach of interesting, scenic places.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alison R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fifehead Magdalene

What a lovely home from home. Stanley is a travel writer so the house is full of interesting books and artefacts from all his travels. We loved the quirkiness of the property and the peacefulness of the location. Popped to Stourhead, Sherborne castle and did lots of lovely walks nearby. A thoroughly enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

Stanley's house was perfect. I cant understand some of the reviews that claim some of the furniture is a bit worn.... the house has charm and has the sense of travelling around the world (which Stanley has) without ever leaving and feeling extremely helpful. Special thanks for the hat from your collection for the wedding i attended (which i returned). Would definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Lisa M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage very out of the way.

Lovely stay in a very well loved home, very well lived in home. Some of the furniture could do with renewing sadly. We slept in single beds as only one double but I think these are more suitable for young children or teenagers The owner Stanley a travel writer was helpful, and very well accommodating with all questions before our stay and directions. Our overall stay was good, we used the cottage as a base for days out which suited us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home sweet home

We simply love Stanley’s place. Everything was perfect to us : the books, the house nicely decorated, the location (near from shops and beautiful villages), the walks everywhere, the lovely garden. It was the perfect size for the 3 of us. Stanley provided many wonderful recommandations for pubs, walks, sightseeings. His neighbors are very friendly. It’s like visiting a friend’s house with everything you need, and the feeling of being truly welcomed. We will definitely come back!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
It was a delight to host Alex and her family. Could not have had nicer guests. Hope they will return one day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location and ambience

This is the perfect home away from home for relaxation after a day touring the countryside, and we were very grateful to have enjoyed it for two weeks. The owner, Stanley, provided detailed instructions on how to reach it, and in the house is his booklet with details on places to visit nearby, and instructions on how to operate the appliances. Stanley kept in touch with us as our arrival date neared, and answered any questions promptly. The house itself is filled with many interesting books, travel artefacts from around the world, and cozy nooks in which to enjoy them. The kitchen has all the appliances and utensils needed if you like to cook, and we enjoyed good meals there with food from local farm shops. Stanley gave advice about which shops to visit and destinations we told him that we wanted to see. While relaxing in the house, birds in the back garden kept us entertained, and there's a nice view over the downs with a bench on which to enjoy a drink at the end of the day. The location was convenient to reaching the stately homes and quaint towns in the region. All in all, the place added a lot to our enjoyment of the trip.
Stayed 13 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful rural home from home

Fifehead Magdalen is a beautiful little hamlet in the Blackmore Vale. Very rural , but close to many attractions in North Dorset and the bordering counties. Good farm shop and convenient petrol station Spar supermarket close by. We especially loved the more unknown Minterne Gardens and Athelhampton House and Gardens. The cottage is a heaven for book lovers and travel enthusiasts, so we immediately felt at home . As the owner is about the same age as us , we also loved the CD Collection and more than often listened to (e.g.) an old Simon and Garfunkel disc at the large kitchen table with a mug of coffee and lovely morning sunshine. That said, the living room is a bit dark during the day and the sofa and easy chair were old and lovely but sagging a bit. The cottage has a lovely lived in feeling and was decorated in a travel vibe theme with travel memorabilia , but cluttered (in a good way). So do not expect contemporary uncluttered chic. The cottage was very clean, but wear and tear can be seen. Not a purpose build holiday property but a real home you seem to have been given to stay in for a while by a trusting friend. Lovely country views from the back part of the back garden (bench) , but not from the patio because the garden shed is blocking the view. Absolutely great property to immerse yourself for a few days in , to quote from the guest book, “ the library of Dorset”.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Penny B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good short holiday.

This is a very personal property full of books and artifacts one might expect given the owner is a travel writer, we loved it. It's a quiet location but a good jumping off point for visits to NT properties and important towns and cities of this area of Dorset. Possibly not a property for toddlers but definitely for adults and slightly older children. Good walks starting from around the cottage, otherwise a car required for visits and entertainment.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

Lovely cottage in idyllic surroundings. Amazing views from the garden and very homely property close to many places of interest. We loved it x
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful retreat

We had a good, quiet and undisturbed week in this property. It is very remote and discreet, the views over the rear are fantastic and you literally hear nothing. The property is lovely, homely and practical. There were plenty of items ready for us to use , tea, coffee, sugar and all the necessary things you are likely to need, just turn up with your clothing. Stanley also leaves plenty of bird seed and they will entertain you as well, you'll be kept busy keeping the feeders filled. All in all a homely property in the middle of nowhere, which is what we wanted after the last 18 months of restrictions. We travelled out a couple of times and Bournemouth, Weymouth, wells, are all within an hour of the property. We experienced no real issues. Stanley gave us very precise instructions to get there and get in, there's a very concise folder of what's what, both in the area and in the property. Any problems are just a call/message away. Thankyou very much
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely house! Very cosy for exploring the local countryside.

Lovely!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jackie w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breakfast bench

We had the most perfect stay in Stanley's cottage. Very comfortable, warm and relaxing. I particularly loved the bottom garden and my breakfast bench. Really hope to return as soon as possible. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm R.

Home from home

Our second stay in a peaceful comfortable cottage. we wanted for absolutely nothing. Very well equipped. Well placed to visit the area, a stones throw from the A30, yet incredibly peaceful with beautiful views across the Blackmore Vale. A generous host, really just allowing us to stay in his home, and treat it as ours for a few days!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wesley S.

Amazing place

Great location. Superb host and a wonderful variety of books to get lost in
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Lovely cottage in beautiful surroundings

Absolutely charming cottage in a beautiful village, tucked away in the rolling Dorset hills. We had a fantastic stay here and Stewart was very helpful
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackie M.

A unique cottage in a beautiful peaceful location

We only stayed four days but could have stayed for ever! The cottage is full of books and artifacts from the owners travels,so interesting and completely unique. If you can drag yourself away from the cottage it's well situated for exploring both Dorset and Wiltshire with many lovely walks on the doorstep too.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cosy house with lots of books

We loved our stay in this house with a lot of books, cosy sofas and a lush garden.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne K.

Ländliche Idylle pur

In dem mit viel Liebe und sicherem Kunstgeschmack sehr individuell und wunderschön eingerichtetes Reihenhaus haben wir uns sofort heimisch gefühlt. Bücher und CD-Sammlung vom Feinsten stehen zur Verfügung, im Garten haben wir Äpfel und Birnen vom Baum pflücken dürfen. Küchenutensilien, Bettwäsche, Handtücher – alles ist reichlich vorhanden. Der Emailkontakt mit dem Besitzer war sehr freundlich, er hat uns sogar vergessene Kleidungsstücke umgehend nachgeschickt. Einfach ein Glücksfall!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sandra M.

Lovely place to stay

What an amazing home to have the privilege of staying in. We felt relaxed as soon as we arrived. The owner, Stanley, gave great instructions on how to find the property and how to access it. When it was time to come home, we were reluctant to leave, not only was the cottage beautiful but the surroundings were great as well. Would love to visit the area again and would definitely come back to Stanley's cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Beautiful, interesting cottage in a great and quiet location

An interesting place to stay full of books and unusual items from all over the world. Quite spacious with a secluded back garden and delightful forest walks nearby. A great place to stay to explore Dorset and Somerset.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Charming comfort in rural Dorset

Everything about this cottage was an absolute delight, so much so it's probably best kept as a secret !
Stayed 3 nights in May 2016

About the host

Hosted by Stanley Stewart

Host profile image

I am travel writer and author. I was born in Ireland, grew up in Canada but have lived all my adult life in England. When I am not travelling, I currently divide my time between Rome and the UK.

As well as three travel books, I write regularly for most of the national newspapers in the UK including the Sunday Times, the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times as well as for National Geographic Traveler in the States. I am a contributing editor at Conde Nast Traveller UK.

Why they chose this property

When I moved out of London, after thirty years there, I fell for Dorset simply before it was so beautiful. I had travelled here before, and I found myself coming back again and again. It is one of the most rural counties in England, and the only one with no motorways. There are also no cities other than Bournemouth down on the coast. It is a landscape of green rolling hills and small quirky villages -- a storybook landscape -- and I love it. I find the beauty of the area inspires me every day, and my cottage is the perfect quiet hideaway from where I could work, and from where I can explore one of the loveliest parts of England.

What makes this property unique

This house is a real home. I live here on the rare occassions when I am in the UK. All the pesonal stuff of course may have been cleared away for rental but the house will have a homely cozy lived-in feeling rather than the rather spartan hollow atmosphere of some rental properties. I love it and I hope you will too. There is lots of wonderful walks from the front door, and our road is part of the National Cycle Way. There are at least a half dozen wonderful gastro pubs with seriously good food close to hand, and it is an area to explore -- with lots to see and do.

Languages:

English, French, Italian

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