“Why wouldn’t you come to Dorset..” is a phrase once uttered by one of Dorset’s most famous literary sons, John Fowles. And like his literary predecessor, Thomas Hardy, Fowles had a strong bond with the county where he spent nearly 40 years of his life. It’s not difficult to see why so many famous (and not so famous) people fall in love with Dorset as it is a place with so much elegance and beauty both conventional and idiosyncratic. The world renowned Jurassic Coast path (see picture opposite) draws in many a visitor wishing to take in some breathtaking walks and views across the coastline from Weymouth and Portland and stretching all the way into Devon at its end point. Contrast the natural beauty of the coast with the stunning 2 mile golden sand beach and Georgian esplanade which makes up a grand stretch of the seaside town of Weymouth with its family friendly cafes, gift shops and fairground attractions and you can see in the blink of an eye how Dorset’s appeal stretches across all ages and classes.
Self catering holiday cottages in Dorset
Buena Vista
The best way to visit Dorset is to spend time taking in the contrasting colours, sights and sounds that surround you and prove such an allure for the thousands of visitors to the county each year. With a self catering holiday cottage in Dorset, you will have the opportunity to experience Dorset in this way. Dream Cottages 300+ holiday properties offer something for everyone and allow you to tailor your Dorset experience to your own individual tastes. For instance, if you would prefer to take in the expansive views over Weymouth and Portland bay where the 2012 Olympic Sailing events took place then we have a number of properties that take full advantage of this. Our Beach View apartments, set in the Greenhill area of Weymouth, are very popular for this reason and we also have smaller properties such as Beach Bay Apartment and Beach Retreat that would be suitable (illustrated in the screenshots below): self catering holiday apartments in Weymouth
Rural Retreat
If your preference is for a quieter and more rural holiday cottage in Dorset, then we have a number of suitable options to fit in with your requirements. The range of dream cottages holiday properties stretches as far west as Devon and Cornwall, although the majority of our property portfolio resides in the Dorset area. Our rural properties can vary from newly built and / or traditionally maintained thatched cottages through to contemporary properties in a countryside location. We also have a select number of properties that make up an annexe of a much larger property and, often, the owner will live on site (in the larger property) in these instances. An example of a property we have recently acquired that fits this description is The Bakehouse based in Weymouth.
Quite often for our customers the attraction of a rural holiday cottage in dorset is the quiet, secluded location combined with beautiful natural surroundings and the opportunity to take in some invigorating country walks. Some examples of these types of property include the following:
3 Church Street, Kenton, Devon
This property is set in the peaceful east Devon village of Kenton which has a pretty square, village shop as well as a post office, pubs, restaurants and a takeaway. Nearby is the popular resort of Dawlish Warren which has a green where you may see ducks and also the famous black swans on the water. If you are fortunate and happen to be visiting on a summers day then you may even catch a musical rendition in the bandstand whilst enjoying an ice cream on the lawn.
Laira
Laira is a delightful terraced cottage dating back to 1855 and is located on the road through the picturesque village of Martinstown near Dorchester. The cottage enjoys spectacular views over impressive Dorset countryside and not far from the property is the popular Hardy’s monument – celebrating the author and his Dorset residence. Right in the heart of the village is a traditional country pub where you can enjoy a drink and a home cooked meal. Steven’s Farm shop is also close by and stocks a wide selection of goods from local producers.
Pet friendly holiday cottages
Increasingly, pet friendly holiday cottages are becoming popular as well. We do encourage those owners who have rural based properties to cater for dogs as this is a market that will continue to grow, especially as more and more people opt to stay in the UK. Take a look at our dedicated web site for customers seeking dog friendly holiday cottages in dorset.
Little Briar is a beautifully finished self contained annexe set in the peaceful village location of Piddletrenthide near Dorchester. Set in the heart of Thomas Hardy country it is a perfect country getaway for a couple looking for a romantic retreat. The village contains a post office and village shop providing basic provisions and some local specialties. The Piddle Inn is just a minute’s walk away and provides a warm welcome and good food – as recommended by locals and visitors alike. The accommodation contains a kitchen / lounge / diner, a shower room with double shower and a bedroom with a king size double bed.
The Bakehouse is a self-contained detached property with a charming and stylish interior which is located in the grounds of the owner’s property in Weymouth, Dorset. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the local train station which has links to Dorchester, Wareham and London. The nearby Georgian esplanade is perfect for traditional eating places or you could venture further into the town and take a walk along the old harbour which has choice of fine dining as well as fish and chips and traditional pub food. Just a few miles out of Weymouth and you encounter the jurassic coastline which is perfect for country walks and allows you to take in the magnificent coastal views. The property has a combined studio room with lounge / dining area and bedroom area with 5ft kingsize double bed.
The name ‘Sixpenny Cottage’ comes from a Treasure Trove of James I Six Pence pieces discovered in the fireplace of an old shepherd’s cottage that once stood on the site. It is now a holiday venue that offers beautiful and tranquil surroundings. Having been designed to give a separate entrance from the main family house and good privacy, internally the property is also spacious and charmingly furnished. With its own patio, you are invited to explore the lovely gardens and pond that enhance the setting for Waddon Lodge. A short walk will take you to the “Wishing Well” where you can experience an extensive menu offering home cooking and a variety of delicious puddings and cakes. The cottage has modern furnishings and two single beds that can be made up as a 6ft double. 
If you are looking for a unique family holiday opportunity, you will likely be weighing up a number of different options. However, if you are trying to arrange a break with a large number of family or friends, you may be hard-pressed to find a more appealing option than simply renting a holiday cottage in a picturesque rural location. Staying with loved ones in a self-catering cottage in a county such as Dorset, Devon or Cornwall can be a beautifully peaceful holiday, and offers you, your family and friends the best chance to simply enjoy each other’s company away from the stresses and obligations of your home life.
We have been truly taken high above the clouds on a magical journey to see Weymouth’s panto Jack and the beanstalk this year.
Situated in the heart of the town of Bridport, the arts centre has grown in recent years into one of the west country’s premier venues. There is a wide variety of events on offer throughout the year including music, comedy, dance and film as well as exhibitions and a vibrant participatory programme featuring “take part events” and activities for all ages.
Artsreach was set up to give rural Dorset communities a chance to see and participate in high quality arts events in their own villages. Artsreach is Dorset’s rural touring arts charitable organisation and their aim is to make ticket prices affordable to everyone. To do this they receive regular funding from Arts Council England, Dorset County Council and North, West, East Dorset and Purbeck District Councils, but also depend upon attracting good attendances. When holding an event, venues keep a percentage of box office sales and raise their own proceeds from holding a bar or raffle etc.
Situated a few miles from the county town of Dorchester in the quiet village of Broadmayne, Church Farm Cottage is ideally suited to enjoy pleasant local walks or if you drive a few miles you can find the nature reserve of Thorncombe woods which is the location of Thomas Hardy’s Cottage (his home and birthplace) and is a pleasant easy walk. The cottage itself has many traditional, character features and is suitable for sleeping up to 5 people.
Hyde Beeches is an old, character filled, detached country house hidden in the countryside on the edge of Wareham forest which is in itself a great place for walking enthusiasts as there are many different paths and trails to take through this ancient woodland. Or, if you head into the town of Wareham itself there is a pleasant walk you take along Wareham Quay called the Northport Greenway. It is 1.5 miles long and takes you back into Wareham forest. It then joins up with the Sika trail which is approximately 3.25 miles. Hyde Beeches itself is a large, spacious property which can sleep up to 10 people.
Rodwell Halt is a comfortably furnished contemporary holiday cottage in Dorset which is close to the Rodwell Trail – a walk which takes you towards the national sailing academy on Portland in one direction or the town centre in the other. The Rodwell Trail is a very pleasant walk which follows the track bed of the old Weymouth to Portland Railway for two and a quarter miles between Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth at Westham Halt to just beyond Wyke Regis Halt at Ferry Bridge. Rodwell Halt is a new property to Dream Cottages which has 3 bedrooms and is suitable for sleeping up to 5 people.
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