Happiness Cottage

Customer rating

4.3★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

Off road parking
Garden / Patio
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

6 Customer Review(s)

Sue
August 2025

“This was a pretty, clean cottage with thoughtful extras.”

Sadly, the road, immediately by the doorstep, was alarmingly busy with fast cars, huge trucks and tractors. This would be a worry for anyone with children dogs, or for the elderly, because the cottage is on a bend, which made trying to get in and out of a car difficult.

Sadly, the road, immediately by the doorstep, was alarmingly busy with fast cars, huge trucks and tractors. This would be a worry for anyone with children dogs, or for the elderly, because the cottage is on a bend, which made trying to get in and out of a car difficult.

- Sue, August 2025

Dear Dr Houseago Thank you so much for your feedback and I’m glad you liked the cottage and the little gifts. We always advise people to park on the off road drive as I agree the farmers have been busy with the dry weather getting everything finished and I’m sorry if the road was busy - it was busier than normal with the amazing Dorset County Show just down the road and trucks driving past to set up. I have two little ones and always park on the drive as it’s safe with the gates, but yes the farmers have been busy. We hope to see you again soon and take care. Abigail Pitcher and family. Property Owner
Allison August 2025

“Lovely old building but with everything we needed for our stay.”

Enjoyed sitting in the garden. Would come again.

- Allison, August 2025

Dear Mrs Kibbey Thank you for your feedback, we really hope you come back and stay. I’ll be planting all the daffodil bulbs for spring soon. With best wishes Abigail Pitcher. Property Owner
Gemma July 2025

“I came away for a week’s break to escape the intensity of a demanding role in service excellence for high-end clientele.”

I mention this only because I would recommend this cottage to any one of them. Set in a charming English village and surrounded by rolling farmland, Happyness Cottage is pure chocolate-box perfection. Every detail is beautifully thought out, offering both comfort and calm. It feels luxuriously private yet warmly welcoming. The parking was ideal for my car, and the surrounding countryside offered some of the most peaceful and picturesque dog walks I’ve experienced. My dog and I both returned home refreshed. The owners have created a true sanctuary and were wonderfully supportive throughout my stay. Whether you’re seeking rest, inspiration, or simply a pause from the world , you’ll find it here. I leave feeling restored and truly grateful.

- Gemma, July 2025

Dear Gemma Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful feedback. I’m so glad you and teddy feel rested after having a break at Happiness Cottage. We loved having you to stay and please come back soon! Thank you, we’ve worked hard restoring the cottage and really want it to be a special place for people to unwind and relax and it means a lot when we have feedback like this Come and see us soon. Abi Property Owner
Emily July 2025

“Lovely cottage location, cosy and rustic feel to the cottage.”

Kitchen is well stocked, with all you need. Nice touches of welcome pack, coffee pods to start you off, bedside water, fruit bowl. Pub is a 5min walk to the The Timble inn, superb food and atmosphere. We visited Milton Abbas fare which was delightful. Note that the road parking is limited and it really was a main road for heavy duty tractors and trailers, at one point with them outside the front of the cottage at 3am (bring earplugs).

- Emily, July 2025

Hi Emily Thank you so much for your feedback and giving us 5*, we do really appreciate this and think hard about what our guests would like on arrival. I’m sorry the tractors woke you up, it is a rural village and with this dry weather we are at the peak of combining and all the farmers are trying to get as much done as possible. It’s only for a short time. Your right The cottage has one parking space on the gated drive and limited parking across the road. I’m sorry you found the road noisy, it’s just whilst they work hard on harvest. But I am glad you liked the cottage, pub and the street fair. It is a beautiful area. Best wishes Abigail Pitcher Property Owner
Simon July 2025

“Over the years my partner, Gillian, and I have stayed at many cottages and houses (aka villas in the Mediterranean) in the UK and abroad,.”

A few have been outstanding. Happiness Cottage joins this elite group. Letting agents for holiday properties – which now include web sites, such as Airbnb, where owners create the ads – usually exaggerate the pluses and minimise (or ignore) the drawbacks. Sykes’ advert for Hapiness is accurate and frank but doesn’t address the key point: that the owners have taken unusual care to turn this little cottage into a gem. This was clear as soon as we arrived. The owners had left a postcard near the front door thanking ‘our lovely guests’ for booking Happiness and politely asking us to water the hanging baskets if we had time. They signed it, and included their pet Labrador, Percy. This was not a cynical marketing ploy. It was backed up by a generous welcome package of chilled rose, fruit, milk, home-made jam and locally made biscuits. The cupboards were stacked with the basics of cooking and with tea and coffee. There was an assortment of cleaning sprays, dog treats, chests stuffed with fresh linen and towels, spare bulbs, torches in every bedside cabinet and quality soaps in the bathrooms. All this went beyond what is usual. In holiday lets. The family have owned the cottage, they say, for 14 years and it was obvious that it had brought them great pleasure; which is presumably why they called it Happiness. They have spared no expense equipping the kitchen and bathroom (where the shower which blasts out water of a temperature and power usually only found in 5 star hotels) Rooms have been imaginatively decorated and furnished. For example, there’s a screen, which looks like it has come from a Thomas Hardy-era house, in the second bedroom in case the occupants of the two single beds want privacy. I imagined the owners drawing up lists of what each room needed. Flowers here. Pictures there, Rugs there. Plugs everywhere. And then, someone said, What about a privacy screen? And everyone said, Yes! The garden, half of which is paved, with decking for a sofa, chunky table and huge parasol, and half of which is a lawn, surrounded by mature trees and bushes, is a delight. Our dog, a small Portuguese hunting hound, who looks like a fox (which is ironic since one of his great joys is screaming at actual foxes) adored the cottage.. He is a good judge of place and obviously felt its vibes. He seemed to enjoy its peace, broken only by the sound of wildlife, insects buzzing and wind rustling the trees and an occasional car and tractor. Of course it is not perfect. The kitchen is so small that it is crowded with two adults. The fridge is in a utility room next door, which is a nuisance. The living room is stylish, but, sadly, the wood burner is locked because the insurers worry about the thatched roof. So no roaring fires when the nights are chilly. The stairs are steep and narrow. There’s no bath, which didn’t bother us but would disappoint people who enjoy a long soak after a strenuous day. Parking is tricky because neighbours’ cars line the road. The Jurassic Coast is half an hour away. The sandy beaches of Studland, Swanage and Poole are an hour awayr, if the traffic is light. To the south west are the resorts of Weymouth, Bridport and Lyme Regis. If you just want to potter around shops and museums and grab a meal Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, is only six miles away.

- Simon, July 2025

Dear Mr Freeman Thank you so very much for your lovely feedback. It made my heart so happy. Your right, the cottage has been in our family for years and we have just decided to holiday let it and I’ve worked hard thinking of everything I would want or need on a holiday and I’m so glad you liked it and had a lovely time. This little cottage (and I agree about the kitchen one day I would love to knock through to the utility room if I can) is in my heart and I’m so glad you liked it. With best wishes and thank you for your feedback. We will of course take note of all. Abi Do come back and stay soon! Property Owner
Patricia July 2025

“Happiness cottage is set in a lovely location with easy access to all of the beautiful Dorset coastline.”

The thatched cottage is lovely with a sun trap of a garden with most things that you need including sun beds on the lawn. Just bring candles and matches for the garden lanterns. An array of extras including milk tea biscuits and a beautiful bowl of fresh fruit. Also all the products like hand gel washing up liquid We had a small problem with marks on the bedding on the first night which was quickly resolved with a call to Sykes who contacted the owners. Who came straight out with fresh laundry and made the bed up lovely and fresh. Beautiful local walks and vineyards close by. It’s a small village but expect with the time of year to have the busy farmers passing from early morning until late into the evening. But don’t let that put you off it’s beautiful around there and you’ll be out like us most of the day. Thank you for our stay at your beautiful cottage.

- Patricia, July 2025

Show less

Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, WC
Cloakroom with basin and WC
Kitchen/diner
Sitting room.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, kettle
Smart TV only
WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Off Road parking
Enclosed, rear, multilevel garden with lawn, decking and furniture
One well-behaved pet welcome - please keep to the downstairs of the property and off the furniture
Please enquire about a 2nd dog
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 3 miles, pub 0.2 miles
Note: Babes in arms and children over the age of 5 only due to the garden being un-level
Note: Staircase of 13 stairs twists, please take care
Note: the wood burning stove is not to be used
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping Bond of £200

The property

Happiness Cottage is a delightful retreat, blending a character cottage experience with contemporary amenities and styling, situated on the outskirts of the Dorset National Landscape in Piddlehinton, Dorset.

With a beautiful garden space and welcoming one well-behaved pet, this charming cottage offers an ideal escape for families or friends seeking to explore the picturesque surroundings.

Upon entering the cottage, you will be greeted by an inviting sitting room, complete with a TV.

The kitchen/diner is well-equipped with everything you need to prepare delicious meals, which can be enjoyed at the dining table.

The property boasts two well-presented bedrooms, a double and a twin, both offering a serene space to rest after a day of adventures.

The cottage also benefits from a shower room, fitted with a walk-in shower, basin and WC.

Outside, the enclosed, multi-level garden is a real highlight.

Here, you can enjoy a morning coffee on the decking, or spend a sunny afternoon lounging on the lawn.

The garden furniture provides a great spot for alfresco dining or simply soaking up the calm surroundings.

A cloakroom with a basin and WC completes the interior of this charming retreat.

Enjoy a myriad of attractions within a short distance from Happiness Cottage, starting with the beautiful Borough Gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.

Venture a little further afield to the renowned Sculpture by the Lakes, a unique fusion of art and nature that provides a feast for the eyes.

Immerse in the rich local culture by visiting the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, where intriguing displays take you through the incredible history of this quaint county.

For those seeking the serenity of lush gardens, the Athelhampton House & Gardens is a must-visit, with its enchanting landscapes and heritage dating back to the 15th century.

Create memorable moments by exploring Maiden Castle, one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe.

Additional attractions include the National Trust - Hardy's Cottage, offering an unmissable opportunity to discover the life and works of the famed novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy.

After exploring, rest your weary feet and enjoy a refreshing pint at The Thimble Inn, a quintessentially English village pub.

Let Happiness Cottage be the start of your delightful journey through Dorset.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

View on map

About the location

PIDDLEHINTON

The pretty West Dorset village of Piddlehinton can be found in the quaintly named Piddle Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, only 8 miles from Dorchester, situated off the main road on a private track. The village is surrounded by glorious countryside, with direct access to public footpaths abounding in superb walks. Interestingly the young Thomas Hardy, as an architect's assistant, worked on the parish church. A great base for touring, there is much to see and do within a short drive of this picturesque area, including the world-famous Cerne Abbas giant, where you can find the nearest shop for the essentials, whilst the bustling market town of Dorchester, with its array of interesting shops, pubs, restaurants and museums is well worth a visit. Within easy reach is the family friendly seaside resort of Weymouth and the Jurassic coast, and also dramatic Portland, venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing events. With Bournemouth and Poole only 40 minutes away, this is altogether a super holiday destination at any time of the year.

Please Note: The woodburning stove is not to be used
Please Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping Bond of £200.
Please Note: Babes in arms and children over the age of five only due to the garden being un-level.
Please Note: Staircase of thirteen stairs twists, please take care.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Piddlehinton, Dorset (Ref. 1175141)

Your selection:

Nearby dates:

Your selection:

Nearby dates:

Available dates:

Other available dates:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“This was a pretty, clean cottage with thoughtful extras.”

“Lovely old building but with everything we needed for our stay.”

“I came away for a week’s break to escape the intensity of a demanding role in service excellence for high-end clientele.”

“Lovely cottage location, cosy and rustic feel to the cottage.”

“Over the years my partner, Gillian, and I have stayed at many cottages and houses (aka villas in the Mediterranean) in the UK and abroad,.”