Ricketts Farm Cottage

Enchanting cottage in Dorset, England, about two miles from Corfe Castle and three miles from Studland Bay

Stone Cottage Photo The cottage sleeps four adults, two children and one baby. It is set in half an acre of pretty gardens, beside a quiet lane, backing onto downland and with good views over rolling countryside. We understand that the property was built in the 17th century, but on a far older site. (The hamlet has an entry in the Domeday book and there is rumoured to be a Saxon hearth under the sitting room floor. On the summit of the down behind the cottage are Stone Age and Bronze Age burial mounds). Originally built as two cottages and a stable, it retains many of its original features, such as stone walls, exposed beams and two inglenook fireplaces. The cottage is particularly attractive for families with children old enough to enjoy the two small children's bedrooms that are reached through a narrow 'secret' passage in the back of an inglenook fireplace. The garden is a series of sheltered grass terraces, set with mature trees and shrubs, visited at night by badgers, owls and deer.

The cottage is set in Purbeck, the part of Dorset that was the inspiration for Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' stories. Nearby (3 miles) are the excellent sandy beach and nature reserve at Studland Bay, the seaside resort town of Swanage and the start of the World Heritage fossil-rich 'Jurassic Coast' . The nearest village (2 miles) is Corfe Castle, with its picturesque stone cottages and castle and a good selection of restaurants and pubs. There are also golf and horse riding facilities nearby. Within 10 miles are a tank museum, 'Monkeyworld', Brownsea Island (with its red squirrels), 2 adventure farms and a steam railway. There are fine walks over the hills and along the coast. Within an hour's drive lie the New Forest and most of Dorset and southern Witshire.

The cottage has four bedrooms.The large main bathroom is ensuite to the master bedroom (with a 5' double bed). The second double bedroom has a 4'6'' bed. Both of the children's bedrooms are accessible through a narrow passageway in the back of the fireplace in the dining room on the ground floor. One has a sloping roof and the other only 5'7'' headroom, so neither are suitable for adults. There is an additional shower room with wc on the ground floor.

The sitting room is large and comfortable, with a wood burning stove alongside the old bread oven in the inglenook, plus piano. It has a cd player, satellite TV and video player and pay telephone. Also on the ground floor are a characterful dining room, a pretty kitchen and utility room. There is a washing machine, dryer, fridge and freezer, grill, hob, oven and micro wave. The cottage has full gas central heating. There is also a cot and high chair.

The garden includes a barbecue and parking for three cars.

The cottage is ideal for families looking for a quiet, rural setting, near the sea. We regret no smoking or pets are allowed. Note that there is no stair gate for toddlers and there is no access for wheelchairs.

The price includes gas, electricity and firewood, sheets and towels, plus a hamper containing coffee, tea, sugar, bread, cake, butter, milk, jam, cheese and eggs.