Dog Friendly Cottages in Dorset

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Clare - Verified booking

  We had a lovely stay in Pips Hideaway set in the stunning village of Milton Abbas.

  It was perfectly situated for exploring Dorset. It was also so quiet and peaceful and a joy to listen to the relaxing sounds of the birds singing and see lots of varieties of bird feeding on the bird table. We were slightly confused by the directions to the property as we didn’t come via the Blandford way so we had to go through the village of Milton Abbas (which is stunning) and turn around to follow the directions given. There is a very weak mobile/GPRS signal in and around this area so perhaps some directions from the other end of the village would also be helpful. The property is absolutely stunning. So well thought out, so very well decorated and so very clean and tidy. It has pretty much everything you could need in these sort of holiday properties. I didn’t find myself saying very often ‘I wish this had….’ (Although maybe a clothes airer for drying the towels and swimming costumes after days at the beach would be an extra bonus?). We absolutely loved the quirky layout of the house which is something of a trend we like to look for when finding holiday properties to stay in. The owner lives in the beautiful thatched cottage next door and on arrival had prepared lovely scones, jam and clotted cream and later in the week had baked a very tasty Dorset Apple cake and gave us some slices. Whilst she lived next door and we had a shared drive, I did not feel that we were in each others pockets or overlooked. It still felt very private. However, we did feel that if we needed to we could call on her and it was slightly comforting to know she were nearby should there be an issue. From this area you can visit most places in Dorset within 30 minutes to an hour. The closest beach is only 30 mins away. During our time we were able to visit: Dorchester, Monkey World, Dorset Falconry Park, Cerne Abbas (and walk to the giant), Weymouth, Portland Bill, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, swanage and Corfe Castle all within reasonable travelling distances and all great places to go. This property was ideal for our holiday in Dorset with our family of four and it was also well affordable. I would absolutely recommend it and would stay again if we return to holiday in this area.

  Read more less >

• Peter - Verified booking

  We loved our stay at Washingpools & are considering a return visit in the future.

  The bed was very comfortable (lovely sheets, duvet cover & pillows). The sofa was also very comfortable We loved looking out & seeing wildlife around us which even included, on one balmy night, Glowworms in the long grassed meadow, a rare occasion for us, my wife had never seen one & it was only the 2nd time for me. Actually a rare event at the start of autumn. The cottage is very close to Chesil Beach (visible from the cottage), an easy/delightful walk & very handy if intending to do some fishing. Now a few criticisms, the entrance door should have a translucent sticker on it so the plain glass panel is visible, my wife walked into it after I had closed it behind her after she had gone out, luckily no physical harm was caused. The wetroom would benefit from having a long-handled squeegee to aid drying out (we used a mop we found), perhaps a shower curtain to restrict the shower spraying the toilet & plain wall next to it. The bedroom is snug & a couple of times I at over 6 foot bumped my head on the shelf which supported the clothes hanging rail (I realise nothing can be done about this, I should have learnt after the first time, but worth warning the unwary like me.) While we were staying one evening we had monsoon-type rain & yes as the note attached to the wood burner was correct, water leaks in when there's heavy rain, It filled a mug in a couple of hours, I think this is a repair that should be a the top of the list to prevent further damage. Lastly, considering this cottage is for 2 people why are there 4 chairs at the table? Only two would mean more room.

  Read more less >

• Graham - Verified booking

  We have been to Washingpools before, so knew what we were going go get, but weren't sure how Coronavirus was going to affect our stay.

  As it happened, very little - all amenities were still there, including toilet roll, kitchen roll, bin bags, towels and duvet/pillow case covers, cushions for the sofa, so we didn't feel this was any different to other holidays.. The only minor difference was a slightly later check in time of 5pm rather than 3pm to allow more cleaning time - no great hardship (and no change to check-out time of 10am). The place is exactly as described online, combined living room/kitchen with a magnificent sea view, wet room/toilet with shower, and a bedroom with a very comfortable double bed. Duvet was a winter one and the weather was red hot, but the week before had been the coldest August bank holiday ever, so this is completely understandable. As to the local area, the local hotel and cafe are still open for business, and happy to have visitors. The surrounding towns (Bridport/Weymouth/Lyme Regis) were all busier than usual for the second week in September, but we put this down to more people staycationing.. Having said that, the location of Washingpools at the bottom of a market garden, in a village with only one road in (which stops at the sea) is an ideal place for (self) isolation - we could easily have seen no-one for the entire week if we'd have stayed in and around the cottage. All in all, Washingpools in West Bexington is still a brilliant destination for a couple with or without a dog (any more may feel a little cramped).

  Read more less >

• Clare - Verified booking

  We stayed as a family of 5 at the old stables for 7 nights.

  When we arrived, we were impressed with how clean the property was and the facilities. My children loved the games room and that was a real bonus on the rainy days we had. The property was well kitted out with all the equipment you could need. Plenty of crockery, glasses and cooking utensils. I was especially impressed there was hand wash in every bathroom and the kitchen. There was rinse aid, dishwasher tablets and washing powder and softener for the duration of our stay. It was a lovely touch to have some biscuits and milk left for us after a long journey. We also arrived to fully stocked teabags and sugar. The location of the old stables is perfect and close to all amenities. The crown pub down the road is excellent. If I would recommend anything is improved, I would say the mattresses. They are so hard and don’t offer much support to your back and hips and even my children thought they were hard. Whilst I recognise the importance of durability, I think this is the only minor negative of the accommodation. We will definitely be back and I wouldn’t let the hard mattress put me off.

  Read more less >

• Susan - Verified booking

  We had an absolutely wonderful stay for two nights at The Old Stables.

  The accommodation was just perfect for what we needed and it provided easy access to some great countryside sights and the coast. Everything we could have possibly needed was provided - I've never seen so many cups, glasses etc ... and loved the biscuits :) The only downside was when we first arrived, I walked along the corridor to the end bedroom and hadn't switched the light on. I didn't notice the step, went flying and hit the floor on my knees. I didn't notice anything about the step on the accommodation details (of course I may have missed it), so it would be worth making it a bit clearer if possible as if my elderly mother-in-law had walked down there first, the situation could have been a lot worse. It didn't spoil our break at all - just tender knees for a few days ;) - and we will definitely be coming back. Thank you very much and wishing you all a wonderful Christmas in the meantime. Sue

  Read more less >