Holly Cottage

Milton Abbas is a unique and peaceful village nestling in a wooded valley that slopes gently down to a private fishing lake. The village, designed by Capability Brown, was relocated from its original site at nearby Milton Abbey. The village houses are identical, built with thick cob walls and thatched roofs and were originally intended to accommodate 16 people. Each semi-detached cottage has a broad sloping lawn at the front, which creates the feeling of an extensive village green and is a lovely place to sit with a glass of wine and to watch the world go by.

The Hambro Arms, a stones throw from Holly Cottage, offers a log fire in the winter and good food all year round. There is also a Post Office General Store opposite the cottage which supplies basic groceries and some old world charm.

There are many beautiful walks nearby, both in the village and farther afield. One not to miss is a wander around the grounds and interior of Milton Abbey and to take in the view of the grass steps that leads to an 11th Century chapel higher up in the woods. Bulbarrow woods, a short car journey away has the most spectacular bluebell displays in the spring. The local area has much to offer and discover. The coast at Lulworth Cove is a mere 25 minutes drive and the beaches at Studland are around 30 minutes away.

The cottage has a cosy lounge with a woodburning stove, downstairs bathroom with Victorian roll-top bath, and a large dining kitchen which is fully equipped. Upstairs there is a double bedroom from which leads a twin bedroom. Outside there is a long rising garden with a patio reached by stone steps, beyond which it is terraced with seating. At the top there is a lovely view over the village and access to the woods, which in spring is a carpet of wild garlic flowers.

There is good shopping at Blandford Forum which is a lovely Georgian market town sitting on the river Stour, and also at Dorchester which is the Casterbridge of Thomas Hardy’s novels. Both towns are within easy reach and have large supermarkets and a range of shops and amenities.

For more information please call 07710 170162 or send an email to

enquirecott-ages@yahoo.co.uk