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Keepers Cottage

(Ref. 905895)

Winterborne Stickland, Dorset Show on map

4.7

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Electric vehicle charging
  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Games Room
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (38)
  • our (26)
  • clean (22)
  • comfortable (20)
  • lovely (19)
  • well (17)

67 Customer Reviews

  • "Fabulous cottage in a lovely, peaceful and well thought out courtyard space."

    The central grassed area is very attractive. Everything you need is provided and the cottage is warm and comfortable, spotlessly clean too on arrival. The property manager is extremely prompt at responding to queries - one of the lounge lights needed a bulb replacing and within 10 minutes of my message to her it was being dealt with. Cannot fault anything. We had a fabulous week despite the rain and would very definitely return and recommend these cottages to anyone.

    Reviewed by Elaine5.0Sep 2024

  • "Everything perfekt"

    Reviewed by Dirk5.0Aug 2024

  • "Absolutely superb accommodation with everything you could ask for."

    Fully equipped kitchen. Everywhere was clean and quality of beds etc was to the best standard. The surroundings were fantastic and very close to shops and restaurants. The property garden was perfect with somewhere to sit outside which included a parasol. We would definitely rate the whole experience 10 out of 10 and would most definitely stay again and also recommend all of the Hedge End Farm cottages.

    Reviewed by Catherine5.0Jun 2024

  • "We stayed at Keepers cottage from 14th-17th June 2024."

    It’s a beautiful spacious & comfortable cottage in a lovely part of Dorset. Just the 2 of us & our 2 dogs, but would easily be enough space for 4 people. I would definitely recommend Keepers cottage to anyone & we would definitely consider staying there again. Also the garden at the front of the cottage is secure, so that was perfect for the dogs.

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Jun 2024

  • "A spacious, well-equipped and very comfortable holiday home in a quiet countryside location, with plenty to do in the area."

    The property is very well managed and guest information is easily accessible and well-organised. Entries in the guest book show how well-liked Keepers Cottage is, with many guests returning for several stays.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Jun 2024

  • "A really superb accommodation very spacious it was equipped with everything you need."

    Great outdoor gated garden which was just what we were looking for as we have a small dog.

    Reviewed by Terry5.0May 2024

  • "The cottage was amazing and so much bigger than we imagined!"

    We throughly enjoyed our stay and the children loved the play barn!

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Apr 2024

  • "Very good will book again"

    Reviewed by Dharanisha5.0Mar 2024

  • "Great comfortable property, good location."

    Would happily rebook.

    Reviewed by Joseph5.0Feb 2024

  • "Another lovely stay in a warm comfortable cottage despite the rain!"

    The tap in the walk in shower needs attention as it's very stiff to turn off.

    Reviewed by Anne4.7Dec 2023

  • "We having been staying at keepers cottage for the last 9 years with our dogs it ..."

    We having been staying at keepers cottage for the last 9 years with our dogs it is home from home for us the cottage has everything you need for a relaxing holiday Leanne and the team do a great job all the staff are very friendly hedge end farm cottages is the gem of Dorset we would highly recommend a visit the food at the royal oak pub at millborne st Andrew is first class see you next year sue mark honey masey and ruby

    Reviewed by Mark5.0Dec 2023

  • "Comfortable warm cottage with plenty of dog walks around."

    Reviewed by Robert5.0Nov 2023

  • "Excellent cottage, fantastic conversion of the buildings to a very high standard and well grouped around a grassed courtyard and parking area."

    Well equipped with everything we needed and such a beautiful location. The play barn was a great facility to have to use and everything throughout was very welcoming.

    Reviewed by Tim5.0Oct 2023

  • "Very spacious and well equipped."

    Comfortable bed and sofas. Excellent games room. Lighting in the lounge could be a bit brighter to make it easier to read.

    Reviewed by Andy3.8Sep 2023

  • "The cottage was as described clean, well presented and comfortable."

    4 Electric charging points which is good but a bit expensive at 60p a kilowatt compared to average of 45p elsewhere. Overall a very good holiday.

    Thank you for booking with us and for your kind feedback. I'm sorry the charging points are more expensive than some. On our most recent electricity bill the current cost to us is 57p per kilowatt, before making any allowance for the cost of the chargers or PodPoint's commission so we are barely breaking even financially on having them. We'll keep this under review next time we are able to renegotiate our electricity tariff and we are also looking at solar panels which may help. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Derrick5.0Aug 2023

  • "A lovely haven to stay in."

    Perfect for the dogs with the enclosed front garden and a lovely walk across the road into the woods. We were all very comfortable and had everything we needed. A beautiful, scenic, peaceful spot to go out exploring from.

    Reviewed by Tania5.0Jun 2023

  • "We loved our stay at Keepers Cottage."

    Everything you need. A home from home.

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Jun 2023

  • "A beautiful property, spacious, comfortable and very tidy."

    There was a welcome pack of milk and biscuits. The only very minor criticism is the bath towels are very small, we’re used to bath sheets

    Reviewed by Des5.0May 2023

  • "We enjoyed a near perfect holiday - The only thing that spoiled it was it was too short!"

    We love staying at Hedge End Farm and will definitely be back

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Apr 2023

  • "What a gorgeous place to stay!"

    ! So much space! We wouldn't hesitate to come back. The games room was a huge hit with all of our family too.

    Reviewed by Clare5.0Apr 2023

  • "I stayed in keepers cottage and the only downside was the main bedroom backs on ..."

    I stayed in keepers cottage and the only downside was the main bedroom backs on to next doors lounge and all I could hear when I went to bed was next door talking till 1 am

    Thank you for visiting Keepers and for your feedback. We're sorry you were disturbed by noise from the lounge next door. As this seems to have been more of a problem recently we have arranged for the bedroom wall to be soundproofed at the end of April. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Dawn5.0Apr 2023

  • "We would of given 5 stars but for the need to sound proof the wall between the main bedroom and the cottage next door which I think was their kitchen This was noted many times in the comments book at the cottage ."

    Thank you for visiting Keepers and for you feedback. We're sorry you were disturbed by noise from the lounge next door. We have arranged for the bedroom wall to be soundproofed at the end of April. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Margaret3.8Mar 2023

  • "Lovely cottage with good facilities."

    Nice to have milk, tea/coffee and and mince pies to welcome us in the kitchen as well as a cheering Christmas tree in the lounge. Bitter cold weather (Dec '22) and the stone floors made our feet cold. The radiators are efficient though so we were able to warm the rooms up.

    Reviewed by Marguerite Helen4.4Dec 2022

  • "This was our second stay at Keepers Cottage and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there."

    The cottage is very spacious like a tardis once inside! A peaceful environment with a lovely forest walk for the dogs just up the hill. A good central base for trips out in Dorset. Leanne the cottage manager was very helpful with any issues.

    Reviewed by Janice5.0Sep 2022

  • "Another extremely enjoyable stay at Keepers Cottage."

    Clean, comfortable, well equipped. What more could you need? We stayed during the week preceding the extreme heat wave, and our dogs found the tiles cooling and thoroughly enjoyed their early (ish) walks around the woods opposite.

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Jul 2022

  • "First class accommodation."

    A couple of large prints on the walls of the main sitting room would brighten up a rather blank space. This feedback is by way of recommendation and not criticism.

    Reviewed by David5.0May 2022

  • "The property was spotlessly clean."

    There is a well equipped kitchen with all appliances you need to make a holiday easier. The furnishings were comfortable in the lounge and bedroom and were to a high standard. Lighting in the lounge could be improved as it’s quite dim for reading. A rug on the floor would be beneficial as the stone floor is cold and stark. A few ornaments and pictures would make the property more homely. The bedrooms could also benefit better lighting and power points which are located near mirrors. The second bedroom could have a zip bed system to enable the 2 singles to become a double for adults who are staying. The second bathroom is located through the corridor and then through the lounge so quite a trek to reach the shower or loo. The property is very remote so there is no opportunity to walk to the local shop or pub. A car is essential for getting about & there are no pavements if you wish to stretch your legs for a short walk. The housekeeper on the last day was very rude & was standing outside the front door with her cleaning materials before 10am. She informed us that we had 3 minutes to leave. She left the gate open and fortunately our dog didn’t escape as we had him on the lead. Had the front door been open a dog could have escaped. Advertising this as dog friendly accommodation the cleaners should be more aware of the precautions to be taken. Overall a high standard cottage, if you like remoteness and use a car for the entire stay. The property has a clumsy layout and could do with a few more home comforts.

    Thank you for booking our property and your feedback. We're disappointed that upset was caused to all involved (including our longstanding and valued cleaner) by the incident around the time of your departure, as she brought over her cleaning materials and fresh linen etc for the changeover to leave them outside the garden gate a few short minutes before the scheduled 10am departure time. Margaret Scribbins Owner Property Owner

    Reviewed by Carole3.4Apr 2022

  • "Very clean, very comfortable, very dog friendly, peaceful, calm, relaxing and very well equipped ."

    Lovely touch of milk, tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival.

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0Mar 2022

  • "We were a extended family of14 in 4 of the cottages It was absolutely ideal ..."

    We were a extended family of14 in 4 of the cottages It was absolutely ideal The children lived in the games room giving the adults a break Most days the dogs were walked into the woods along the footpath opposite the entrance With trips to Kingston Lacy and Lulworth Cove The week went all too quickly There is talk about coming back next Christmas

    Reviewed by Lucy5.0Dec 2021

  • "Absolutely fantastic weekend !"

    Lovely cottage and the owners seemed to think of everything even down to a pint of milk on arrival. Spotlessly clean and beautifully laid out. Nice safe garden for the dogs!

    Reviewed by Bernard5.0Nov 2021

  • "Lovely barn conversion."

    Pictures do no do it justice! It is not as small as it appears. Very spacious and good sized garden. Rural setting.

    Reviewed by Janice5.0Sep 2021

  • "The cottage was not as clean as I would like."

    Basins in both bathrooms appeared to have had a cursory clean however dirt and debris behind taps. Shower had dust/sand in the bottom and around the outside ledge. Skirting boards in shower room were also very dusty. The sofas in the lounge were dreadfully uncomfortable, sagging and no support whatsoever. However we did report this and Sykes’s made the owner aware. She came to see for herself and was very apologetic but obviously was unable to provide replacements whilst we were there which we understood. We have stayed at Hedge End cottages previously but felt that they are now a little tired and in need of refurbishment. Definitely not worthy of a 5 ✔️ rating. On the plus side we did feel that both Sykes and the owner had taken our complaints seriously. Also a nice comfy bed. The cottage is surrounded by lovely countryside and is in easy reach of lots of coastal resorts and beautiful villages.

    Reviewed by Jill3.4Jul 2021

  • "Very clean and comfortable cottage,have recommend it to family and friends ,and hope to come back for another stay."

    The info was detailed very well .truly one of the best holiday accommodations I have been to

    Reviewed by Jenny5.0Jun 2021

  • "On arrival the buildings and grounds looked very neat, clean and tidy."

    There is ample parking. Check-in was straight forward. Keepers Cottage was very much more than we expected. It was very spacious and well equipped. We took our two small dogs and was pleased to see that garden area was properly enclosed as stated. There is an open Wifi connection from the farm, which was very good. The area is very rural with plenty of walks straight from the door. It is also a very good base to venture out from, as much of the coastal resorts and popular sightseeing locations are from under 1hr to 2hr max. We would definitely return without hesitation. The only negative that we did have, was that the soafas were very low and deep and gave very bad posture.

    Reviewed by Kevin5.0May 2021

  • "Always enjoy our stay at Keepers cottage, disappointed though to find that ..."

    Always enjoy our stay at Keepers cottage, disappointed though to find that cottages being let to tradesmen again especially as Margaret assured us it wouldn’t happen again after our last awful experience with noisy tradesmen

    Reviewed by Robert5.0May 2021

  • "Accommodation was great, large rooms, clean & tidy."

    All of your needs were met from all ur kitchen needs & appliances down to the wifi. This was our first time of booking this type of holiday and we will definitely do this again. At this time it was great to get back to ‘normal’ times.

    Reviewed by June4.7Apr 2021

  • "The cottage was lovely, clean, comfortable, and cosy and set in a tranquill part of the countryside."

    We enjoyed our relaxing stay very much. Would recommend very much

    Reviewed by Terry5.0Oct 2020

  • "Furniture uncomfortable without cushions (covid) but couldn't be helped."

    All knives (bread, dining cutlery and sharp food prep ) very blunt. Given covid accommodation overall was good

    Reviewed by Philip4.4Sep 2020

  • "This is a lovely property, one of six around a courtyard, in a quiet country area."

    The property is huge, beautifully converted. The lighting in the lounge area is poor, not enough for such a big room. The furniture throughout is of excellent quality, but the two very large sofas are so low that anyone elderly will have great trouble getting up off them. In fact, we found it terrible to the point that we had to bring my wheelchair inside for me to sit in. The other great problem we had is the vast amount of flies in every room of the property, undoubtedly due to it being near the farm, , but a great annoyance to us.No amount of fly sprays were tried, but to no avail. The properties need some electric fly zappers such as you find in some shops being used Lack of shaver points in bathrooms. Beds are fantastic.. A great property , superb if only the points mentioned were addressed.

    Reviewed by Gillian4.4Sep 2020

  • "Cottage was lovely and appeared very clean Due to Covid restrictions the lack of soft furnishings made it a bit echoey but big a big deal Problem with the dishwasher was noted personally by the owner our arrival and when we advised the housekeeper the following morning that it was leaking, another new machine was there when we returned later that afternoon."

    Superb service Only real criticism would be that the provision of kitchen equipment was pretty basic/limited and not really set up for proper cooking but overall we would stay again happily as cottage was really nice and suited our needs perfectly

    Reviewed by Sally4.4Aug 2020

  • "We booked our holiday during the COVID-19 pandemic."

    At the time of booking - and right up to the time of our holiday - the listing on your website featured photos and details of the games room included as part of the accommodation. It was only when I received a text from the accommodation manager - the evening before our short break - that I was told the games room would not be open. I emailed and phoned Sykes and did not receive a satisfactory response - as to why this needed to be closed or why this was communicated to us at such a late stage. Very disappointing and meant we were unable to enjoy our short break to the full.

    We are sorry that you were disappointed with the removal of the games room facility at the property. This was a decision made with guests safety in mind as the facilities are shared. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sarah2.5Aug 2020

  • "Have stayed in this complex before and really enjoyed it,hence that is why we booked again"

    Reviewed by Sara5.0Jul 2020

  • "Loved the accommodation very spacious and beautifully furnished."

    Very grateful for the considerate details like chocolate cake, milk in fridge, tea, coffee. Made you feel very welcome! Smashing walks with gorgeous views just by crossing road.

    Reviewed by Nicola5.0Jan 2020

  • "Our 10th visit to Keepers cottage as we love the area."

    It’s great for dogs & walking with plenty of footpaths & the beach is 50 mins away. We’ve already booked no:11

    Reviewed by Robert4.7Nov 2019

  • "Lovely barn conversion."

    The best I have stayed in. We had everything we needed and couldn't have asked for more. Was sad to leave.

    Reviewed by Sandie5.0Nov 2019

  • "Fantastic cottage with a real home from home feel."

    Really lovely touches with cake, milk, and Dog treats left which made us feel very welcome.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Oct 2019

  • "Spacious and well maintained cottage, which met all of our expectations and exceeded some."

    Well placed cottage for the trips we had already booked and planned to the local areas. Great to know that we could have brought the dog (we chose not to) welcomed with cake and doggy treats. We hope to return in the future.

    Reviewed by Fiona4.4Oct 2019

  • "Very comfortable, well-furnished house with everything we needed, in a village location."

    Reviewed by Vince5.0Aug 2019

  • "The cottage was perfect - huge, clean, and well equipped with everything we needed for a fantastic week."

    Lots of information provided about the local area and things to do. The property was exactly as described on the website. Check in arrangements were very smooth. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Juliet5.0Jul 2019

  • "Our first visit to Dorset and the cottage was very comfy and spacious."

    Parking was easy and only a few steps away. The enclosed lawned garden was safe for our little dog and we sat on the patio every morning and evening as the weather was so good. Very helpful lady who changed my duvet as I am allergic to feathers and the gardener was very friendly. The only slight niggles are that to use the hairdryer in the main bedroom was difficult as plug on opposite wall to the mirror an extension lead would be good. When it came to checkout on Friday which is 10am a cleaner arrived in a camper van at 8 am and waited outside.We found this very intimidating and felt we had to rush to get out not a nice experience after a lovely week.

    Reviewed by Colin5.0Jun 2019

  • "Very straight forward key collection etc No complaints at all"

    Reviewed by Rebecca4.1Apr 2019

  • "Our 9th visit to Keepers cottage, we find it very relaxing & a pleasant part of ..."

    Our 9th visit to Keepers cottage, we find it very relaxing & a pleasant part of Dorset to do dog walking with some good pubs for refreshment

    Reviewed by Robert4.7Mar 2019

  • "Hi keepers cottage had everything u would need for your holiday , it was clean and tidy with plenty of car parking off road ."

    Reviewed by Malcolm4.1Dec 2018

  • "The cottage was clean and comfortable but it would be better if there was a small dressing table and mirror in the bedroom and a radio available to use."

    We don't always watch TV

    Reviewed by Tim4.7Nov 2018

  • "As it was our eight visit to this property we know what to expect & that is why we keep returning"

    Reviewed by Robert4.7Nov 2018

  • "Superb accommodation with great facilities."

    Extra touches such as cake, milk,tea and coffee a welcome extra as was the dog treats. The only criticism would be that the sofas were very low and soft. However on the way home we started discussing when to book a return trip.

    Reviewed by Amanda4.7Oct 2018

  • "The way a dog is catered for is excellent."

    A fenced large grassy space private to the cottage.

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Sep 2018

  • "It's our fourth time at keepers cottagethis year it's lovely there and we're back there in december"

    Reviewed by Mark5.0Sep 2018

  • "A wonderful cottage in a quiet setting."

    It was clean, fresh and well equipped.

    Reviewed by Shenaiya5.0Sep 2018

  • "Beautiful spacious cottage, well equipped and very clean."

    The photos don't do it justice. Central for all our needs via a car. Would recommend this holiday cottage, and would certainly stay again if I returned to Dorset.

    Reviewed by Cher5.0Jun 2018

  • "I got exactly what I expected."

    I can't ask for more.

    Reviewed by Peter4.1Jun 2018

  • "Clean, spacious & comfortable property in an ideal location to explore Dorset & the New Forest."

    Reviewed by Peter5.0Jul 2017

  • "Our 5th stay @ this cottage."

    ......says it all

    Reviewed by Robert4.4Mar 2017

  • "Lovely week at Keepers Cottage, very clean and well equipped cottage."

    Would definitely recommend and come again!

    Reviewed by Alex4.6Feb 2017

  • "4th time stayed @ keepers cottage."

    ...says it all! Would like a bit more kitchen equipment, but we bring our own. Don't find the sofas comfortable but we use plenty of cushions to get over it. Otherwise a nice clean, warm cottage, will be booking a 5th time

    Reviewed by Robert4.6Nov 2016

  • "It was perfect for the dogs and we could walk them just across the road."

    We were welcomed with cake, ,milk, tea, coffee. Very clean would recommend to any one.

    Reviewed by Christine4.8Sep 2016

  • "The cottage was much bigger than expected and very well equipped, comfortable, fab for the dog with our own garden."

    Just lovely x

    Reviewed by Briony4.6Aug 2016

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC, 1 x twin
  • Shower room with shower, basin and WC
  • One low step to kitchen, one low step to bedroom corridor
  • Kitchen
  • Sitting room with dining area and woodburning stove.
  • Electric heating with woodburning stove
  • Electric oven, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with FreeSat, DVD, WiFi, selection of books and games
  • Fuel, power and starter pack for stove inc. in rent
  • Further fuel can be purchased from owner
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Please note: a hand and bath towel will be provided for each bed space
  • Travel cot and highchair on request
  • Ample off road parking
  • Covered bike storage
  • Enclosed, private garden with lawned area, patio and picnic bench
  • Shared front lawned area
  • Shared games room with pool table, table football and air hockey
  • Two well-behaved dogs welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 5 miles, pub 1 mile
  • Note: Dogs to be kept on a lead whilst on the premises due to nearby livestock
  • One low step to kitchen, one low step to bedroom corridor
  • Wheelchair ramps available upon request

The property

A characterful, single-storey, end-terrace Winterborne Stickland holiday cottage.

This tastefully-furnished barn conversion overlooks a landscaped courtyard area.

The king-size bedroom offers en-suite facilities, and there is a shower room for use by the twin bedroom.

Lovely beamed sitting and dining areas, along with a woodburning stove and a shared games room.

Please note: property has small step to kitchen and bedroom area, wheelchair ramps available on request.

Note: This property is in a courtyard with Refs. 18978, 19285, 905896, 905897 and 905898, together they sleep 28.

Hedge End Farm Cottages

Winterborne Stickland 1 mile. A cluster of six impressive, imaginatively-converted, single-storey barn conversions, nestling in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in an idyllic rural location a mile from the picturesque village of Winterborne Stickland, 4 miles from Blandford Forum. Grouped around an attractive grassed courtyard on the owner's 1350-acre working farm, these Winterborne Stickland cottages have been sympathetically converted to an extremely high standard, and where possible, feature many original oak beams and vaulted ceilings. Each of these Winterborne Stickland cottages has its own charm and character, all boasting cosy woodburning stoves, and most offering en-suite facilities. Outside each Winterborne Stickland cottage is a private garden area, as well as attractive shared lawns to the front, and use of a shared games room in one of the larger barns on site; a super place to have fun after your day out. With a variety of accommodation on offer at these Winterborne Stickland cottages, up to 28 people can enjoy the delights of this lovely rural location, from the glorious country walks across the nearby Bulbarrow Hill, one of Dorset’s highest points, to the stunning Jurassic Coast, an easy drive. These luxurious Winterborne Stickland cottages provide an excellent rural base from which to explore this stunning area.

View on map

About the location

WINTERBORNE STICKLAND

Blandford Forum 4 miles.

The attractive village of Winterborne Stickland is located beneath the majestic Dorset Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Winterborne Stickland is situated in the peaceful, chalk-streamed Winterbourne Valley, which boasts spectacular views from Bulbarrow, one of the highest points in Dorset. The centre of this charming village features several picturesque cob and thatch cottages including the 17th century inn, and a 13th century church, whilst the surrounding countryside offers wonderful rural walks. Just 3 miles away is the pretty village of Milton Abbas, with its beautiful Benedictine abbey and exquisite, whitewashed, thatched cottages, often featured on Dorset picture postcards. Tour the striking Georgian architecture, visit the fascinating Fashion Museum, or sample real ale at the local brewery at nearby Blandford Forum. Alternatively, explore the colourful market and array of shops, pubs and restaurants at Thomas Hardy’s Dorchester, or enjoy the delights of the scenic Jurassic Coast, both within easy driving distance. You are truly spoilt for choice at this wonderful location.

View more holiday cottages in Winterborne Stickland

One low step to kitchen, one low step to bedroom corridor. Wheelchair ramps available upon request

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute