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10 Guests
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5 Bedrooms
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5 Bathrooms
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Pets Yes
Features
- Hot tub
- Off road parking
- Ground floor accommodation
- Ground floor bedroom
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
31 Customer Reviews
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"A wonderful holiday for three generations."
Concerns about The Slope and garden proved unfounded - providing you are steady on your feet the path down is no issue and there was ample space on the garden for little legs to run round and for older ones to stroll. It's a beautiful location and a clean, well -stocked comfortable home.
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"A fabulous house for a family gathering."
Great communal social spaces and comfortable bedrooms really make the house perfect for a group of people to spend time together, and if necessary apart! The gardens are lovely and watching the wildlife is just one of the added treats. The wood fired hot tub was especially fun to spend time in. Ample parking on site and brilliantly located for day trips to Salisbury, Longleat, Bath etc. Would recommend to anyone.
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"An excellent property."
Everything we needed was provided. The house was beautifully clean. The outside spaces were well used by all generations and the dog. Plenty of space for games. A good selection of games and puzzles were supplied to supplement the ones we brought. Bedrooms were very comfortable. We had a fantastic holiday.
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"We had a lovely time at Hillside Cottage, a comfortable , very clean house."
There were eight of us, three generations, lots of space and very well equipped house. A lovely well kept garden, would be less of a worry if the end of the garden was fenced off from the very steep drop, as we had two children in our group. Emily the housekeeper was very helpful, checking in on us to see if we were happy with everything. We stayed for two weeks, and appreciated the end of week clean and change of linen. Lovely fresh flowers and hamper were also appreciated.
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"The property was excellent."
Modern, and very clean and tidy. Our dog had a great time exploring the grounds. The local House Manger, was brilliant. Very quick and willing to help with any queries that we had regarding the property and a major help with a medical emergency that we encountered during our stay
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"Fantastic well equipped property."
Superb location, ideal for family holiday, plenty of space inside and outside, would recommend, probably the best rental property we have used for the price, and we have purchased many over the last few years.
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"A beautifully modernised cottage in a tranquil rural setting, but very conveniently located close to Shaftesbury and an easy drive to a variety of other interesting places eg Salisbury, Wilton House, Stourhead, Compton Abbas and the Jurassic coast."
Also a very dog friendly property with a good garden and hard flooring throughout much of the property. Our one minor criticism relates to what we feel, given the price paid, are some simple housekeeping deficiencies e.g. no spare dustin bags were provided , no kitchen roll was provided, both dishwashers needed rinse aid on arrival and none was provided, none of the bathrooms had any shower gel and we would have thought small complimentary samples would be norm. These are minor issues but if addressed would have further enhanced a lovely stay.
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"All was great thanks, plenty to do in the area and the cottage was great."
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"Hillside cottage was exactly as described, beautiful."
There is absolutely nothing I can fault. The team do an amazing job on the cleaning side, it was immaculate. There were gifts of tea and cakes and other bits on arrival, that made it so welcoming. Emily popped in to make sure we were ok, which was another nice touch. These comments were not just from me, my three children and their respective husbands and wives all said the same ! So, thanks for letting us share your home. We loved it
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"A wonderful property- just how it was described."
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"We really enjoyed Hillside cottage and the accommodation was just perfect for us."
We are a group of 4 couples enjoying a new years break and found that we all had the space to be together or to find a quiet spot to ourselves. We enjoyed being able to walk out the door and find amazing hikes just on the doorstep, although we did have pretty miserable weather. The cottage itself was really well equipped and there was plenty of room to store all left over goodies from Christmas as there are two fridges and a big chest freezer and two dishwashers. The log burner in the lounge and dining room were very welcome after a long walk in the mud and the rain. We did try the hot tub once, but it wasn’t a lot of fun in the rain, but had to be done! Maybe it would be nice put up some outside lights by the hot tub as we did fumble around with torches. Overall this was lovely cottage and we had a fabulous time.
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"This was the third year for our family staying away over the Christmas period."
The property was really lovely and unlike some was well stocked with things like dishwasher tablets, logs etc and beautifully decorated. All in all a very enjoyable stay in a lovely setting.
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"When we booked there was no mention of the several short flights of steps throughout the ground floor."
None have hand rails. This makes it very difficult for those of us with mobility issues. The ground floor bedroom was particularly hazardess. I think the website is now more accurate. It is not suitable for those with mobility issues. In every other respect it is a very handsome and comfortable house. It has a lovely, peaceful setting. Perfect when the sun is shinning.. We could not find any small side plates but maybe we didn't open quite enough cupboards of which there are a lot. We were a party of4 couples who like to cook so the kitchen area was a perfect space for us to socialise. We very much enjoyed our stay.
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"Excellent holiday property- thank you."
Only a couple of minor things, but overall very enjoyable.
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"Proved to be an excellent choice."
Superb location, wonderful accomodation and amenities.
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"What a fabulous house!"
Our group of 8 friends had a wonderful stay at Hillside cottage in May 23. The house and grounds are immaculate and the manager Emily was very accommodating and helpful. Great location for walks into Shaftsbury or drives to the coast. We highly recommend it!
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"Lovely stay One of our party who has MS spoke to Sykes before we booked to discuss her limitations etc and was reassured it would be ok."
As it was she couldn’t come at the last moment But had she come she couldn’t have stayed due to all the steps and the height of the steps. So although the website does say not great for elderly or people with mobility issues It’s a shame the Sykes representative gave misleading reassurance with that matter. Otherwise lovely stay and great position immediate access to walks for dog. Very quiet position Had to supervise dog in garden as there are pheasants, and also there was discarded used Bbq coals dumped over the little wire fence along with all the grass waste which I found my dog licking off the fat! The garden is not secure but lovely and big. The door off entrance hall near toilet needs shaving as sticks Great stay and visited Bath, Salisbury, Lulworth cove and Dawdle Door all under an hour away.
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"Wonderful stay here, the house was beautiful both inside & out!"
Great location for getting out and about exploring areas such as Bath, Shaftesbury, Jurassic Coast, Corfe Castle, Swanage (we did them all) would definitely stay here again 10 out of 10
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"A beautiful and extremely well equipped holiday home."
Lovely walks from the house and the hot tub was a bonus. We had a few problems with the cooker but Emily was brilliant and sorted it out quickly for us.
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"Very well equipped house with plenty of room for everyone."
Good to have a big table to gather round in the kitchen, big fridges and plenty of shower rooms/bathrooms. The hot tub was a big hit with our young adults but we were surprised to find it is wood fired and has no bubbles - understandably eco friendly and a lovely place to wallow under the stars but it may be worth highlighting what type of hot tub it is and how it needs to be fed and nurtured if the water is to remain warm. Please can the owner change the curtains in the downstairs bedroom? They don't fit the window! Also, there were many, many flies and wasps gathering in the conservatory room. Probably not much to be done about that and thanks for leaving a wasp/fly killer spray, which helped a bit. Finally, I think the electric car charging point was new and not mentioned in the Sykes description but would have been a bonus for one of our family members who came in an electric car. Please can that be included in any future listing of this property? All in all though, a lovely house for our family holiday - thank you
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"We had a fantastic stay."
It is a beautiful and peaceful home with wonderful facilities and is very well equipped. The children and adults had a wonderful time.
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"Hillside was a beautiful home , stunning ."
It was immaculate, very well equipped, there was nothing that we wanted and couldn’t find ! Very comfy beds , lovely crisp bedding , loads of storage . When we arrived there was a beautiful vase of flowers , a delicious sponge cake, scones , clotted cream , milk etc , a wonderful welcome . We loved the hot tub , and absolutely everything about our holiday .
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"We had a very enjoyable stay at Hillside Cottage."
It was a family booking with 5 adults (two elderly in their 80's) and children. We really enjoyed the fireplaces, the lovely kitchen and conservatory and the hot tub. The table tennis table was also a huge hot with the children. The location is ideal for Shaftsbury and not too far from attractions like Longleat. The main downsides were that the cottage was not suitable for the elderly with a very steep path down to the cottage from the parking area with plenty of steps also on the inside. There were no shower mats or shower tidy's which meant bending down to pick shower gel and shampoo off the floor when slippery, not a problem for most but again not ideal for the elderly. The listing may also need a look as some of the beds noted as King Size were not. Despite some of these issues we would recommend for a booking of adults and children but not the elderly.
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"I'm not sure if the 'us' in 'how likely are you to recommend us' question is Sykes Cottages or Hillside Cottage."
If it's Hillside then it's a definite 10 if it's Sykes - probably a 7 - I've had no real interaction with Sykes. (This needs to be a more specific question - if Sykes say 'Sykes' if it's the venue say 'your holiday venue') Now to Hillside - What a DELIGHTFUL place to stay HUGE thanks to the owners for sharing their amazing home. The welcome package was a beautiful touch, the beds, sofas, chairs were all super comfy, everything was spotless yet also homely. We spent most of our time in the kitchen/dining/sun room ... but the living room was moved in to late evening and for child TV time. We were there for my mum's 75th birthday weekend (a surprise for her - all she knew was the postcode!) Me, my older brother and younger brother with his wife, two children (3 & 5) and their dog. It was perfect - the wood burning hot tub under the full moon and stars a highlight, the layout fabulous, the kitchen FULLY equipped, the views, the local pubs friendly and good - we rested, relaxed and played - a joy. My sister-in-law was particularly delighted with the number of child/dog safety gates already in place. NOTE: If you're in a bedroom with a Velux window - they DO have a blind the blind is electronic and on a switch by your bedside light!! (it took me two nights to figure this out - just as well I was awake by nieces anyway!)
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"This cottage is lovely and has everything you need to hide away in the country."
The bedrooms are beautiful, the kitchen / dinning area is spacious, the lounge is very relaxing and the hot tub is fantastic! We really enjoyed our stay here and hope to be back one day. I'd definitly recommend this cottage to anyone looking to lock themselves away from the world!
Thanks for your very kind feedback. We miss being there and are so happy to hear When people enjoy our home. For me it’s listening to the sound of the owls calling to each other on a star-lit night whilst sitting in the hot tub…bliss Property Owner
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"Lovely house in a beautiful setting with plenty of room for our multi-generational family."
The finish and quality of the house is excellent and it was warm and welcoming during a cold February week. The house was well-equipped, but we would have appreciated the addition of a high chair and a travel cot, which we were surprised weren’t provided as it’s advertised as perfect for families. The hot tub was great, once we got the hang of heating it to the right temperature!
Thank you so much for your feedback. Getting a high chair and a travel cot are good ideas…it’s just that we gave ours away as the children outgrew them…we’ll get on to it. Property Owner
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"This house was amazing!"
We loved it and after 15 years of girl weekends away this was our favourite x
As Hillside Cottage is our family Home it makes us so happy to hear your feedback. Thank you. Property Owner
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"Beautiful property, well equipped and in lovely peaceful location with great walks on doorstep"
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"Enjoyed every minute of this holiday in this beautiful property near Shaftesbury."
Exceptional holiday home in a lovely peaceful setting, yet close enough to amenities. Enjoyed everything about it and would love to go back.
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"The owners had thought of everything, great welcome pack, great facilities, fantastic location."
Well done to the owners and management team.
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"We had a lovely holiday, the cottage was very comfortable."
Clean and well presented. Three generations of the family stayed here for a week. Plenty of places to visit and when at the cottage we enjoyed the outside garden and hot tub. Barbecue was easy to use. We woke up one morning to see a young deer in the garden. Over all we had a great holiday Ruth and family
Summary
- Five bedrooms: 2 x king-size en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor king-size with terrace and en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x king-size, 1 x twin
- Bathroom with bath, rain-shower over, double basin and WC
- Cloakroom with basin and WC
- Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining and garden room
- Cosy sitting room with wall-mounted TV and woodburning stove
- Oil central heating with woodburning stove
- 2 x electric ovens and gas hob, microwave, fridge, chest freezer, 2 x dishwasher, Smart TV and full fibre WiFi (150mb)
- Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Ample off-road parking
- Terraced gardens and patio with furniture, gas barbeque and wood-fired hot tub (arriving in September)
- One well-behaved dog welcome
- Sorry, strictly no smoking
- Shop 1.5 miles, pub 0.3 miles
- Note: Steep hill to the woods below, children to be supervised outside
- Note: Hot tub will be available from September onwards
- Please note: This property is suitable for family holidays
- Note: No stag/hen parties or similar
- Note: This property may not suitable for people who are are less mobile or for wheelchairs due to steep location, althought the path leading to property has a handrail
- Please contact our reservations team for more details
- Please contact our reservations team if you are booking within 3 days of arrival date
- Note:There is a Type 2 electric car charge point at the property
- There is a flat fee charge of £30 to use the facility during your holiday
- Note: The ground - floor bedroom is accesed via two steps.
The property
Nestled in the picturesque Donhead St Mary just outside the market town of Shaftesbury, on the Dorset and Wiltshire border lies Hillside, a delightful cottage dating back to the 19th Century boasting a tree-top setting and an irresistible calmness.
Perfect for a multigenerational family, this inviting modern cottage offers everything you will need for a relaxing break.
Stepping into the property, a stunning open-plan living space offers to be the social hub throughout your stay; with a sleek kitchen fit with an electric oven, gas hob and two handy dishwashers, you can look forward to gathering as a group over dinner to discuss the day's activities.
From here, make your way into the sitting room where you can warm your toes in front of the woodburning stove before sinking into the sofas to watch TV or play games for the evening with your loved ones.
As the evening draws to a close, head to one of the 5 bedrooms (3 with ensuite bathrooms) with their super comfortable beds before another busy day of exploring the local area.
The ground floor is home to a king-size with an en-suite shower room and French doors leading to it’s own little terrace, providing a haven of calm and a bit of easier access for some members of your group.
Climb the stairs to the first floor where you will find the remaining sleeping quarters including three king-sizes (two ensuite) and a twin, where the group can rest their eyes, open the windows and take in the amazing woodland sounds, owls by night and a multitude of birdsong at dawn.
Servicing two of the bedrooms is a family bathroom complete with a bath, a rain shower over, a double basin and WC where you can freshen up between activities, and a cloakroom back on the ground floor.
The outdoor space at the property should be taken advantage of any time of year; boasting pretty terrace gardens, you can take your lunch al fresco, have a game of table-tennis or perhaps spend an evening watching the full moon rise gazing up at the stars.
For days out while at Hillside cottage, explore the immediate vicinity walking, cycling the trails, or visiting some of the best pubs in the country like the Beckford Arms in Tisbury, or King John’s Head in Tollard Royal both just 10 minutes away.
Why not head South to Poole Harbour, Wareham.
Durdle Door on the Jurrassic Coast.
Head North to Bruton with its exquisite art galleries and restaurants like Hauzer and Wirth.
If you head East to Salisbury with arguably Britain’s most extraordinary Cathedral which took a hundred years to build starting in1220 with a wooden spire more than 400 feet high.
Of course, if you want to get really stuck into history Stonehenge is also only 15 minutes drive from Salisbury.
Head five minutes West from Hillside Cottage to the picturesque Shaftesbury home of Gold Hill, the steepest street in England.
The Gold Hill museum is encompassed by a well-kept garden with a view over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale.
You could visit the picture-perfect Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden, and spend an afternoon exploring the grounds where the dramatic abbey once stood; here, you will also find extensive herb gardens and orchards dating back as far as 888.
Avid walkers will relish in the abundance of walking routes, which can also be taken by bicycle, with the famous Castle Hill being a popular walk due to the vast and rewarding views over the town from the top, the Rushmore Estate, the Fonthill Estate and Wardour Castle all so close by.
Further afield there are many more walks and attractions, such as the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, or if you are travelling with younger members of your group, Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World is reachable by car.
If you don't fancy cooking one evening, head out to The Mitre, for traditional pub grub and real ale, The Beckford Arms, or the King John for a gastro-pub experience, or if you are more of an early bird, The Rising Sun is just a short walk away and offers Barista coffee in a homely setting, or the Shaftesbury High Street offers a fine selection of breakfast and coffee options.
For a magical trip with your loved ones, choose Hillside.
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £600.
About the location
SHAFTESBURY
Salisbury 21 miles; Bath 30 miles.
One of Dorset’s prettiest and most historic towns, Shaftesbury is perched on a spur of rolling green hills, and the views in all directions are without comparison. Lush green meadows, woodland glades and outstanding architecture are all within a short walk. One of the best vantage points is from Gold Hill (Ridley Scott's famous Hovis advert was filmed here) with its quaint, cobbled and very steep street. Visit the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey (a place of great pilgrimage from the 11th century) or navigate the intricate and ancient lanes. Bath, Salisbury and Sherborne are all under an hour away, or drive through the stunning countryside of Blackmoor Vale down to the coast at Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth. A beautiful area, that still carries the flavour of the very best of the English countryside.
Note: There is a Good Housekeeping Bond of £600 for this property
Please note: This property is suitable for family holidays. The owner will not accept stag/hen parties
Note: This property is not suitable for people who are elderly or infirm due to steep location, although there is a handrail on the path leading to the property.
Please contact our reservations team if you are booking within 3 days of arrival date.
There is a Type 2 electric car charge point at the property. There is a flat fee charge of £30 to use the facility during your holiday