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Our aim is to create lasting holiday memories and we intend to do so both responsibly and sustainably.
To deliver on this we've set out a number of environmental and social pledges which help to focus our efforts;
you can read more about them in our Impact Report.
This is why we've partnered with Sustonica, the first global certification for holiday lets,
to support our owners to be more sustainable.
The Sustonica certification focuses on four key areas: energy conservation, water conservation,
waste reduction and promoting inclusiveness. They are on a mission to become the most widely
recognised sustainability standard for holiday rentals and a catalyst to reduce emissions of holiday
lets and influence guests to reduce their own household consumption too.
Properties that display the Sustonica badge have successfully passed the criteria,
which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards,
and their owner has made a commitment to look after our planet as well as you.
Bettiscombe near Beaminster and Bridport, Dorset Show on map
4.7
Sykes rating
3 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets: Yes
Features
Off road parking
Ground floor bedroom
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
All reviews
cottage (24)
lovely (19)
our (13)
dog (12)
helpful (10)
friendly (10)
43 Customer Reviews
"We appreciated the helpfulness of the owner and for providing lovely accommodation."
Reviewed by Penny5.0★Sep 2024
"A really comfortable country cottage with amazing views from the conservatory."
Owners were welcoming, friendly and helpful. Weather wasn’t the best and we appreciated having a DVD to watch when we returned early because of the rain.
One small suggestion I would like to make to the owner is a small welcome tray would be appreciated for those who have travelled a long distance as there is no local shop to purchase milk, teabags, etc. The local pub at Shave Cross didn’t start serving hot meals until 5 o’clock.
Reviewed by Ann4.4★Sep 2024
"Lovely remote cottage."
We had a lovely stay. It is exactly as advertised and very clean. Owners very welcoming and helpful. Most of the roads around are narrow lanes but are not at all busy. Would definitely recommend a stay here if you want peace and quiet.
Reviewed by Carole5.0★Aug 2024
"We had a really lovely time at Cowdea Farm."
The cottage was great and the garden was brilliant for our little dog. The view from the conservatory was
beautiful and it was a truly tranquil and relaxing place to stay. If we revisit the area we will certainly book the cottage again.
Reviewed by Christine5.0★Sep 2023
"Excellent location and very clean Cottage cannot fault in any way"
Reviewed by David5.0★Sep 2023
"Opened up washing machine drawer and it was filthy, I hand washed instead including wringing by hand."
Difficulty getting hot water to sink in bathroom. Pillows in single bedroom flat and uncomfortable. The rest was fine and we enjoyed the peace and quiet. Well equipped with everything you need for a holiday long stay or short. Mrs. Widger was informative and helpful and plenty of information of surrounding areas of where to visit, eat etc. was provided in a folder and booklets.
Reviewed by Julia4.1★Jul 2023
"We had a wonderful stay at Cowdea Farm."
The cottage was spotless and comfortable. Probably the best one we've stayed at.
Reviewed by Patricia5.0★Jun 2023
"Our holiday at lyme regis ( 1 cowdea farm cottage was probably the best one yet."
An extremely satisfied hollidayer
Reviewed by Dennis5.0★May 2023
"Having had many cottages with Sykes this has to be one of the cosiest on our list."
Owners very helpful but not intrusive. Thank you for a lovely stay. Would highly recommend ,
Margaret Celia and Tilly.
Reviewed by Margaret5.0★Mar 2023
"We would have preferred a larger double bed."
The cottage was cosy and comfortable and everything we needed was available. A lovely stay.
Reviewed by Frances4.7★Nov 2022
"Lovely place and the owners were lovely and friendly very accommodating."
The views were beautiful thank you
Reviewed by Annmarie5.0★Sep 2022
"The owners were very welcoming and made sure we were well informed."
The bed and sofas were so comfortable and the sun room was a gem. The cottage was well equipped with everything you could need. This was one of the best cottages I have ever stayed in. The dogs were made welcome and because the cottage had a fenced garden they were able to spend some safe time off lead. I would go there again like a shot. I didn't want the holiday to end. there was plenty of super dog friendly places to visit, and places to eat out too, very close by. The BEST!
Reviewed by Carol5.0★Sep 2022
"Really enjoyed the peace and quiet of this property, it was very comfortable and we felt quite at home."
Lots of lovely West Dorset countryside to explore on the doorstep. Lovely for our dog as well having the fenced in garden.
Reviewed by Maggie5.0★Sep 2022
"Just the most amazing break."
This cottage is a real get away from it all. Exactly what we wanted and expected. Valerie shared her crafting experience with me which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you are looking for peace, nature and tranquility, look no further.
My number one requirement was a dog proof garden. My Dilly dog was so relaxed here. Door open, no escapes. Bring washing up liquid, loo roll , cling film and salt and pepper etc.
Reviewed by Jo4.1★Jun 2022
"Very nice stay in a lovely location for the dog to go on walks and play on the beaches"
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★May 2022
"Perfect base for a week of walking."
Well equipped kitchen. Lovely views from the conservatory over rolling fields. Hosts very helpful.
Reviewed by Carolyn5.0★May 2022
"An extremely clean and tidy cottage."
Reviewed by Brenda4.1★May 2022
"It was a lovely,cosy cottage in quiet surroundings,perfect for a relaxing holiday."
Everything that we needed was supplied, & it was the perfect base to explore on foot & by car. The owner was very friendly & we would love to have another holiday here.
Reviewed by Jane5.0★Apr 2022
"Cottage was exceptionally clean."
It was comfortable and gave a home from home feel. Excellent enclosed garden for the dogs and the view whilst eating breakfast in the conservatory was beautiful and peaceful.
As the cottage is quite remote, guests need to ensure adequate food/drinks supplies are taken with them.
It is a lovely base to explore the Dorset Coast.
Reviewed by Cathrine5.0★Feb 2022
"Lovely clean and comfy cottage, away from crowds which is just what we were looking for."
Don't forget to visit the lovely town of Lyme Regis. An added bonus was being able to take our little dog with knowing he had a secure little garden to play in.
Reviewed by Sue5.0★Feb 2022
"A lovely peaceful holiday for all the family including the dog."
The cottage was clean and tidy and had everything we needed. It's set in beautiful location so close to Lyme Regis and Bridport. The owners are very helpful if you need anything. Couldn't of ask for more for our holiday
Reviewed by Peter James5.0★Oct 2021
"Had a lovely relaxing stay at Cowdea Farm lovely sitting out side area and pet friendly couldn’t wish for anything more."
Reviewed by Yvonne4.4★Aug 2021
"A bit isolated and difficult to find but maybe you would like it like that - very quiet and peaceful"
Reviewed by James5.0★Jul 2021
"I felt it was very unreasonable that we could not leave our dogs in the cottage for 2 hrs in the eve in the hall with all doors closed so that we could go out for a meal for 2 nights to celebrate our anniversary and for my birthday."
Over the years we have stayed at hundreds of self catering accommodations and have always been allowed to leave them for a couple of hours. We stay in at least 4 different self catering props every year and have never encountered this problem. Should not be advertised as dog friendly. We found mouldy bread in bread bin on arrival.
Reviewed by Michael3.8★Sep 2020
"Cowdea was a real home from home."
So comfortable and relaxing. Martin and Valerie were very welcoming and helpful. Really didn't want to leave and come back to the "Covid" world. Hope to return one day.
Reviewed by Harold4.7★Aug 2020
"We have been to a lot of cottages and caravans."
we found this one to have everything we needed and more. we went my mother in law and our dog my wife and myself. we had a lot of different needs from this holiday cottage someplace my wife and i could relax . safe and easy for mum to get around and also a garden for the dog. this cottage had it all .
Reviewed by John5.0★Mar 2020
"Very quiet and relaxing."
Clean and comfortable. Close to Bridport and Dorset coast. Recommended. Deer in the field as you looked out the bedroom window.
Reviewed by Rosalind Sarah4.7★Aug 2019
"Lovely holiday in beautiful surroundings."
Cottage was cosy home from home in a very quiet location just a few miles from lots of beautiful coastal
resorts and places of interest. Best of both worlds.
Reviewed by Eileen3.8★Jul 2019
"Nice people lovely cottage lovely place super holiday best."
Place we have ever been
Reviewed by John5.0★Jul 2019
"We chose Cowdea Cottage for the location and were not disappointed."
Not only is it in a beautiful part of the world but access to many other places is easy and close by. The cottage is spacious and well equipped, with good wifi and phone access. We found the furnishings a bit dated - not our style - but this was easy to overlook, sitting in the sunroom or the garden, looking across the meadow, hearing the birds. We did not find any walks in the immediate vicinity and the road was busy with locals and farm vehicles, so not easy to walk. But a short drive away in Bettiscombe you could park at the Community Centre and follow the trails. The owners were friendly and helpful and despite living in the adjoining farmhouse, kept their distance and gave us our privacy. A wonderful tranquil and restful spot.
Reviewed by Lindsey4.7★May 2019
"The views from the property were outstanding, especially as the weather was warm enough to sit out in the garden and enjoy them."
The property had plenty of room for us and our two dogs. The fact that the garden was completely enclosed was a bonus for the dogs and you could walk them in the field close to the property. The owners were very friendly. The kitchen was well equipped. The bed was very comfortable. The shower was very good and the bathroom was spacious. The peace and quiet was lovely and we would definitely return and recommend to friends.
Reviewed by Denise4.7★May 2019
"Very nice cottage, plenty of room"
Reviewed by Linda5.0★Mar 2019
"Superb! see ref:2WM3G-18-EN for full details!"
Reviewed by Murray4.7★Feb 2019
"The owner of this delightful cottage is a joy."
I hope to return again soon.
Reviewed by Anne-marie5.0★Nov 2018
"Very well equiped and maintained cottage."
Valerie and Martyn are very friendly and helpful. Beautiful countryside. Dog friendly with fields close by to walk in. 15 minutes drive through narrow lanes to Bridport with supermarket and wide range of shops. Thorougly recommended.
Reviewed by John5.0★Sep 2018
"We had a lovely time at 1 Cowdea Farm and the owners were lovely, friendly, very helpful but never intrusive."
A very peaceful quiet area and the patio area was so relaxing to sit out and enjoy the beautiful views.
For dog owners looking for cottages, I think more information should be added to explain the securely enclosed area for dogs (unless a visitor had a very determined high jumping, escape artist type of dog!)
We could relax, safe in the knowledge that our inquisitive dogs couldn't stray. It was also very useful to have a large, secure field for them to be exercised in.
We'll be back, if they'll have us!
Sue and Paul
Reviewed by Sue5.0★Aug 2018
"The cottage is obviously a recent conversion and it has been done to an extremely high standard."
The layout and design are good. The four miles of single track road was a bit off-putting, but after that most of the South Dorset coastline was within easy reach.
Really enjoyed our stay there.
Reviewed by Peter4.7★May 2018
"Our holiday at Number 1 Cowdea farm Cottage was perfect in every sense."
From Booking to obtaining arrangements to collecting the key & following the easy directions through the Country Lanes from the owner Mrs Widger we found the cottage with ease. on arrival we entered the cottage we knew we had found a fantastic gem, it was clean, cosy & warm we had found paradise. It ticked all the boxes for us and we will definitely return to our relaxing hideaway.
We were greeted by Martin & then Valerie who were the perfect hosts making us feel welcome & safe. Big thanks to them both. We would definitely recommend this cottage. Mr & Mrs Bridges
Reviewed by Michael5.0★Nov 2017
"It was just wonderful, everything."
Reviewed by Anne5.0★Sep 2017
"Lovely position, remote and quiet, excellent enclosed garden, you should point this out, most important for dog owners"
Reviewed by Des4.4★Feb 2017
"A very peaceful location and great for dogs excellent even out of season (January)"
Reviewed by John5.0★Jan 2017
"Ticked all the boxes."
made very welcome
Reviewed by Jane4.2★Dec 2016
"Great location very peaceful we would like to revisit in the future."
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine
TV with Freeview, Wifi, DVD, radio
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Cot and highchair on request
Off road parking for 2 cars
Enclosed lawned garden with patio and furniture
1 large or 2 small/medium well behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 2 miles, pub 1 mile
Note: Craft lessons are available via the owner Note: The charging of electric cars is not permissible at the property
The property
1 Cowdea Farm is an idyllic stone-built barn conversion enjoying a rural position within the majestic Dorset AONB, near to the bustling town of Bridport.
This heart-warming retreat is ideal for a couple or a small family seeking to explore this countryside setting yet within striking distance of the glorious stretch of coastline, with a vast array of attractions and amenities to suit all ages and tastes.
After soaking up the wonderful surroundings of the property where you may catch glimpses of the local wildlife and wild deer, be welcomed into a charming interior with everything you could possibly need to enjoy a break to the countryside setting at any time of the year.
This Dorset cottage offers a comfortable double bedroom, a pretty single room and a bathroom, the perfect place to relax and unwind in after a day exploring.
Prepare home-cooked meals in the charming, well-equipped kitchen and sit down in the dining area to plan tomorrow’s adventures.
With its welcoming electric fire, the sitting room is a great spot to curl up in after a day out discovering the delights of Dorset.
Patio doors lead to the conservatory, a great place to relax with a good book, whilst a delightful garden offers breath-taking views across unspoilt farmland, towards the distant rolling hills.
As the evening grows darker, look forward to a spot of alfresco dining or enjoy an opportunity for stargazing with a glass of wine in hand.
The surrounding area offers wonderful walks and the views from nearby Pilsdon Pen, one of Dorset's highest points, are simply spectacular.
The stunning National Trust site of Lambert’s Castle and Coney’s Castle, also afford breath-taking views and the nearby South West Coastal Footpath offers a wealth of scenic walks with fabulous views of the Jurassic Coast as far as Portland on a clear day.
A visit to this area must include a trip to the nearby Forde Abbey House and Gardens, a popular destination for families, garden lovers, and historians alike.
A leisurely stroll through its award-winning gardens is recommended followed by a refreshment stop at the coffee shop.
You are a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, and the popular seaside town of Lyme Regis, with its family-friendly beach and iconic Cobb Harbour, is worth a visit.
Charmouth, renowned for its fossil hunting, is another popular choice.
The Heritage Coast Centre, home to amazing fossil collections, is where you can find out how to discover your own fossils on the beach.
Other popular days out include Bridport with its markets and the vibrant Bucky Doo Square or the regency town of Sidmouth, home to the acclaimed Donkey Sanctuary, a popular spot for animal lovers young and old alike.
A wonderful base in Bettiscombe for a peaceful and relaxing break, exploring Dorset.
A small rural Dorset hamlet situated on the edge of the Marshwood Vale, close to the borders of Somerset and Devon. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is superb walking country, offering an abundance of footpaths criss-crossing the glorious countryside. Wonderful views can be enjoyed from the top of nearby Pilsdon Pen, one of Dorset's highest points. A delightful drive through pretty country lanes takes you to the thriving market town of Bridport, 7 miles away. Bridport is renowned for the making of fishing nets and ropes, and today boasts a good selection of shops and restaurants. Its market was regularly featured on TV’s ‘The River Cottage’. The dramatic Jurassic Coast, now a World Heritage Site, is just a short drive away at West Bay or Lyme Regis.
