Honey Bee Cottage

Get far away from the madding crowd in Thomas Hardy’s Dorset with this beautiful home – it’s the perfect romantic retreat. Surrounded by woodland, relax in the hot tub with a glass of fizz (or whip up a smoothie with the blender in the kitchen), and when the sun sets, cosy up by the fire pit. There’s a hammock to unwind in as well.

The sylvan setting can be admired through the French doors in the living room, too – keep your eyes peeled for visiting wildlife. At the end of an idyllic day, head up to bed in the treehouse-like bedroom with its honeycomb-shaped, whitewashed wood ceiling before exploring the area the following morning.

Out and about, the market town of Blandford Forum, with its array of eateries, is a six-minute drive. Alternatively, the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster, is eight minutes in the car, while Thomas Hardy's Cottage is twenty-three minutes. Further afield, Sandbanks, with its award-winning beach and chic boutiques, is just over a thirty-five-minute ride, so there’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Home truths:
*The home has a private entrance
*The kitchen has a mini fridge/freezer, so you won't be able to do a big shop, but the stores of Blandford Forum are only six minutes in the car
*There are steps to climb via spiral stairs (the bedroom is on the second floor) – something to bear in mind if you have limited mobility
*The dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly space
*There's a blender for smoothies or whipping up sauces
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and high chair are available upon request
*The garden here isn't fully fenced
*There's free parking for one car on the premises