3.8 miles S of Shaftesbury

Fiddlesticks

At a glance
Availability
In the area
Floor Plan
Guest book | 19

Bedroom details

4 Bedrooms (Sleeps 8 + cot)

Bedroom 1

1 x king

Bedroom 2

1 x double

Bedroom 3

1 x twin

Bedroom 4

1 x zip and link

Oh my goodness, we're so in love with this chocolate-box pretty homestay! Nestled in the countryside, this wonderful, thatched retreat featured in The Times as one of the top '40 cool cottages' is beyond beautiful. Step through the doors and you'll discover a carefully restored home, where the love and care taken by the owner shines in every room.

Blending original features with modern comfort and luxury, this home will restore and recharge, with subtle country interiors in the palest of colours, sumptuous furniture and the prettiest vintage pieces creating a home that's made for healing the busiest, most exhausted minds.

Sleeping eight, each bedroom has been beautifully curated, and with cosy living spaces, a jaw-dropping kitchen and lovely gardens, there's space for everyone - plus did we mention the bubbling cedar wood hot tub?

Set deep in the Dorset countryside yet close to the wonderful town of Shaftsbury, Fiddlesticks is perfectly situated to explore this wonderful part of England, from the exquisite AONB of Cranborne Chase and the vibrant town of Dorchester to the iconic coastline of Studland and Lulworth Cove through to Lyme Regis.


Living

Fiddlesticks has the loveliest sitting room, full of character with white beamed ceiling, stunning red brick fireplace and huge flickering wood burner. Sofas and armchairs nestle around the fire, creating an oh-so-cosy space for relaxing together, whether to chat and relax or to catch up on a box set or your favourite films on the 42" Smart TV.

In addition, should you need to make your stay a bit of a workcation, there's a picturesque desk overlooking the garden, perfect for catching up on your emails, or if inspired by the stunning countryside of Dorset, why not try a spot of writing or painting?


Eating

Just wow! We're seriously in love with the kitchen at Fiddlesticks, which lies to the back of the house overlooking the garden. Beautifully constructed with exposed beams and oak frames, the room has windows spanning three sides, with the far end just glass and beams from floor to ceiling, bringing the beauty of the garden within.

With gorgeous blue cabinets and black marble and wood worktops, this is a seriously stunning kitchen that'll please even the pickiest of chefs! Fully equipped with everything you could possibly need to rustle up meals, there's a Rangemaster dual fuel range cooker, dishwasher, fridge freezer, washing machine and all the other essentials including Dualit appliances and the all-important Nespresso coffee machine.

At the centre of the kitchen lies a large kitchen table with chairs and a bench seat, the perfect spot for dinner parties and celebrations, whilst there's another dining area that has a smaller, circular extendable table for up to six people should you wish to have a more intimate get together.


Sleeping

There are four beautiful bedrooms to choose from.

The master bedroom is the epitome of vintage luxury with a sumptuous king-sized bed, stunning freestanding bath and gorgeous low-lying window with views over the countryside. Set against the original chimney and with exposed beams, this exquisite bedroom is brim full of original features and has an en suite loo too.

The second bedroom is a bijou double with original feature fireplace, in built bedside tables, super-sweet window overlooking the trees plus a wardrobe and chest of drawers. The third bedroom is nestled up the secondary set of stairs and is a delightful twin bedroom set amongst the eaves. In gorgeous greens with exposed beams, countryside views and pretty beds, this room is perfect for little ones or friends staying together.

The fourth bedroom is set on the ground floor and has a zip-and-link bed, meaning it can be made up as twin beds or a king sized double. Swathed in a stunning charcoal grey throw and oh-so-cosy, this is a peaceful bedroom and all set for long, deep sleeps - bliss!


Bathing

There is a family bathroom on the ground floor complete with bath and shower overhead. In addition, there's a downstairs shower room plus of course the freestanding bathtub in the master bedroom with en suite loo. Both the bathroom and shower room have heated rails to keep towels warm and fluffy.


Outdoor space

Step outside from the kitchen and you'll discover a gorgeous garden for lazy sunny days. Directly in front lies a patio area complete with teak table, chairs, parasol, and charcoal barbeque for meals alfresco, whilst there's a corner sofa with a table, sun loungers and two swing benches for total relaxation. In addition, there's a herb garden, fruit trees, strawberries and rhubarb, all of which you're welcome to help yourselves to. Of course, the pièce de resistance is the incredible Urban Cedar hot tub, made for easing muscles whilst watching the sun descend and the stars appear - totally dreamy!


Parking

There is private, off road parking including an open oak frame garage which offers shelter.


Read all about it!

Want to know what it's like to stay at Fiddlesticks? Read our blog here.


Babies and children

Babies and children are most welcome at Fiddlesticks. A travel cot and highchair are provided.


Dogs

One dog is very welcome at Fiddlesticks. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break.


In the Area

Set in the gorgeous village of Fontmell Magna in north Dorset, this beautiful spot lies approximately five miles south of Shaftsbury and edges the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by so much to see and do, you'll never lack for days out, whether it's pottering in the independent shops of Shaftsbury, discovering the vibrant town of Dorchester, exploring natural beauty spots such as Hambledon Hill or heading towards the coast where the likes of Studland, Lulworth Cove and Lyme Regis await. In addition, the village has a lovely play area for children and tennis courts which can be booked. There are fabulous places to eat and drink in the area, and with The Fontmell, an excellent pub and restaurant, just 400 meters from the cottage, you won't even have to step in a car!


This dreamy thatch and red brick cottage is simply divine, a symphony of vintage style with modern luxury with a hot tub, hidden away in the Dorset countryside.

At a glance

From £1,736 for a long weekend or mid week break.

Sleeps 8 + cot | 4 Bedrooms | Dogs welcome (1 only)

Key features

Al Fresco eating

Autumnal escapes

Baby on Board

Boutique country chic

Cottage garden

Dog friendly

Downstairs bedroom

Family friendly

Hot Tub

Multi Generational Holidays

Parking

Picturesque village setting

Thatched

Thatched cottage

Travel cot

Travel cot and highchair

Walking distance to a pub

WiFi

Within 3 hours of London

Wood Burner

check in / check out days
reserved
unavailable

Short breaks:

  • Mid Week Breaks (Mon to Fri) cost 75% of the weekly rate.
  • Long Weekends (Fri to Mon) cost 75% of the weekly rate.
  • Short breaks are not available at Christmas and New Year.

Payments:

  • A 13 deposit & £40 booking fee secures your dates.
  • Payment of balance is due 8 weeks before your holiday starts.
  • There is a charge of £38 per pet per week or short break
Starry nights and autumnal delights at Fiddlesticks

In the area


Starry nights and autumnal delights at Fiddlesticks

Stef and Paul from the BR Team head to the loveliness that is Fiddlesticks, our glorious, thatched beauty deep in the Dorset countryside, for an autumnal break away from it all.

Christmas Markets in Dorset

In the area


Christmas Markets in Dorset

Tempting with the promise of artisan stalls, mouth-watering food and a wealth of festive fun, here are the top Christmas markets in Dorset 2024. 

Christmas Markets in Somerset

In the area


Christmas Markets in Somerset

From month-long extravaganzas to one-day festivals, Somerset boasts a huge number of Christmas markets to look forward to in 2024.

Autumn in Dorset

In the area


Autumn in Dorset

A magical time of year, the spellbinding season of autumn in Dorset promises moments of wonder and whimsy for the dreamiest fall retreats. Here’s what’s on.

Unique Experiences in Somerset

In the area


Unique Experiences in Somerset

To seek out the most unique experiences in Somerset, discover our curated guide from private spas to orchestral symphonies in historic cathedrals.

Coastal Walks in Dorset

In the area


Coastal Walks in Dorset

We’ve collated a list of some of the top coastal walks in Dorset for you to savour during the balmy haze of summer and the crisp blue skies of winter.

Combine the luxuries of a good hotel with the suit-yourself dynamic of self-catering.

We know how gorgeous our retreats are, but don’t just take our word for it – here’s what previous guests say about Fiddlesticks:

It was a stunning home from home, if an interior designer had designed my home and thought of everything that I would need!

Just an incredible stay. The third one with boutique retreats. You are always reliably high quality accommodation with first class customer service. Fiddlesticks was no different.

A beautiful cottage with great attention to detail.

Fiddlesticks is a beautiful cottage, furnished to the highest standard and immaculate throughout. We had a wonderful long weekend enjoying the Dorset countryside, cottage’s garden and that five star hot tub! The Fontwell pub and village shop were both welcoming and served excellent food and produce. Thank you, I’m sure we’ll return.

Very quaint village cottage. The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas and it was very well equipped. Everything from the logs for the fire to kitchen equipment. Attention to detail was excellent.

The best self catering cottage we’ve ever stayed in, thank you.

Fiddlesticks at Barn Cottage was exceptional. Beautiful throughout, extremely clean and such thoughtful and very useful touches. Hot tub was such a treat, with provision of hot tub towels, flip flops, slippers and hotel style toiletries. And a very generous welcome basket! We loved it here and thank the owners for allowing us to enjoy this wonderful place.

A beautiful, very well-equipped cottage with a lovely garden in a charming village in a picturesque surrounding. We spent a very relaxing holiday and we would highly recommend this property. S.R. September 2022

Fiddlesticks is a fantastic luxury family retreat in rural Dorset. Picture postcard setting and a beautiful and comfortable house which I would recommend to anyone…hence my family returning for the second year running!

Such a wonderful stay, property was so beautiful & great location

Fiddlesticks was everything we needed in a stress-free weekend, from the gorgeous furnishings and soft lighting to charming old beams and a roaring fire, all wrapped up inside a picture perfect thatched cottage at the edge of a sleepy village. A bathtub in our bedroom and hot tub in the garden meant we did a lot of carefree wallowing, either by candlelight or beneath the stars, and our host Luis provided a wonderful basket of eggs, fresh bread, locally-baked cake and conserves in the magnificent kitchen. It was a sad day when the time came to head home. We cannot thank Boutique Retreats for the most wonderful staycation experience we've ever had!

Luxurious and very well appointed cottage in a stunning setting. Thank you for the generous welcome package! We would definitely book again.

A beautiful property in a lovely hamlet. The house has an excellent specification and we loved our stay. The gardens; hot tub were lovely and we wanted to stay longer! We would highly recommend this property.

Stunning cottage, beautifully appointed, glorious kitchen fully equipped. Comfy beds. Modern, clean bathrooms.

So lovely! We had the best Christmas here. So impressed with how well equipped the place was - it had everything we needed and more! Xmas decorations were amazing!! The hot tub is a winner!!! A magical stay and we’re very happy!!

Really pretty, cosy cottage in great village location. The kitchen is a pleasure to cook in but it was also great to wander a short distance to a charming and welcoming local gastro pub.

Fiddlesticks is a truly fantastic cottage inside and out. A beautiful chocolate box Dorset cottage mixed with modern luxury. A superb find for my young family and we will certainly be back!

Gorgeous decor and beautiful cottage. Loved every minute of our stay

Beautiful cottage, gardens and interior. Everything we needed for our stay. Village was lovely and very friendly. Our welcome pack was fantastic. Great relaxing in the hot tub.

Sign up to receive our boutique stories…

We can let you know about our newest retreats, exclusive offers, featured luxury properties and what's on. Just let us know your email address and we’ll keep you in the loop.