Historic cottage in the heart of Shaftesbury's Saxon area - town and country.

Our popular cottage provides a comfortable base to explore the local area. Shaftesbury is renowned for its stunning location and Barbers Cottage provides a central location to stay at with all the lovely cafes and boutique shops within a couple of minutes walk. Internal exposed stonework and beams couple with a house which is designed to be a home from home.
A large living space has two sofas, and a gas 'wood' burning stove - cool in the summer and cosy warm in winter months. A large 6-seater dining room with limed, solid oak furniture is adjacent to an excellently equipped kitchen with range cooker and both lead onto a private terrace with garden tables and chairs. There is a lovely raised terrace as well which is perfect for idyllic morning sun (and a coffee) giving you in-town peace and tranquility. Through the gate, steps lead you to the lawn and unique, mature garden - a plant lovers paradise and a place to play games with children.
Upstairs the large master bedroom has a king size bed and original ceiling beams (an extra person can be accommodated here)with vintage furniture. The twin bedroom leads from a large landing. The bathroom, with a separate shower, has a roll top double end bath and and a loo. There is a second loo upstairs.
The furniture has been chosen to be as sustainable as possible - FSC wood or vintage. Cotton sheets and comfy beds add to a very enjoyable stay.

IN A WEEK.....
- browse the boutiques, cafes, antique and craft shops
- buy fresh bread and cakes at local artisan bakers
- have a lunch at the Grosvenor's restaurant or go for a sandwich in the salt cellar at the top of Gold Hill with stunning views (if you remember the Hovis advert!)
- walk on the downs (this is an area of outstanding natural beauty) or take the views in from Park Walk in town, past the Abbey and to the other side on Castle Hill and admire the magnificent views towards Glastonbury Tor and the Downs
- have a swim in the outdoor pool in town (in summer)
- watch the sun set from the Mitre pub back deck
- walk down (rather than up) Gold Hill, from the Hovis Ads

or visit castles, safaris parks, English houses and gardens, the jurrassic coast, stonehenge, farms or go for a swim in the sea.

or just relax in our comfortable cottage drinking tea and eating gorgeous cake that can we can have waiting for you by request.

Worth a trip:
Shaftesbury boasts lots of independent shops from delis to cake shops to cafes. Try the Chutneys at the Deli or the morning croissants at the Bakers. The Mitre pub in town has a back deck with views down the Blackmore Vale, a great early evening spot in the summer. There are many walks straight from town which can take you to the heart of the countryside and the Cambourne Chase.

Our House / Young Kids?:
The garden was created by a keen gardener and there is a top lawn which in spring and summer is bursting in colour and plants. The terrace which can be accessed by the back door or fence windows is a great place to relax or have a BBQ. A gate to the steps and the rest of the garden means toddlers can play without you worrying about them walking up the steps.

Other things for Kids

There are games and books for children to use. The house is equipped with a high chair, cot, blender, microwave and other things that parents with babies and toddlers may need. The local area has hundreds of things for children to do from longleaf Safari Park to Old Castles - it would be difficult to get bored even in the rain.

Markets in town:
Every Tuesday - Antiques Market (Town Hall)
Every Weds Early Evening - Paella outside the town hall
1st saturday of every month - Farmers Market
1st sunday of the month - a fabulous market
Thursday mornings - WI Country Market (Town Hall)

DORSET COUNTY FAIR - September
SNOWDROP FESTIVAL feb - March
SHAFTESBURY FESTIVAL - June for a week
SHAFTESBURY OPEN GARDENS - June
GOLD HILL FAIR first week of July
LAMER TREE FESTIVAL July
SHAFTESBURY CARNIVAL September
Gillingham Carnival Oct
Jane Austen Lyme Regis Weekend Oct