St James Cottage

Shaftesbury's steep streets and independent shops sit on a hilltop in North Dorset, with views across the countryside from Gold Hill. St James Cottage occupies a quiet spot at the foot of the slope, yet is close enough to the town centre to walk to pubs, cafés and restaurants within minutes. The 500-year-old listed building has three bedrooms spread across two floors: two doubles and a room with bunk beds for children, plus a single bathroom. Downstairs, the living room has a woodburner for cooler evenings, and the kitchen/dining room opens via French doors onto a raised garden with furniture and a barbecue.

The essentials are covered—electricity, heating, bed linen, towels and wi-fi are included, along with initial fuel for the burner. The kitchen is equipped for proper cooking, with an oven, hob, microwave and dishwasher. This works well for families or two couples wanting their own space, or for anyone wanting to base themselves in a historic market town without the fuss of a hotel. The garden has 12 steps, so worth knowing if mobility is a consideration. No smoking is permitted in the cottage.