Thatcher’s Cottage

Thatcher's Cottage is a ground-floor property sleeping four on Milton Abbey's outskirts, near Blandford Forum. Both bedrooms—a double and two singles—connect to a single bathroom with walk-in shower. The open-plan living space combines kitchen, dining and sitting areas, where a 55-inch smart TV faces comfortable seating. The kitchen has what you need to cook properly: electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge and freezer. Essentials like bed linen, towels, heating and wi-fi are included; there's private parking on site.

The real draw is the 22 acres surrounding the property. Fishing for carp, rudd and roach costs nothing. A tennis court sits among lawned and wooded areas, with seating dotted throughout. The shared games room has a pool table, table tennis, skittle alley and table football. A barbecue and garden furniture occupy the patio. Bike storage is available. The grounds do contain a fenced stream and lake 100 yards away. For those wanting to venture out, country pubs nearby source their ingredients locally, and the Dorset coast lies within reach. No smoking inside the cottage.