Recently featured in The Sunday Times' Britain's 20 Best Cottages, this 5 star cottage is truly a home for all seasons... in winter, curl up cosily in front of the woodburning stove surrounded by sumptuously rich fabrics... in summer, soak up the long, light-filled days from the hillside garden, perched above the tiled and thatched roofs of Shaftesbury whilst taking in the views over miles and miles of glorious English countryside. Retire to bedrooms adorned with crisp, white, Egyptian cotton bed linen piled high with luxurious cushions. The cottage sleeps 6 in 4 beautifully decorated and furnished bedrooms, complemented by an ensuite shower room, a bathroom and a wet room. Situated near the top of historic, cobbled Gold Hill, C16th Grade ll listed Updown Cottage abounds with beams and the character which can only come with the passing of over four hundred years. The old Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury stands on a 700 foot spur above Blackmore Vale in Dorset near the south coast of England. Its history dates back to the times of Alfred the Great who founded the Abbey in the 9th century, the old walls of which form part of Gold Hill. Stroll 2 minutes up the hill to find an eclectic selection of stylish shops, delicatessens, restaurants, galleries and museums. Facilities (included in the price) Free wired / wireless internet access Free local and national telephone calls Electricity, gas & water Baby grand piano Woodburner and logs Televisions, DVDs, VCR, CD & DAB Radio HiFis Extensive library of DVDs, videos, CDs & sheet music AGA Masterchef range cooker Dishwasher Microwave Washing machine Tumble dryer Nespresso coffee machine Electric hand blender Tea towels Welcome basket including tea, Nespresso capsules, milk, orange juice, butter, bread, jam, marmalade, Dorset Cereals muesli Iron & ironing board Shower room on ground floor Bathroom on first floor Ensuite shower room on top floor White Company Egyptian cotton bed linen, towels and bathrobes White Company toiletries Parking is available four cottages down the hill, however unloading immediately outside the cottage is permitted. Although pets cannot be accommodated there are several kennels in the immediate area. We operate a no smoking policy.