Special offer.

10% off for couples

Foxearth

Near Milton Abbas, Dorset

From £215/night

Overview Location Details FAQs

The prettiest countryside cottage & garden, near great walks & lovely villages. Ideal for girlfriends/2 couples (2 double bedrooms)

Eco conscious

Parking

Private garden

Walk to a pub

WiFi

Woodburner

Once a dilapidated old brick and flint cottage (c.1870) on a farm in deepest Dorset, this now-contemporary space buzzes with colour and vitality. It took its owners 3 years to restore, living amongst the chaos with rooks and squirrels for neighbours, and having to climb a ladder to bed each evening. Once finished, they filled it with a riot of vibrant colour, gorgeous fabrics and pretty wallpapers by Barneby Gates, Jane Churchill and Colefax & Fowler, plus a wealth of interesting art – she’s an art historian. Finally, they imaginatively used 5 pigs to clear the overgrown garden (!), before replanting it with large drifts of bee-friendly plants, in a wave of soft mauves, pale lilacs, silver, deep purple and blues. Throwing open the back bedroom window to a bank of blooms each morning was utterly joyful, as were the spectacular views from the front bedroom, across rolling golden and green hills.

Though you’re close to historic cob-and-thatched villages and a renowned English vineyard, this is way off the beaten track in a peaceful, private valley. Which means you’ll hear tawny owls at night — and not a lot else. The footpaths of the Blackmore Vale wind out from the front door, promising pretty walks and gastro-pub lunches, but the real treat is just being here. The little ‘Potting Shed’ area is especially magical, a place to loll about reading, chatting and snoozing on the daybed, and stargazing every evening (this is a Dark Skies area). With 2 bedrooms it’s ideal for an escape with another couple, but how lovely to come here on your own (even solo) and just be…

Getting here: you’ll need to drive.

Special offer.

10% off for couples

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“In 2020, we bought the 2 old cottages (c.1870) from the estate that Simon manages. They were both falling into disrepair, and after 3 years spent living without heating, we completed the renovation. Conservation is at the heart of the farm’s ethos; the one-acre garden has been cleared and planted (without chemical use) with bee and butterfly-friendly plants, and we look after a herd of 80 Belted Galloway cattle and 150 sheep,” Owners, Sarah and Simon

They love
“The serenity of the cottage and its fresh, clean palette of tutti-frutti colours against a calm backdrop of whitewashed walls; being here just feels joyful.”

We loved
Kicking back in the amazing garden all day: with morning coffee, watching rare corn buntings and linnets flit about; lolling on the daybed with books in the afternoon; and sitting out with a glass of wine, stargazing, at night.

You may not love
Remote; you’ll need a car to get here. No children under 12. Poor phone reception (but good WiFi). Strictly no pets.

"Foxearth is the most beautiful cottage—warm, comfortable, and beautifully appointed. The attention to detail is exceptional, with décor and styling that feel both stylish and genuinely welcoming. It is the quietest place we have ever stayed: by day, nothing but birdsong; by night, the calls of owls. And a private starshow to take your breath away! Fantastic care and attention from the owners - nothing was too much trouble. We loved it and will return!"
Geraldine
"Foxearth gave us the opportunity to have the peaceful holiday we were craving. A beautiful home filled with colour and vibrancy yet, soft and harmonious. A garden that is a feast for the eyes. Most of all, we appreciated all the personal touches that show you care. We were fortunate to be able to follow the routes you suggested with amazing weather to boot. Thank you for enabling this magical time. We hope to be back…"
Ephia & Andy
"Absolutely wonderful. The garden is a real oasis and so peaceful too. It’s lovely just sitting and listening to the birds and the bees. What a fabulous location too. We had an excellent meal at The Thimble Inn and also some great fish and chips at Lulworth Lodge. Thank you. We have had a lovely stay."
Adam & Claire
"A little masterpiece in the heart of Dorset renovated with love and great style and all put together so beautifully. The garden is a true delight - a joy to sit and lie in … just what we needed. Thank you for our much needed break here - it’s so joyful to be in aesthetically beautiful surroundings…"
Helen & Mick
"We’ve very much enjoyed staying at Foxearth as a base for exploring Dorset - our first time in this part of the world. The circular walk from Ringstead to Lulworth Bay was lovely with an added bonus of seeing Lulworth Skipper butterflies along the way. Despite filling most days visiting National Trust and English Heritage properties, we found time to relax and unwind in the garden watching Red Kite, Swifts, Brimstone and Peacock butterflies surrounded by the bumbling of bees and the song of birds. Thank you."
Paul & Hannah
"Like all other guests we have enjoyed the idyllic setting and birdsong. On our first morning we were greeted at the door by a young hare. We could not stop exclaiming how clean Dorset is and that goes for this beautiful cottage too. So much to do nearby we’ve hardly begun. We hope you future guests enjoy your stay as much as we did and a big, big thank you to Sarah, the best host ever!"
Chrissie & David
"Every moment here has been a joy. What a magnificent little cottage - beautifully designed with such care and a great eye for detail throughout! We have had the most wonderful stay from enjoying the stunning gardens to taking the lovely walk up to Bulbarrow Hill as recommended. We cant wait to return! Thank you."
James & Alicia
"We stayed at Foxearth for a weekend with our friends, the house is delightful, the interior is well thought out & designed. The colours and textures are just stunning. The kitchen is light and airy with patio doors to a stunning garden patio area. The entrance to the driveway is a little tricky, the key is to reverse in, once you’re there the garden is just stunning. Beds were very comfortable with good quality bedding, 2 bathrooms so never a queue. The log burner was just perfect in the evening when it got chilly, but remember to look up at the sky on a clear evening, the dark skies are mesmerising! Thanks for a wonderful stay"
Heather
"As soon as you arrive and see the garden you know this is going to be special. As we went through the door we felt at home straight away. Sarah was so thoughtful and considerate. When we arrived on a wet afternoon she had laid up a fire for our arrival. The fresh flowers and vibrant interiors make you feel happy. We were given some great tips. We loved the circular walk from the cottage to Milton Abbas and Bulbarrow Hill. We were especially lucky as the woods were filled with bluebells and wild garlic, we even saw some deer. After a long walk the huge bath was appreciated. It was so quiet, we had the best night sleeps we loved hearing the bee orchestra in the garden. We are already thinking of when we can come back. Thank you Sarah for making us so welcome."
Cara & Julien
"Beautifully decorated house and serene garden made for a very relaxing stay. Remote location meant all we could hear were the birds. 10/10 would recommend."
Lucy
"Thank you for an amazing stay. Your home has given us lots of ideas to brighten our cottage. Heading home we are going to pick up some furniture paint after staying in your inspiring home. Thanks Sarah."
Ben
Such a lovely cosy and spacious cottage, with so many creative touches. We had a wonderful relaxing break. Thank you!
Amelia
'The most beautiful cottage and tranquil stay. Loved the cosy feel and touches. Went to the farm shop and Goldhill café - delicious. Fresh trout was also a highlight and some local fizz at Langham wines. Thank you.'
Emily & Rafe
'We’ve had the most relaxing and cosy time in this exceptional cottage. We loved the vibrant, joyful colours and furnishings and the location is so peaceful and beautiful, even on a grey February day. Sarah was a friendly and helpful host - thank you so much.'
Kath & Steve
"We had a lovely time welcoming the New Year in your cosy, pretty cottage. walks from the cottage door are beautiful and a day to the Russell Coates Gallery was fun. Thank you."
Cristy
"We had a wonderfully relaxing weekend at Foxearth. The cottage is beautifully and thoughtfully decorated with super comfy beds and 2 big bathrooms. We loved little touches like milk and fresh flowers & truly felt like we had escaped to a calm countryside retreat. Highly recommended!"
Laura
"We came here as a little ‘premoon’ holiday after we got married, so so happy we chose this place! The house is beautiful, so colourful but also warm and comforting and the surrounding area is amazing. You provided us with peace and serenity during this week and we could not be more grateful! We would love to return again."
Mr & Mrs Crooks

Sustainability.

Logs for the woodburner sourced on the farm. Nature-friendly garden deliberately planted to encourage bees, hover-flies, butterflies and moths. Bat and owl boxes in the garden to encourage wildlife. Quirky outbuildings and fencing using reclaimed materials. Flint walls, built by Sarah, using flints from the garden and the local fields. Ecover cleaning products. Rain harvesting.

Surrounds.

Milton Abbas

Stroll to the village for free-range eggs, local honey, apple juice, cider and fresh trout from the fish farm (5 mins).
Bring bikes and boots; there’s fabulous walking and cycling across the Blackmore Vale right from the front door. Head up to Bulbarrow for breathtaking views.
Sarah recommends lunch at Goldhill Organic Cafe, which has a fabulous art gallery and organic farm shop (20 mins’ drive)
This is a designated Dorset Dark Skies area and the starry nights are breathtaking, best seen from the garden!
Milton Abbas is an exquisite historic village 5 mins’ drive away, with a row of 36 almost identical thatch cottages and an 11thC chapel hidden in bluebell woods, overlooking the majestic Abbey below.
Excellent gastro pubs in the area include The Ibberton in Ibberton (7 mins by car or a gorgeous 1-hour walk away over Bulbarrow Hill) and the Thimble Inn in Piddletrenthide.
Historians will also enjoy the Iron Age hill forts nearby – Rawlsbury Rings, Hod Hill & Hambledon Hill – as well as the 14thC frescoes in Tarrant Crawford Church.
Langham Wine Estate is 10 mins’ away, makers of award-winning English sparkling wine. Take a tour and do a tasting; or lunch in their cafe with a glass of their pink fizz (delicious!).
Zip to the Jurassic Coast for a swim or walk along the beach (35 mins’ drive). Our favourite stretches are Mupe Bay, Kimmeridge and Ringstead.

Details.

Semi-detached cottage with beautifully planted garden and amazing views
2 bedrooms with Hypnos beds: 1 kingsize + 1 double (cannot be twinned)
2 bathrooms: shower room downstairs + big bathroom with shower over tub upstairs
Open-plan kitchen dining area
Fully-equipped kitchen including fridge, freezer, oven, air fryer and microwave; basic supplies provided
Gorgeous lounge warmed by a woodburner
Smart TV with Netflix, board games, puzzles and books
Patio with table and chairs
Cosy undercover outdoor lounge area with daybed
No children under 12 years
Strictly no pets (owner has severe allergies)
Parking for 2 cars
The owners live next door and are available by phone should you need anything
Walk 30 mins or drive 5 mins to local farm shop and pub
Drive 10 mins to supermarkets
Booking conditions: Booking conditions: a 3-night minimum stay.
Remember to pack: walking boots, bikes if you can, a torch for evening walks or if arriving after dark to light up the driveaway (the farm road can be a bit bumpy)

Booking & cancellation policy

30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.

A £250 security deposit is payable directly to the hideaway prior to all stays.
See our full booking Terms & Conditions