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The Little House - West Melbury

Melbury Abbas, near Shaftesbury, Dorset
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 1
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Romantic
Internet access
Increased accessibility
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
7 more

At a glance

  • This bolthole for two boasts dark night skies and lovely countryside views
  • Enjoy cosy nights in, where you can relax and unwind in the open-plan living space
  • Cook your dinner on the BBQ in the garden and dine alfresco on the patio furniture
Property code: OC-93692

Lose yourself in tail-wagging views across rural North Dorset from almost every window of this romantic bolthole that’s ideal for couples eager to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with their four-legged third wheel.

Quaint to the core, the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner offers plenty of space for your top dog to take a snooze on their special blanket at your feet. The soothing neutral colour palette perfectly complements your beautiful surrounding scenery, inspiring you to whip up some tasty treats with your fabulous local produce before unwinding weary walking muscles on the plush sofa. Wash off a long walkies in the contemporary shower room and retire to the tranquil ambience of the charming double bedroom, which also features access to the garden. Make the most of your beautiful countryside views by dining alfresco on the patio as your four-legged friend sniffs around the lawn. Please note, that the garden is not enclosed, and your dog must be kept on a lead when outside due to neighbouring livestock. There is private parking for one car at the property.

Nestled in the scenic North Dorset countryside within the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Melbury is the perfect base for keen walkers and four-legged friends to enjoy the great outdoors. Take the lead to nearby Shaftesbury 2.5 miles away to race your canine companion up the iconic cobbled Gold Hill to be rewarded with views towards Glastonbury Tor and Melbury Hill. From countryside to coastline, treat your pup to an afternoon of getting their paws sandy at Hamworthy Beach (23 miles) on the northern shore of Poole Harbour. National Trust’s Melbury Beacon (1 mile) and Fontmell Downs (2 miles) offer some wonderful walks to discover.

  • 1 double bedroom
  • 1 shower room with shower and WC
  • Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine, fridge/freezer and dishwasher
  • Smart TV in the lounge area
  • Patio with furniture, lawn, charcoal BBQ and roped surrounds
  • 1 off-road parking space available
  • Dog must be kept on a lead when outside due to neighbouring livestock
  • Shop and pub within 2 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 1 dog allowed. Additional charges may apply

Claire Tranter

This property is personally managed by Claire.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 30 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 stars4.9
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 stars4.6
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Ray 23rd May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A very pleasant small cottage, well equipped and an excellent location.

Reviewed by C D 16th May 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A very attractive ( though small) conversion project, nicely furnished and equipped. The terrace (half paved, half lawn) provides a lovely view over the valley, and weather permitting, lovely long sunsets. Note for dog owners: most of the footpaths have stiles, so your dog needs to be liftable!

Reviewed by Katrina 9th May 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

The Little House is very comfortable, warm with excellent versatile heating. The view from the cottage is lovely and the patio is a great place to sit in the sunshine. The location is ideal for good walking nearby and shops not far away in Shaftesbury.

Reviewed by Hannah 7th April 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very thoughtful, tasteful and comfortable stay. Beautiful views. Will absolutely return.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 8th March 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This was perfect for 2 city people and a dog wanting to get away from it all. The house is cosy and well equipped. The highlight though is the outside space and location - beautiful views. Will return

Reviewed by Darren 30th December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Another very enjoyable visit to the little house, picturesque sunrise and sunsets across the valley add to this location, Darren and Esther.

Reviewed by Suzanne 17th October 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A lovely well equipped cottage in a quiet location. Great views and a good place to stay in order to explore this part of Dorset.

Reviewed by T 26th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Amazing views and glorious skies, whatever the weather. Very well equipt cottage, the owners thought of everything and provided instruction manuals for the many appliances. We were welcomed with beautiful wild flowers and delicious biscuits.

Reviewed by David 7th September 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Sandra 29th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Great little house . Beautiful scenery . Close to shops etc and a great location . Lovely and clean will definitely go again . Appreciate the dog extras . Love watching the deer roaming and the stars were amazing on a clear night

Reviewed by Kim 11th August 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Little House was a very sweet cottage in a beautiful location. It was very clean, tastefully decorated and well equipped. We had a lovely stay.

Reviewed by Lucie 8th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

An absolutely lovely cottage with all that you need in it. It was really cosy and comfortable, the views are beautiful and you can just sit and chill on the patio and relax. Choose this cottage - you won't be disappointed!

Reviewed by Andy 26th July 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a lovely week in the cottage, it really is a beautiful place to stay. It was very comfortable, spotlessly clean everywhere & there was everything we needed when we wanted to cook anything. The bed was super comfy & the shower in the bathroom was just superb. We had dinner a few times on the patio watching glorious sunsets over a very pictureRead moresque valley & had lovely dog walks close by too. Just a really lovely place to stay, thanks James & Tamsin! Hide

Reviewed by Barry 4th July 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Daniel 23rd June 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A solid built and cosy farm building with full mod cons and welcoming but inobtrusive hosts. Ideal for a couple and great for the dog too. Lovely patio with table and chairs and superb sunset views. Great location for exploring the local area and beyond. Suitable parking area and handy keysafe. Would highly recommend and would re-book in the futureRead more. Hide

Reviewed by Kenneth 6th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely little house, well equipped in a wonderful location with spectacular views of the Dorset countryside.

Reviewed by Janet 23rd May 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Very comfortable cottage in a great location. The patio is a sun trap and has a wonderful view across the valley.

Reviewed by Louise 16th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cosy cottage, everything you need for a peaceful holiday and to explore the area. View is amazing on the patio, shaftesbury 10 mins away by car. Walks from the cottage. Friendly and helpful owners. Would recommend and love to come back again

Reviewed by Karen 9th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a really fantastic stay. A relaxing, spotlessly clean and superbly equipped Little House. Surrounded by beautiful countryside with deer and barn owls visiting. Highly recommend a stay. Cant wait to go back.

Reviewed by Colin 2nd May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a fantastic stay. Tamsin and James were charming and have a lovely place. The 'little house' was brilliant and exceeded our expectations. There were lots of extras, even for Ruby our cockapoo. Poo bags, treats and a towel along with the fresh flowers and local biscuits and all cleaning products. We have already recommended the Little House tRead moreo some friends and wouldn't hesitate to come back ourselves. Thank you Hide

Reviewed by Linda 25th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We enjoyed a lovely break at the cottage which had everything needed for a comfortable stay. It was perfectly situated in the countryside, overlooking the valley with beautiful scenery all around and ideally situated for exploring the area. It was wonderfully quiet & peaceful and we were able to enjoy lovely sunsets from the private patio. Our hostRead mores, James & Tamsin were on hand if we needed them but otherwise did not intrude into our holiday. We would thoroughly recommend a stay here. Hide

Reviewed by Ella 16th February 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Wonderful stay here. Peaceful, private and perfectly located for near by town and walks. Very friendly and welcoming hosts. A snug and bright property with views of the valley. Garden is nice bonus, be aware of the drop off in to the field, dogs must stay on leads to be safe as roped area is not fenced. I would highly recommend for singles or couplRead morees. I may well be back in the future! Hide

Reviewed by Julita 2nd February 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Darren 30th December 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Great little cottage with lovely views, facilities were good and heating was satisfactory even with an overnight -5 over during our new year stay.

Reviewed by Gwyneth 22nd November 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

It's a lovely little house with views. Good access to garden kitchen great. Would recommend if the hard bed was ok for them.

Reviewed by Paul 24th October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very pleasant stay at Little House, great friendly welcome from James, and a very peaceful and beautiful location. The property is small but very well equipped and comfortable - there is no washing machine, but we found a good laundry in Shaftesbury. A good base for exploring the area with lots of places to visit in easy driving distance. We've no Read morehesitation in recommending Little House. Hide

Reviewed by Alexander 11th October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was clean and comfortable. The kitchen area was very well equipped. The seating area was small but comfortable and well lit. The bedroom was also well lit and comfortable. The location was perfect with stunning views over the valley. The house was so peaceful and quiet.

Reviewed by Sally 20th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A lovely cottage in a superb location with wonderful views over the valley up to Shaftesbury.

Reviewed by Yvette 13th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Attractive little cottage with lovely views. Kitchen very well equipped . Hosts very friendly but not obtrusive. Lovely compact furnished layout just right for 2 people. Plenty to see in the area. We would return again as more to explore. Enjoyed our stay very much.

Reviewed by Ian 26th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A little gem. Comfortable, well equipped, beautifully situated & very quiet. A convenient base for exploring the area. Shaftesbury shops just 5 minutes from the cottage. Well-stocked farm shop also 15 minutes away.

28 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Canine Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.