“Holidaying
in Britain can be just as rewarding as travelling
abroad — as we found out when we stayed at
the convivial Cerne Barn, one of the interesting
and well-equipped properties of character under the
Dorset Coastal Cottages banner...”
TUCKED
AWAY DOWN A LEAFY PRIVATE LANE, Cerne Barn is a charming 18th Century stone-built
property that has been carefully restored and converted into a comfortable cottage
that offers the perfect holiday accommodation for up to seven people.
There
were four of us — two couples — but the spacious, open-plan living areas
would have afforded ample room for a few boisterous children or teenagers as well.
And if it all gets too much for you, there is a separate, cosy sitting room to
get away for some peace and quiet.
Thoughtfully and skilfully converted,
Cerne Barn is ideal for a busy holiday spent exploring the area — Corfe Castle
is within easy driving distance, the coast is just ten miles South and the bustling
town of Dorchester with its antiques shops, inns and bars is just a few minutes
away. But the area is also perfect for a quiet, leisurely break during which time
you can unwind and recharge your batteries. From the peaceful lane outside the
yard there are footpaths across the fields so you can enjoy country walks or morning
jogs.
On the edge of the small village of Charminster, at Wolfeton, Cerne
Barn has a welcoming 'at home' feel. It is much more imposing in reality than
it is in the photographs and is a wonderful surprise at the end of a long journey.
You instantly settle in and discover a modern, fully-equipped kitchen to make
your self-catering easy and pleasant. Nothing is left to chance. Everywhere is
clean and neat — the property is cleaned between lets — and all the
rooms are of generous proportions with a pervading tranquil ambience.
Beds
are comfortable and we all enjoyed a restful sleep every night of our break. Bed
linen is provided, along with towels, so there'll be plenty of room in the car
for those sassy teenagers and their ever-increasing fashions. Just throw a few
clothes in a case and go. There is plenty of cupboard space — and dogs are
also welcome, so you won't even have to leave your four-footed family member behind.
Accommodation downstairs comprises a particularly large Sitting/Dining
Room with squashy sofas, hi-fi, television and DVD player; a spacious Kitchen
with a small Utility Room (fitted with a dishwasher and a washer/drier), a separate
Sitting Room and a shower room with WC.
Upstairs there are two large bedrooms
— one with an en suite shower room/WC — both with King-sized beds (five-foot),
one of which converts to two singles. There are two smaller bedrooms, one with
bunk beds and one with a single bed, and a large bathroom. A cot is also available
if you are taking a little one. Keeping the cottage warm and snug throughout is
gas central heating and two gas fires.
Outside is a gas barbecue and garden
furniture on a patio and there is parking for two cars in the former farmyard
in front of the barn — everything is in place for a smooth, stress-free holiday
break. Thoughtful touches are books, including a history of the area and an interesting
picture diary of the barn conversion, and there is also wheelchair access —
although there are no bedrooms downstairs.
The owners are just across
the yard if you have problems and will come over to check that everything is in
order on the first day, before your holiday begins, and to pass on fascinating
facts about the location. They may also let you use their beautiful garden with
its stream and ponds if you check with them in advance.
Using the barn
as a base, we spent a morning at Corfe exploring the castle, which was unfortunately
blown up by Cromwell during the Civil War, and Corfe village shops before having
a light lunch at the welcoming Bankes Arms Hotel and setting off for the coast.
Incidentally, there is a model village close to the castle, tea rooms and a craft
shop.
We'd taken the opportunity to drive down from Kent in one of MotorBar's test cars,
which happened to be the latest Mazda2 diesel
so we had plenty of fuel to cover quite a few miles on one tank. There was no
problem transporting four reasonably-sized adults in comfort for sight-seeing
and the practical and compact car was ideal for cruising along the winding lanes
enjoying the magnificent Dorset countryside that was on our doorstep.
Lulworth
Cove is wildly beautiful; a large horseshoe-shaped bay with little boats bobbing
along with the surf. There are gift shops and a couple of places to eat, but mostly
it is the ambience that visitors go for. Coming 'home' to Cerne Barn was a treat;
somewhere to relax and put our feet up. Bliss.
The following day we headed
out to Weymouth, where we happened upon The Crow's Nest, a wonderful bistro in
a pleasant square, where you can enjoy a decent cup of coffee and a choice from
the varied menu that includes traditional breakfasts, steak and ale pie, rump
steak, chicken Caesar salad or a selection of sandwiches and baguettes. Sitting
out on the cobbled pavement area in the autumn sun, sheltered by small trees,
was a rare opportunity for England.
During the afternoon, Portland Bill
and the lighthouse were in our sights, along with a fine view of the Jurassic
Coast. Incidentally, you may like to know that you can take a mini-cruise out
to Portland Castle or along the Jurassic Coast from Weymouth.
Cooking
at Cerne Barn was no trouble at all, but our final evening meal was taken at The
Sun Inn, just a few minutes' drive away. The menu is reasonably priced and well
chosen; including Thai Curry, Cod and Chips or Steak. Returning to the welcoming
warmth of Cerne Barn for hot chocolate and our final night, we knew we would most
certainly be back.
Among the best of self-catering holidays in the UK,
Dorset Coastal Cottages has set the standards high. You can stay by the week or
— as we did — for a short break of three nights (weekend or midweek).
As for Cerne Barn, we couldn't fault it — it is available all year round
(with peak time restrictions) and the highest compliment must surely be that we
could have stayed there forever! — Maggie Woods, MotorBar
DorsetCoastalCottages.com
has a range of pretty and unusual self-catering cottages available for short breaks
or by the week. For brochures and bookings telephone 0800 980 4070 (International:
+44 (0) 1929 401 120).
