Apple Tree Cottage

Apple Tree Cottage is a brick-and-flint terraced house dating from 1730, set down a country lane in Shillingstone, near Farrington in North Dorset. It sleeps four. Sturminster Newton is 4 miles away and Blandford Forum 5.5 miles, while the village shop and pub are an 8 minute walk. Two things to know before booking: the cottage stands beside a country lane, so some traffic noise can be heard, and mobile reception is intermittent.

The sitting room has a woodburner, and the rent covers fuel, power and a starter pack for it. The kitchen and dining room both have underfloor heating, and the appliances are an induction hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. For evenings in there is a TV with Freeview, a DVD player, an iPod dock, WiFi and a selection of books and games. Bed linen and towels are included.

A steep staircase leads to the two bedrooms, one with a king-size double bed and one twin. The only bathroom is a ground-floor shower room with a walk-in shower, so the bedrooms and bathroom are on different floors. The steep stairs may not suit anyone with limited mobility. It suits two couples, or friends sharing, who are comfortable with stairs and want a village base.

Patio doors from the dining room open onto an enclosed patio with furniture and a barbecue, and the summerhouse gives undercover storage for bikes. One well-behaved dog is welcome, downstairs only. Parking is roadside for one car beside the lane, within 50 yards of the cottage, on a first come, first served basis. The cottage is no smoking, and it is best suited to stays of up to 14 nights; for anything longer, ask before you book.