Casterbridge

Glass doors open from Casterbridge onto a private patio, and the shared hillside garden beyond is enclosed, with picnic benches and views to farmland. The cottage is semi-detached, in a courtyard of five at the edge of Upwey, and its living area is open plan: a fitted kitchen, a sitting area and a dining area under a high vaulted ceiling.

Two zip/link king-size bedrooms, which can be made up as twins on request, share the ground floor with a bathroom that has a bath, shower over, basin and WC. A third king-size bedroom on the first floor has an en-suite bath, shower, basin and WC, and a sloping ceiling. All three bedrooms have a Smart TV.

In the kitchen you will find an electric oven and ceramic hob, a microwave, a fridge/freezer, a washer/dryer and a dishwasher. WiFi is provided. There is gas central heating, and the rent includes fuel, power, bed linen and towels. A travel cot and highchair come on request.

Parking takes two cars off the road, the shop and pub are a 10 minute walk, and the beach is 3.5 miles. Smoking is not allowed. One well-behaved dog may stay, kept on a lead outdoors, and nearby kennels can be rented by arrangement with the owner. A good-housekeeping bond is payable. Casterbridge books together with four other cottages on site, 24 guests in all, and is right for a family of six with a dog.