King Charles Cottage

King Charles Cottage is a mid-terrace house on the main square of Broadwindsor, 3 miles from Beaminster. King Charles II slept here in September 1651 while fleeing Parliamentary troops. The hallway has seating by a woodburning stove, the sitting room has a large open fireplace, and the pub, the bakery and the village shop are all within 100 metres.

Three bedrooms sleep six: two doubles and a twin with iron beds. A ground-floor bathroom has a bath with a shower over, a contemporary first-floor shower room sits under a slanting ceiling, and a cloakroom adds a basin and WC. Down a few steps, the kitchen/diner leads to a timber-framed conservatory, with a farmhouse table that seats the whole party. There is an electric Aga with three ovens, plus a separate electric oven and a gas hob. The Aga is used in winter and is usually switched off at the start of April. A dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, TV and WiFi are all provided.

Beams, slanting ceilings, uneven floors and steep steps run through the house, and the eaves and door frames are low. Outside is an enclosed courtyard with seating, and further back a secret garden with fruit cages, a strawberry bed and a dining area. One well-behaved dog is welcome. Smoking is not allowed, and a good-housekeeping bond is payable. The cottage suits a family or a group of history lovers who are comfortable with low ceilings and stairs.