Smugglers Cottage

Smugglers Cottage is an 18th-century cottage in the centre of Stanpit village, within walking distance of the medieval town of Christchurch. It has been newly renovated and keeps its beamed ceilings and an original fireplace in the dining hall. Children are not accepted, and it sleeps two.

The sitting room has a woodburning stove, backed up by gas central heating, and from October to March fuel, power and a starter pack for the stove are included in the rent. Bed linen and towels are supplied too. The kitchen has an electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge and dishwasher, with a washing machine in the outhouse, and a conservatory off the kitchen leads out to the garden.

Upstairs, a dressing room leads to the one bedroom with its king-size bed, and the bathroom has a bath with a shower over it. The stairs are steep and winding, so the cottage is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems. Outside, the enclosed rear garden has a lawn, a patio, furniture and a barbecue.

There is roadside parking nearby or a free general car park. Stanpit Marsh is five minutes down the road, Mudeford Quay a further ten minutes on foot, and the beach is 1.3 miles away. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, smoking is not allowed, and a good-housekeeping bond is payable. It suits a couple with a dog or two.