Washingpools

Washingpools is a renovated holiday home in West Bexington, on the spot where sheep were once dipped. It is all on one floor: an open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area with a wood-burning stove, one double bedroom, and a wet room with a shower. Extensive gardens surround the cottage and lead out to the fields, and from there it is a walk across them to Chesil Beach.

Heating comes from night storage heaters and underfloor heating, and starter logs are provided for the stove. There is a cooker, a microwave, a washing machine, a TV with a DVD player and a selection of books. Power, bed linen and towels are included in the rent. There is no WiFi, and the shop is 4 miles away.

Getting here needs some care. A private road, bumpy and unmade in places, takes two to three minutes to drive. Two cars can park in front of the storage building, and from there the last 20 yards are on foot: down a concrete slope, over a small metal walkway across a stream, then a few steps across grass to the front door. Stay on the concrete, as the ground beside it can get muddy. Arriving in daylight is advised, and a torch is needed after dark. Take care when turning a car, because there is a bump in the paving. The cottage is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems.

Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, smoking is not allowed, and no more than two people can stay. It suits a couple who want a quiet base for walking and birdwatching.