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Our guests say, Cerne Abbas is England's most beautiful village. This country residence has become their holiday home and they look forward to returning every year. We are pleased to share this special place with you.
Old Gaol Cottage is a checkered stone listed building of character built in 1859. It originally served as the jail and police station from 1860-1954 and is situated in the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas, famous for its 2000 year old Cerne giant carved into the chalk hillside.
Flanked by the "old court" and "sergeant's quarters", this mid - terrace cottage has been lovingly restored and professionally decorated. The English Tourism Board has awarded the cottage a rare "five - star" rating.
In 2008, Cerne Abbas has been deemed Britain's most sought after village by the estate agent, Savills. The Old Gaol Cottage was featured in E-Motion Magazine's " Top 10 of the very best quirky places to stay" in England.
Cerne Abbas is located 8 miles North of Dorchester, our market town, and 15 miles from Weymouth Harbor, site of the 2012 Olympic Sailing Regattas. The village, with a population of about 750 people, has an impressive array of shops including three fine pubs, tearoom, grocery store, post office and several gift shops. Many historical sites are within a five minute walk from the cottage: the remains of the Benedictine Abbey founded in 987 AD, a fourteenth century tithe barn and Abbey Guest House, St. Augustine's Well, circa 600 AD, and St. Mary's Church, built about 1300 AD. On Abbey Street is the finest row of Tudor homes in Dorset. One of these, The Pitchmarket, was home to Thomas Washington -- uncle of George Washington.
The countryside is excellent for walking, with many footpaths and bridleways over the chalk hills and through secluded valleys. A short drive to Dorset's Jurassic coast with World Heritage Site status. A fossil hunters paradise with it's dramatic cliffs, pebble beaches & shelter coves awaiting exploring. |
