Old Gaol Cottage - Victorian Jail / Police Station - Cerne Abbas Dorset UK
Location: Cerne Abbas, England, Europe (136 miles SW from London/8 miles N Dorchester in Dorset)
Accommodations: Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 3-6)
Keywords: Cottage
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 for ten years.
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. More historical information can be obtained by the Cerne Abbas Historical Society.
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. Weymouth harbor, 30 minute drive is the site for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Regatta events.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed (2)
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Other Activities
- Historic Houses & Gardens - (Athelhampton, Mapperton, Sherborne Castle, Kingston Lacy & Forde Abbey), Cathedrals , (Salisbury, Winchester & Wells), Stonehenge, Fossil Hunting, Swannery, Sub-Tropical Garden, Steam Train Railroad, Roman Town House, Corfe Castle, Hill Fort at Maiden Castle, Museums (Military Tank & Fleet Air) - Haynes Motor Museum, County Fairs - May & September, Lawn Bowling, Snooker, Cricket, Football, Horse Race Courses (flat & steeple events), Site of 2012 Olympic Sailing Regattas in Weymouth harbor.
Rate Details (In Pound Sterling)
Weekly rates vary from Off Season £330 to Peak Season £700 per week.
Contact us with your perferred dates to check availability and current
rate quote.
Rental period: Saturday 4:00 PM to Saturday 10:30 AM
With advance booking, multiple weeks can be reserved.
NOTE: Cottage is NOT available for daily rentals. Weekly only.
Payments accepted in check, money order or direct wire transfer to NatWest bank.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1999
Jan and David Kirkpatrick, Old Gaol owners, live in Charlotte, NC in America when not in residence in the UK.
Why the Owner Chose Cerne Abbas
Cerne Abbas truly is the most beautiful village in England. The countryside provides many wonderful walks and returning to a comfortable cottage just completes the day. This location in the heart of Dorset is a great way to take easy drive day trips throughout the surrounding area.
We have found the villagers most welcoming and many have become dear friends. The village is filled with many historical homes and landmarks.
The Unique Benefits of this Cottage
Most often, the guest comment on how comfortable the beds are. All the furniture are family pieces shipped from America. (Though, many were originally made in England) The cottage was furnished not as a holiday let but rather our UK home.
Property Photos
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- Old Gaol Cottage - Victorian Jail / Police Station - Cerne Abbas Dorset UK - Cerne Abbas Vacation Cottage Rental, Enjoy Hiking, Sightseeing (Historical Sites), Horseback Riding.
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- Lounge with mullioned window capturing views of village life - Cerne Abbas Vacation Cottage Rental, Enjoy Hiking, Sightseeing (Historical Sites), Horseback Riding.
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- Modern kitchen by award winning designer with garden views - Cerne Abbas Vacation Cottage Rental, Enjoy Hiking, Sightseeing (Historical Sites), Horseback Riding.
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- Village Center - St. Mary's 14th century church & Royal Oak pub est. 1540.
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- The jail cells are gone leaving a wonderful large dining room
Traveler Reviews (2)
Guest: The Owen Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10
Review Submitted: 10/18/10
Another superb holiday here in Cerne Abbas. We are retuning home thoroughly chilled out and relaxed and very sad to go. Old Gaol Cottage is our Dorset home from home. Superbly equipped, cozy and comfortable. The surrounding countryside is so beautiful and tranquil. See you again next year. Thank you!
Recommended for:
Guest: The Wood Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09
Review Submitted: 10/18/10
We have all week enjoyed the house’s amenities and setting in this quaint and lovely Dorset village. May you have many more visitors as happy as we.
Recommended for:
First (2) of (2). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #194616
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Monday, January 09, 2012
