Grade II, Casa de Palha Dorset

Catriona was a primary school teacher in London, before moving to Italy in 1992 on a whim to learn Italian. She met Lorenzo, who was a student cultivating olive trees and producing olive oil. She decided to stay in Italy permanently because of Lorenzo, and never returned to live in England again. After marrying in 1996, Lorenzo and Catriona were given the opportunity to take a farm in Tuscany, which they have now been running for 24 years. Catriona lets out the holiday apartments, and Lorenzo cultivates vineyards and makes delicious organic Chianti Classico red wine. Catriona has written a book about it: "Just Call Her Jane" takes you on a journey to Italy, and, being adopted, another parallel journey about finding her birth-mother.
Along the way they have had three children - now grown up - who enjoy the english side of their heritage and they come to stay at Pump Cottage when they can. This property is near to where Catriona grew up and went to school, and is available here to rent. They have a housekeeper who takes care of it and sees to their guests' needs.

The house and the grassy pretty Pump Yard have a unique country feel, and then once inside, you are met with a series of mini surprises - every corner, every turn, something new, something extra you didn't expect.
The master bedroom is to die for and the extra space with a second sitting room (sunroom), patio and garden make staying there such a joy - you won't want to leave! The location is indeed such a bonus for this unique cottage. You are in a village yet you are in a town. You don't need a car to go to the shops, supermarket or cafés. You even feel as if you were in a village - charming neighbours and quietness with the lovely private garden to enjoy at the back.