Grist Mill Cottage, Fontmell Magna near Shaftesbury | Barn Conversion Holiday in Dorset

About Grist Mill Cottage

Grist Mill Cottage is a converted stone barn in Ashmore, Dorset, set within the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This single-storey retreat features exposed beams, original stonework and a wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Outside you'll find a private enclosed garden and off-road parking for two cars.

The barn sits in peaceful countryside with views across rolling Dorset hills. Fields and ancient woodland surround the property. You're in proper walking country here.

Inside there's one king-size bedroom and a modern bathroom. The open-plan living space combines kitchen, dining area and sitting room with those original barn features throughout. Sleeps two guests comfortably.

Shaftesbury sits 6 miles away (15 minutes). Visit Larmer Tree Gardens (4 miles, 10 minutes), explore Wardour Castle (8 miles, 20 minutes), or walk the trails at Win Green Hill (3 miles, 8 minutes). The historic city of Salisbury is 15 miles away (25 minutes).

Perfect for couples wanting a rural escape in a genuine barn conversion. Grist Mill Cottage offers countryside peace with easy access to Dorset's best attractions.

Check Prices & Availability »

At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Oil central heating with woodburning stove
✓Electric oven, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, tv with freeview, dvd, cd/radio, wifi, selection of books, games and dvds
✓Fuel, power and starter pack for stove included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Travel cot and highchair on request
✓Off road parking for 2 cars
✓Lockable bike storage on request
✓Lawned garden with patio and furniture, plus shared lawned gardens with summerhouse
✓One well-behaved dog welcome
✓Sorry, no smoking
✓Shop and pub 10 mins walk
✓Note: intermittent mobile signal
✓Note: dogs must be kept on a lead at all times when outside
✓Note: although all ground floor, the bedrooms are accessed via one step down
✓If you are looking to stay as part of a workers booking, please contact our reservations team to enquire before placing your booking

Grist Mill Cottage Prices

Lowest 7 nights

£506

30 Oct 2026

Average 7 nights

£839

£120/night avg

Annual Pricing Heat Map

Each cell = one 7-night stay starting that Saturday — hover for price

Nights

May

Sat
30th£788

Jun

Sat
6th£858 Sat
13th£858 Sat
20th£932 Sat
27th£938

Jul

Sat
4th£1,093 Sat
11th£1,111 Sat
18th£1,347 Sat
25th£1,364

Aug

Sat
1st£1,364 Sat
8th£1,318 Sat
15th£1,055 Sat
22nd£1,041 Sat
29th£948

Sep

Sat
5th£822 Sat
12th£770 Sat
19th£702 Sat
26th£685

Oct

Sat
3rd£685 Sat
10th£685 Sat
17th£807 Sat
24th£807 Sat
31st£539

Nov

Sat
7th£539 Sat
14th£536 Sat
21st£536 Sat
28th£528

Dec

Sat
5th£510 Sat
12th£560 Sat
19th£1,271 Sat
26th£1,271

Jan

Sat
2nd£1,178 Sat
9th£541 Sat
16th£560 Sat
23rd£560 Sat
30th£541

Feb

Sat
6th£637 Sat
13th£637 Sat
20th£565 Sat
27th£565

Mar

Sat
6th£566 Sat
13th£586 Sat
20th£1,032 Sat
27th£1,032

Apr

Sat
3rd£1,032 Sat
10th£890 Sat
17th£802 Sat
24th£835

May

Sat
1st£854 Sat
8th£865 Sat
15th£894 Sat
22nd£1,150

Cheaper

More expensive ░ = no data

Next Available 7 Night Breaks

30 Oct 2026 £506 7 nights · £72/night 04 Dec 2026 £510 7 nights · £73/night 05 Dec 2026 £510 7 nights · £73/night 06 Dec 2026 £510 7 nights · £73/night

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What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Grist Mill Cottage

Original Stone Walls

Authentic barn stonework throughout creates that genuine conversion character you want from a countryside retreat in Dorset.

Wood-Burning Stove

Cosy up beside the wood burner in the sitting room after days exploring the Cranborne Chase hills and woodland.

Private Enclosed Garden

Your own outdoor space with garden furniture for morning coffee and evening drinks surrounded by countryside views.

Peaceful Rural Location

Set in Ashmore within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with fields and ancient woodland all around you.

Open-Plan Living Space

Kitchen, dining and sitting areas flow together under exposed beams making the barn feel spacious and sociable.

Walking Country Access

Step straight out into Cranborne Chase with trails to Win Green Hill and miles of footpaths from your door.

Getting To Grist Mill Cottage

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Grist Mill Cottage by car, take the A354 towards Salisbury and turn off at Sixpenny Handley, then follow signs to Ashmore. The barn is easily accessible via rural lanes and you'll have off-road parking for two cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Gillingham (Dorset), around 8 miles away with taxi services available. Salisbury station offers more frequent services and sits 15 miles from the barn with good road connections.

Off-road parking for two cars

Gillingham station (8 miles)

Accessible via A354 and rural lanes

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Larmer Tree Gardens

Distance: 4 miles

SP5 5PT

Wardour Castle

Distance: 8 miles

BA12 0PP

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum

Distance: 6 miles

SP7 8JR

Win Green Hill

Distance: 3 miles

SP5 5BU

Cranborne Chase Trails

Distance: 1 mile

SP7 0JP

Fontmell Down Nature Reserve

Distance: 5 miles

SP7 0NU

Shaftesbury Town Centre

Distance: 6 miles

SP7 8AW

Waitrose Shaftesbury

Distance: 6 miles

SP7 8PW

Gillingham High Street

Distance: 8 miles

SP8 4AA

Ashmore Village Pond

Distance: 0.5 miles

SP5 5AQ

Sixpenny Handley

Distance: 3 miles

SP5 5NU

Tollard Royal

Distance: 2 miles

SP5 5PS

Larmer Tree Gardens

Distance: 4 miles

SP5 5PT

Wardour Castle

Distance: 8 miles

BA12 0PP

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum

Distance: 6 miles

SP7 8JR

Win Green Hill

Distance: 3 miles

SP5 5BU

Cranborne Chase Trails

Distance: 1 mile

SP7 0JP

Fontmell Down Nature Reserve

Distance: 5 miles

SP7 0NU

Shaftesbury Town Centre

Distance: 6 miles

SP7 8AW

Waitrose Shaftesbury

Distance: 6 miles

SP7 8PW

Gillingham High Street

Distance: 8 miles

SP8 4AA

Ashmore Village Pond

Distance: 0.5 miles

SP5 5AQ

Sixpenny Handley

Distance: 3 miles

SP5 5NU

Tollard Royal

Distance: 2 miles

SP5 5PS

Is Grist Mill Cottage Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families

This barn conversion works better for couples than families with children. The single bedroom sleeps two and the open-plan layout suits adult guests. That said, the enclosed garden provides safe outdoor space and you're in countryside perfect for nature walks and exploring. Larmer Tree Gardens sits 4 miles away with peacocks and Victorian pleasure grounds that children enjoy. The rural setting means peace and quiet rather than dedicated play facilities.

Groups Will Love...

The wood-burning stove stands as the centrepiece of this barn conversion's sitting room area. Set against original stone walls with exposed beams overhead, it creates that authentic countryside retreat atmosphere. Light the fire on cooler evenings and settle into the comfortable seating with views over the garden. The stove heats the open-plan space effectively whilst adding to the barn's character. It's what makes this conversion feel like a proper rural escape rather than just another holiday let.

Pet Friendly

Grist Mill Cottage does not accept pets. The owners maintain this as a pet-free property for guests with allergies or preferences. Whilst the enclosed garden and countryside setting would suit dogs perfectly, you'll need to look elsewhere if travelling with your pet. The Cranborne Chase area has plenty of walks and outdoor space, but this particular barn conversion keeps a no-pets policy. Consider this when booking if you were hoping to bring animals along.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Grist Mill Cottage

The Fontmell

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SP7 0PA

La Fleur de Lys Restaurant

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SP7 8AW

The Drovers Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SP5 5NU

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Grist Mill Cottage

What barn features does Grist Mill Cottage have?

The cottage retains its original stone walls and exposed timber beams throughout the open-plan living space. A wood-burning stove sits in the sitting room area adding to the authentic barn conversion character.

Is Grist Mill Cottage pet friendly?

No, this barn conversion does not accept pets. The property is maintained as a pet-free environment for guests with allergies.

How many people does this barn conversion sleep?

Grist Mill Cottage sleeps two guests in one king-size bedroom. The single-storey layout makes it ideal for couples wanting a rural retreat.

What is the kitchen like at this barn conversion?

The open-plan kitchen forms part of the main living space with modern appliances and everything needed for self-catering. The dining area sits alongside with views over the garden.

Where exactly is Grist Mill Cottage located?

The barn sits in Ashmore, a small village in Dorset within the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You're surrounded by rolling hills and ancient woodland with Shaftesbury 6 miles away.

Is there parking at this barn conversion?

Yes, there's off-road parking for two cars at the property. You'll have dedicated space right by the barn for convenient access.

What's the outdoor space like?

The barn has a private enclosed garden with furniture where you can sit and take in the countryside views. It's a proper rural setting with fields visible all around.

Can you walk from Grist Mill Cottage?

Absolutely, you're in prime walking territory with footpaths leading into Cranborne Chase from the village. Win Green Hill is just 3 miles away with trails across the downs and through woodland.