The Old School Cottage, Tincleton

The Old School Cottage is a converted Victorian schoolhouse in Dorset's Blackdown Vale. This stone building retains original features including high ceilings and large sash windows that flood the rooms with light. The property sits in the hamlet of Sydling St Nicholas, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland.

The cottage overlooks open countryside with views across the valley. You're in proper walking country here. Footpaths lead straight from the door into the Dorset hills.

Inside you'll find two bedrooms sleeping four guests. The main bedroom has a king bed whilst the second offers twin singles. There's one bathroom with a shower over the bath. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and sitting space under those tall Victorian ceilings.

Dorchester lies 8 miles east (15 minutes). Visit the Cerne Abbas Giant (6 miles, 12 minutes), explore Maiden Castle Iron Age fort (9 miles, 18 minutes), walk the Jurassic Coast at West Bay (14 miles, 25 minutes), or tour Athelhampton House gardens (11 miles, 20 minutes).

The Old School Cottage suits couples or small families wanting a peaceful rural base for exploring Dorset's countryside and coast.