Guests say
The Old Stables in Gillingham, Dorset, receives high praise for its cleanliness, modern comforts, and well-equipped facilities. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, luxurious soft furnishings, and high-spec kitchen. The property is ideal for families and dog lovers, offering a peaceful location with local walks and attractions. While some guests mention a lack of shops within walking distance and the garden not being fully enclosed, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many looking forward to returning.
Guests consistently note the property's cleanliness, describing it as 'very clean' and 'extremely clean', indicating a high standard of hygiene and upkeep.
The location is praised for its charm and convenience to local attractions, though the lack of shops within easy walking distance slightly affects the score.
Comfort is a standout feature, with guests highlighting the comfy beds, sofas, and overall homeliness. The presence of a Super King bed is particularly appreciated.
The property boasts excellent facilities, including a well-stocked kitchen and entertainment options. Some confusion with the cooker and underfloor heating controls is noted, but overall, facilities are highly regarded.
While the reviews reflect a thoughtful provision of amenities and extras, there is no specific mention of gifts or welcome packs, and thus, it is not possible to score this category.
About this property
Set in the centre of Milton on Stour, near the market town of Gillingham, The Old Stables is ideally located for a break to North Dorset with amenities, popular places to visit and walking trails all within easy reach. Originally built in 1800 as a stable block in the grounds of Milton Manor, The Old Stables was completely renovated during 2021 and is now an attractive, unique single-storey, detached, characterful property. The property comfortably sleeps six guests (plus two more if you use the double sofa bed in the Kingsize bedroom) and has ample off-road private parking for up to four cars. Enter the stone-fronted cottage, kick off your shoes, hang up your coat and let the holiday begin. As you enter the open plan lounge, the exposed oak beams create a feeling of spaciousness and glamour whilst the three big comfortable sofas welcome you to relax. The open plan living space has triple bi fold doors opening onto a large patio encouraging you outside for an alfresco morning coffee or perhaps an afternoon snooze on the zero gravity sun loungers. The sleek, well equipped kitchen has a large American style fridge freezer, two split level ovens and an efficient induction Hob. If you’re enticed to rustle up a meal, lay the dinning table and relax listening to your favourite music on the Sonos speaker. The table easily seats six diners and there are two bar stools should you have a guest or two. Just a stone's throw away you will find an abundance of shops, restaurants, and pubs easing your self-catering stay; The Dolphin Inn, The Phoenix and The Red Lion are all available for lunches, evening meals and drinks. As the night unfolds, retreat to three stylish bedrooms, choose either the super-king, a double with an en-suite shower room, or a cosy twin bedded room, all offering a tranquil setting to unwind and refresh. The Old Stables is completed with a contemporary bathroom, featuring a large walk-in shower, and a roll top bath, perfect after a long day of walking. Gillingham Museum is also a short car journey away, hosting events and tours reflecting the town's heritage or, venture into the Cranborne Chase AONB, home to the remarkable National Trust site of Stourhead House and the Temple of Apollo. Perhaps take a trip to Longleat, where you can enjoy the delights of The Safari Park, the Monkey Drive through, and explore the historic Longleat House. Or the stunning surroundings of the National Cley Hill, Historic cities such as Bath and Salisbury are also all within easy reach. And surely a visit to Dorset has to include a trip to the Jurassic Coast to see the famous Durdle door and enjoy the a day on the beach walking or swimming in the sea. We hope you will enjoy the many hidden gems of Dorset by choosing The Old Stables as your home-from-home.
This property has been shortlisted for a Gem award in Best in the South Coast England and Isle of
Wight category 2023
A small yet lively market town in North Dorset's Blackmore Vale, well-served with an excellent selection of local shops, inns, and restaurants, as well as a direct rail route from London to the West Country. John Constable's iconic picture of The Old Town Bridge, which now stands in the Tate Gallery, immortalised the town. The Blackmore Vale is part of the Stour Valley, which Thomas Hardy vividly characterised in Tess of the D'Urbervilles as the "Vale of the Little Dairies," with lush green countryside and a "patchwork quilt" of fields. The area is rich in scenic country walks and is close to a number of National Trust estates and historic buildings, including Stourhead, Longleat, and Wilton, as well as the lovely Dorset Heritage Coast.
Accommodation
Single-storey.
Three bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size with double sofa bed available in the same room, 1 x double with walk-in shower, basin, and WC, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with roll-top bath, walk-in shower, basin, and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area
Oil central heating with underfloor heating.
2 x double electric ovens, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher.
TV with Sky, WiFi.
Sonos Speakers which guests can play their favourite play lists on.
Electric Car Charging (EV) point available.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available on request.
Ample off-road parking.
Front garden with patio, picnic bench, barbecue and 6 zero gravity sun loungers.
NOTE: Flexibility around arrival and departure timing can be available upon request.
Nearby points of interest
- Longleat Safari Park
- Haynes International Motor Museum
Reviews (25)
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Paul
Susie the owner is so lovely, excellent communication and top customer service. Fully equipped kitchen, warm comfy living room and comfortable beds and lovely bathrooms, the whole cottage was a delight to stay in. We visited Shaftesbury which is a lovely place only 15 minutes by car, Corfe castle, Portland Castle, D Day Museum and Lighthouse, Weymouth, Lyme Regis, West Bay, all only about an hour or so and Lilleys Cider Farm in Frome. Plenty of cafes and takeaways nearby. This is a perfect cottage to stay for a holiday and with two dogs, which are welcome everywhere we went in Dorset, just the best. Our only little thing is the garden at front is not secure for dogs, so we had to put their leads on everytime they needed to go out, perhaps a little picket fence between garden and where cars park on Drive, but this place is the best we have stayed in by far.
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Christine
Beautiful and so well equipped. Every device in the kitchen. Bathrooms and bedrooms have everything you need. Games books etc for rainy days. Quiet situation looking on to cricket pitch. Just arrive put kettle on and relax.
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Laura
The beds were all very comfortable, the kitchen was amazing, it was a real treat to stay there.