Entrance from the street down two steps into a hallway and through an archway into a split-level, open-plan living area. The upper level comprises a built-in study area and fireplace (with wood-burning stove planned for 2009), a fitted kitchen with range cooker and all other integral appliances and breakfast bar and a separate cloakroom/utility room with wc. The lower level provides the main sitting and dining areas with two sets of French windows leading to the garden. Carpeted stairs lead to the 1st floor landing and three bedrooms - double height master bedroom with original exposed beams, double bed and en suite shower room/ wc; further double bedroom with French windows, balcony railing and south-facing views; third double bedroom. Bathroom /wc.

Don't be misled by the rather bland exterior of this peaceful, tucked away cottage in the delightful Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury. The interior provides an extremely comfortable, light and spacious retreat which has been completely refurbished in contemporary style. Tanyard Lane cottage is quietly situated behind pretty St. James's Street with its picture postcard Dorset thatched cottages. "Stoney Path" and "Gold Hill", a steep cobbled street flanked with old cottages and a buttressed green sandstone wall, link St James's with the main part of the town, which, at over 700 feet, commands far-reaching views over the North Dorset countryside.

The location is ideal for exploring the large number of visitor attractions - ancient monuments, historic houses, cathedrals, castles and gardens - in the surrounding area and there is an interesting town walk to follow in Shaftesbury itself, incorporating Gold Hill and Shaftesbury Abbey (ruins of), founded by King Alfred The Great in 888 AD. The town also offers a good range of shops, several supermarkets, pubs and restaurants. The cities of Bath and Salisbury are under an hour away.

The surrounding countryside is designated of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is ideal for walkers; the Wessex Ridgeway, which begins at nearby Ashmore, affords breathtaking views. Keen cyclists can use the Dorset and Wiltshire cycleways, which converge close to Shaftesbury. The World Heritage Jurassic coastline with its extensive coastal path walks is an hour away.

Refurbished to a high standard throughout, Tanyard Lane Cottage provides ideal accommodation for several couples and there is a reduction just for two people booking at short notice. A special feature of the cottage is the extended split-level living area, with its French windows opening onto a deck, (designated lighting system provided) and beyond that to an imaginatively landscaped and attractively planted garden with water feature. Upstairs, the south-facing double bedroom enjoys long views over the rooftops to Melbury Beacon and the Blackmoor Vale.

This property is new to our listings.