King Charles Cottage, Dorset

King Charles Cottage in the Dorset village of Broadwindsor holds some impressive history. This mid-terrace cottage is in the centre of the village, on the main square. King Charles II once slept in this very cottage when he was fleeing from Parliamentary troops in September 1651. It still boasts many of the original features that the king himself would have seen and touched. Suited to a family looking to stay somewhere with character, or a group of history lovers who want to explore the beautiful Dorset countryside, this property is a lovely choice. Enter into the spacious hallway where you can sit down and take off your walking boots in front of the woodburning stove and be welcomed in to the antique style of the house, with beautiful pieces of furniture, some vintage taxidermy placed around the room and on the walls. Next door, you can relax on a quiet evening in on the sofa in front of the Smart TV, watching your favourite shows or a family favourite film, with a large open fireplace to warm you. The uneven floors, low wooden beams and steep steps all add to the incredible charm of this property. As you head into the kitchen/diner down a few steps, you will reach the magnificent timber-framed conservatory at the far end. A large farmhouse-style dining table can seat the whole party and more, and the chef of the group can look on and stay in the conversation, thanks to the open-plan layout. Housing all the essentials is the utility room which includes the washing machine and tumble dryer, freeing up more space in the kitchen. When it's time to head to bed, continue up the old staircase, and mind your head on those low beams, to find three delightful bedrooms to choose from: two doubles with one being contemporary styled with light and bright decor, and the other being the room King Charles likely slept in, holding a historic aura, and finally a lovely twin room with iron beds and views outside to the village. Serving the bedrooms is a contemporary shower room which has a slanting ceiling and velux window, and a ground-floor bathroom with bath and shower over. Almost all of the rooms have exposed wooden beams, slanting ceilings or lower ceilings and doorways due to the age of the property. Spend some time outside on a summer’s day and relax on the furniture in the enclosed courtyard surrounded by lovely plants and greenery, with another secret garden further back containing fruit cages, strawberry bed and dining area with table and chairs. The village of Broadwindsor is within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so there are plenty of rural walks to be enjoyed on your doorstep. The White Lion, at Broadwindsor, located opposite the cottage, is open again, and run by the community following a fantastic appeal which raised almost £60K, and has just been awarded CAMRA West Dorset's Pub of the Year. The bar area has been completely refurbished, and redecorated, to create a warm and welcome atmosphere. Relax in front of a roaring log fire, and enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of fine locally produced ale or cider. The pub will offer a range of typical pub grub, at reasonable prices, which is all made on the premises. Booking, especially for Sunday lunch, is advised. Opposite the cottage, in the Square, is the Wobbly Cottage artisan bakery, from where the lovely smell of freshly baked bread wafts in the mornings, and our baker prepares wonderful freshly made bread and other delicacies. The village is also blessed with its own community shop selling a wide range of every day produce and groceries There are some lovely walks around the village, which nestles under Lewesdon Hill, the highest point in Dorset. Nearby stately homes with magnificent gardens include Mapperton House and Forde Abbey. And the stunning Jurassic Coast is just 20 minutes away by car. For a royally historic property, bursting with amazing original features, King Charles Cottage will be your home-from-home in this lovely part of Dorset.