This lovely stone cottage is beautifully situated in rolling countryside close to the picturesque village of Corfe Castle in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is approached by a private drive and stands in the grounds of Afflington Manor, a superb manor house mentioned in the Domesday book. The farmland of the manor house extends to over 600 acres and visitors can walk across the nearby fields and follow footpaths to some of the loveliest villages of the Isle of Purbeck such as Kingston Worth Matravers and Langton Matravers. The nearby Jurassic Coast with its picturesque coastal path is in an area renowned for its fossils, dramatic cliffs and small coves. Within ten minutes drive of the cottage is the small coastal resort of Swanage with its sandy beach and a variety of entertainment including Punch and Judy, swimming, boating and diving. A 15-minute drive takes you to Studland, a remote sandy peninsula with over four miles of golden beach.
Afflington Manor Cottage is built of Purbeck stone and dates back over 200 years. In the early part of the last century the painter Augustus John regularly stayed here. With a lovely secluded position enjoying views over the surrounding countryside, the cottage has recently been renovated to provide comfortable accommodation for five people. It is centrally heated and has wooden floors with rugs on the ground floor, and deep fitted carpets in the bedrooms and on the stairs. On the ground floor there is a modern fitted kitchen equipped with an electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and washing machine. An attractive sitting room with a pretty window seat boasts two comfortable sofas, a wood burning stove, and television with Freeview and DVD player. There is also a spacious centrally heated conservatory with a dining area and a charming ground floor single bedroom.
Stairs lead up to two beautiful double bedrooms with views across the fields, and a bathroom which is well equipped with a bath, separate built in shower, basin and WC. All heating and electricity are provided without extra charge. A travel cot and high chair can be provided if required. A folding bed can also be added into one of the double bedrooms to enable children to sleep separately. Visitors should be aware that this is a traditional property with low doorways. WiFi Internet connection available.
The cottage is semi-detached with a large enclosed garden and patio area offering garden furniture for dining alfresco. A small gate from the garden opens onto a path which crosses a tiny stream and leads directly into open fields. The surrounding farmland is a mixture of arable land and grazing for cows, sheep and a small number of Alpacas. There are two large ponds nearby which encourage a wide range of birds including herons and the occasional cormorant. Cars can be parked in the drive in full view of the cottage. Public transport, general stores, a public house and bakers are within 12 miles. A newly installed AstroTurf tennis court is now available for visitors to hire by the hour. Places to visit include the fortress in the village of Corfe Castle the NT manor house of Kingston Lacey and Lulworth Castle. There is a steam railway which links Corfe Castle to Swanage, and rowing and motor boats can be hired at Wareham for trips along the river.