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A charming character cottage with Abbey view

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for A charming character cottage with Abbey view

Outdoor dining
TV, DVD player, books, video library
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
TV, DVD player, books, video library
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Gym
    Gym
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Dryer
    Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Sherborne, England
  • Sherborne Abbey
    3 min walk
  • Sherborne Museum
    3 min walk
  • Global Images Gallery
    5 min walk
  • Yeovilton (YEO-Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton)
    17 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Sherborne

In Sherborne .Steps from the cottage, you'll find Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne Museum. Global Images Gallery and St John's Almshouses are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Sherborne Abbey - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Sherborne Castle - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • South West Survival - 8 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Fleet Air Arm Museum - 14 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Haynes International Motor Museum - 14 min drive - 13.8 km

Getting around

  • Sherborne Station - 6 min walk
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ecco Gelato - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Digby Tap - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪George Hotel - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Something Else Fishy - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Reeve the Baker - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A charming character cottage with Abbey view

Bensly Cottage is a pretty and newly refurbished character property in the middle of the beautiful market town of Sherborne. It has a view of the magnificent Abbey, and is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre, with its pubs, restaurants, delis and tea rooms. The two castles are also reachable on foot, and delightful country walks are easily undertaken from the cottage. There are many historic sites, country pubs and beautiful countryside to visit in the surrounding area. Sherborne offers shops, cultural events, markets and music, and, of course, its famous schools.

The cottage is comfortable and well equipped. The ground floor consists of a sitting room with wood burning stove, furnished with a comfortable 3 seater sofa and an armchair. There is television (with internet freeview channels and apps) and free wifi; a DVD player with a selection of movies, and a bookcase with plenty of books to read. There is also a welcome folder with maps and information about local attractions.

Leading from the sitting room is a Shaker-style kitchen with washer drier, dishwasher, microwave, oven with electric hob and large fridge freezer, plus all utensils. A dining area at the rear sits four, with access to a very small courtyard.

Upstairs are two comfortable bedrooms, one double and one smaller room with bunk beds - please note the top bunk is only suitable for a child. There is a modern bathroom with a bath including a shower, a basin and WC. There is central heating throughout. Bed linen, towels and bath mat are provided.

The cottage is a seven-minute walk from the railway station (direct line from London Waterloo) and Sainsbury's, and a ten minute walk from Waitrose. There is on-street parking opposite, depending on availability, and two long-stay car parks within a short distance. The owner can direct you to nearby convenient parking on request.

A leisure centre nearby offers an indoor pool, gym and fitness classes. The town has a range of gift shops, antique and reclamation shops, galleries, beauty parlours and clothes shops. Besides tea rooms, cafes and delis, the town has a variety of places to eat, including a pizzaria and a gelatoria. Dine in style The Green or Newell or The Plume, all short walks from the cottage. Enjoy traditional ales and pub grub at the Digby Tap or the Cross Keys. There is pizza at Tamburinos. A fantastic fish and chip shop is open in the evenings and is only round the corner. There are lots of lovely delis and wine bars too.

For visitors to the local schools, it may be of interest to know that the cottage is in close proximity to Sherborne Prep, Sherborne School and its boarding houses, Sherborne Girls School and Sherborne International. Leweston Girls School is a five-minute drive, and a taxi service is available in the town.

Please note that there is no parking at the cottage. It is possible to unload outside the cottage, and then park nearby on the street (the owner can advise).

The cottage is named after W.J Bensly, a master at Sherborne School in the early 20th century, who once owned it. He was a tutor of Alan Turing, and well known and loved as a gentle eccentric, who once played cricket against Arthur Conan Doyle and won medals for bravery in the First World War.

Property manager

Kirsty Crawford

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Indoor pool

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Street parking available
  • Car not required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Freezer
  • Spices
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Video library
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Fitness center
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golfing on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Cycling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Please ask owner. Downstairs only. No outside area

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: No outside space for playing. Playgrounds nearby.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Not suitable for large gatherings.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: Not suitable for large gatherings. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

A charming character cottage with Abbey view Cottage
A charming character cottage with Abbey view Sherborne
A charming character cottage with Abbey view Cottage Sherborne

A charming character cottage with Abbey view Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 113 out of 121 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 121 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 121 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 121 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 121 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ELIZABETH A.

Liked: Cleanliness
relaxing
We normally stay in the middle of nowhere, so this was a change for us to be in a town setting. Sherborne is a really lovely and vibrant town, with interesting buildings. The cottage was very cosy and clean, very comfy beds,it had everything we needed, we could hear the Abbey bells which was lovely, it's just round the corner.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vlog B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great mini birthday break
We had such a lovely time. Property perfect.. with everything you need in walking distance. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage in Sherborne
The cottage was clean and well equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

mark c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely short break
Lovely little cottage right in the heart of Sherborne in easy walking distance of pubs, restaurants and train station. Lack of parking no problem as you can park just around the corner. Recommended
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cottage
The cottage is beautiful, the owner is brilliant and Sherborne is such a lovely place to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dorian G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay
This is a very well-planned and well-equipped cottage in a really good location - close to the Abbey and town centre but quiet. We greatly enjoyed our stay there, and recommend it.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mini Break
The property was well situated for visiting Sherborne. It was very well equipped, clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

debbie j.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent position
Lovely little cottage suitable for us with our dog. Around the corner from the town with lots of little shops pubs and restaurants .only 15 mins walk to the castlw
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

michael j.

Liked: Cleanliness
Adorable
We found our stay Bensly cottage to be relaxing comfortable fully equipped With all you needed and more. We will definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victoria N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Cottage as a base to explore Sherborne
I recently enjoyed a fabulous mother-daughter trip, made perfect by our stay at Kirsty's wonderful and cosy Bensly Cottage. The cottage is beautifully situated in the very pretty town of Sherborne, with everything you need within easy walking distance. The cottage itself was immaculate and had all the amenities required for a comfortable stay. It truly felt like a home away from home. A big shout out to our host, Kirsty, for being incredibly helpful and attentive. Nothing was too much trouble for her, from offering excellent recommendations, directions, to allowing us to drop our luggage off early and checking in to ensure we were settled in comfortably. I definitely recommend Bensly Cottage and would return to stay on my next visit to Sherborne.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Georgina K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, lovely cotttage
Had a wonderful time , cottage was in a great location relative to the town and was nicely equipped. Very clean & welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay
Very clean and well equipped cottage in a convenient location for the town centre and all amenities . We thoroughly enjoyed our stay . The host has everything very well organised including arrangements for collecting the key from a key safe . Tea and coffee were provided and all the essentials including washing up liquid , liquid hand soap and boxes of tissues were waiting for us at the property . The host even popped in on our first evening to ensure we had everything we needed which was a nice touch . We will be back 😁😁
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage
What a lovely place to stay in Sherborne. Beautifully clean, has everything you could need for your stay. The location is great, walkable to anywhere in town and the added bonus of having the station here for day trips.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect base for North Dorset
This is a lovely little cottage in a great position in the centre of Sherborne. The Abbey at the centre of the town is about three minutes walk away. Sherborne is a pretty, interesting town with loads of history and well served with all facilities. The cottage is small but warm and well equipped and was fine for the two of us. Kirsty was on hand and responded very quickly when we contacted her. Apart from on one occasion, when we had to park about seven minutes' walk away, we were always able to park within about 200m of the property.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicky M., Austin Texas USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Cottage in the center of Sherborne.
This is such a wonderful cottage in the heart of Sherborne. It is beautifully clean and has absolutely everything you might need during your stay. It was so cosy during a very wet and windy stay in Sherborne. All the pubs, shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. The beautiful Abbey is just round the corner. The station is an easy walk. The host is very communicative and the check in and out process was very easy. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting to stay in Sherborne.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Fiona M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
The cottage has everything you could need for a short stay and is in an ideal location to access everything in the town in foot. Parking was easy and close by. Kirsty was fantastic, quick and easy to communicate with! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Valerie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Sherborne
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and first visit to Sherborne. The property is ideally located close to all the amentities and attractions. We had excellent communications with the owner, providing us with all the information we needed. I think that the property is probably in need a little refresh, but other than that it had everything we needed. Would definately stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

evannah e.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything we needed!
The cottage was in a great location and the host was informative about all details. Check-in was a breeze and we were very happy with little home. Thank you for making us feel so welcome!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Felicity S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Chill weekend before wedding
Took my friend away for her to relax before her wedding. It was perfect!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable Cottage
The cottage was located centrally in Sherborne It was well equipped ,very clean and comfortable. We explored all the sites in Sherborne and particularly enjoyed the Museum and Abbey. We also traveled further afield to the coast and into Somerset
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Colin C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful village
Property was comfortable and clean but the parking was a problem.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Short break
Lovely property in a beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathryn G., Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy Cottage
Cosy cottage with well equipped kitchen and nice bathroom. Small but adequate space for our needs (three adults). Short walk to shops and the stunning Sherborne Abbey. We would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

david D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Lovely cosy cottage in the charming village of Sherborne, perfect in location for all the pubs 😋 and restaurants and independent shops and interesting sites of the castle old and new and the abbey all just around the corner and also perfect for exploring the coastal regions of Lyme Regis, Weymouth etc
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely relaxing getaway
We loved Bensly Cottage. It's a comfy, cosy piece of Sherbourne's history with everything you need for a relaxing break. There are lots of interesting local shops and it's a perfect base for exploring the amazing Jurassic coast and the gorgeous Dorset countryside.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023