About us
We’re Olivia, Tom and Bertie and we live next door
We’ve lived in Winterborne Whitechurch since 2005. In 2017 the opportunity arose for us to purchase the cottage next door and we jumped at the chance. The property was home to a family who had worked on the local farm for more than 65 years. Sadly it had become rather forlorn in its latter years. We started our renovation journey in 2019 and it took two years for our vision to become reality.
We have two dogs, a black labrador called Kiwi and a miniature dachshund called Daphne. Our dogs are quite reactive and do like to let us know when the postman is coming, or a pigeon is in the garden but rest assured they don’t bark for very long and we will make sure they do not disturb your holiday. We also have two guinea pigs called Patrick and Gary who are probably the best behaved out of the whole family!
We want you to have a really wonderful holiday here in Dorset. We’re on hand to help you if you need, but won’t get in the way if you don’t.
From humble beginnings…
I was always intrigued by the little cottage that adjoined ours. It was dilapidated and time-worn but it felt special.
In 2017 we were approached by the local farmer to buy the cottage, but part of the deal was the protected tenant who lived there. Fred had lived in the cottage all of his life and was now 81. We adored Fred. He was an extended part of our household already as he had no family. We always kept a watchful eye on him, not obvious enough to dent his pride, but we were protective of him. I would prepare him Sunday lunch every week and we would often chat. He had some great tales to tell of Dorset life.
We made some initial improvements for Fred’s safety and comfort. We re-wired and installed a new central heating system as Fred had not enjoyed hot water for decades.
We removed the windows and doors as time had taken its toll but found sympathetic glazing which stopped the wind from whistling through the house. We bought Fred furniture when he allowed but much of the time he refused our help for improvements internally because this was his private haven and reminded him of times past, and we respected that.
We didn’t expect Fred to pass away so soon, but sadly he died in December 2019. Covid then struck the globe and the world as we knew it shifted on its axis.
The cottage was very run down and had to be stripped right back. The floors were damp and the quarry tiles were removed as we dug over a metre deep to concrete and insulate the floors. We damp-proofed all of the internal walls, replaced the roof and created a contemporary kitchen whilst retaining cosy cottage charm.
We discovered some original features. Hidden behind a 1950’s tiled fireplace was the original inglenook that had been bricked over with multiple fireplaces from generations past. We restored and revived the fireplace to become the enchanting focal point of the living room. We transformed a bedroom into a luxury bathroom complete with an exquisite pink boat bath to inject some character. Walled panelling in the bedrooms was restored and revived. Pieces of original wallpaper that once adorned the walls now hang in pretty vintage frames above the bedroom doors, a little nod to the past.
The front porch and larder downstairs became an elegant boot-room and cloakroom.
It has taken us two years and we have worked very hard to create a beautiful cottage that blends both the past and present.
We had always wanted to open the cottage to guests because it was our dream to have a business close to home so that I was able to work and also look after our son. So come and enjoy a little slice of luxury here in Dorset. We look forward to welcoming you all.
Olivia, Tom and Bertie xxx
“Thank you for a wonderful stay. What a beautiful home you have created. It’s so beautifully decorated with lots of lovely personal touches. The beds are super comfortable. The welcome hamper was very appreciated. The garden is a lovely sun trap. The location is great with lots of places not too far to visit. Thanks, we hope to return for longer next time!”
The B Family - May 2022
“We really enjoyed our stay at Little Dorset Cottage. The cottage was more than big enough to accommodate 4 people. It had everything we needed, the beds are very comfy and the kitchen was well equipped. The garden was also lovely to sit out in. Thanks for hosting us! We would love to come back!”
The F Family - June 2022