Relax and recharge in this peaceful, light-filled 2 bed period cottage with the Jurassic Coast Path literally at the garden gate. Sea views from bedroom, sitting room, garden and even bathroom. Views also over the Marshwood Vale. Private garden. 5 mins walk to Charmouth beach with its world famous fossils. Close to shops, bus & top restaurants in Lyme Regis and Bridport. Newly decorated and furnished with an eclectic mix of mid-century and skandi style, for quality and comfort. Woodburner. BBQ.
The space
In the conservation part of the village, the cottage dates from the 1870s and is the end of small terrace of characterful, historic houses. With windows on three sides - sea to the front and hills to the side and rear, it is surprisingly light for a cottage of this age. Every room has a window with a beautiful view, even the bathroom. The front was extended some years ago to provide more space in the sitting and dining room - which opens out through double doors into the south-facing, sea-facing courtyard garden. There is plenty of room for four people to sit round the dining room table and outside, or to relax on the corner sofa and armchair around the fire. It offers quietness, relaxation, gorgeous views, and comfortable living for 1-4 people and 1 dog. The garden is fully enclosed. There is a herb trough which you are welcome to harvest for cooking and tea-making purposes. Everything in the trough is edible, including the flowers. It is raised up so that it's nice and clean in respect of dogs! Enjoy with confidence!
The kitchen is fully equipped with induction stove top, double oven, microwave and full set of pans, crockery, cutlery and glasses. There is a cafetiere for coffee people and a proper teapot for tea drinkers. There is an iron and board stored next to the fridge freezer for those special occasions. Upstairs it has a washing machine/tumble dryer and a clothes rack. For winter, the bathroom has underfloor heating for comfortable toes.
How things look and feel is important to me and I have lavished plenty of attention on selecting colours and furniture that complement the house and surroundings. I have gone for a mix of old and new, with a mid-century/skandi - cosy meets style. Being a writer, one of my favourite finds was the G-plan secretaire - a chest of drawers (housing games and puzzles, plus an extra rug) - but the top drawer of which opens to create a wonderful old-fashioned writing desk. I like to imagine that Jane Austen would have felt well-provided for as she looked at the view of Lyme Bay and dreamed up her characters. And I like to imagine, also, contemporary writers finding inspiration and head-space here to create their own works of wonder. The cottage has been enhanced by our friend Adam who has added solid oak shelves to the dining room alcove and bedrooms. There is a selection of books which, of course, you are welcome to read while staying. Lyme, Bridport and Axminster are well served, by the way, with independent bookshops new and 2nd hand - details in the guide.
The two bedrooms are small but uncluttered. The main bedroom has a king-sized bed, 2 windows (one sea-facing, one looking over the Marshwood Vale), a green-painted floor and hooks for your clothes. Currently there are boxes under the bed for your 'smalls' but we're open to feedback on whether this works for you. There is a wardrobe with hanging space on the landing. The second bedroom looks out over the hills. This one is carpeted. The bed there is a small double - which is snug but perfectly possible for two and palatial for one. There is a little Arts & Crafts desk enough to perch a laptop or indeed to pen your opus. This one has hooks, a set of ladder shelving and an underbed storage box for clothes. Also, of course, access to the landing wardrobe.
Most important to me when I'm on holiday, not necessarily in this order, are comfortable beds with good quality linen, good lighting - soft in general and bright for reading - quiet at night, and the proximity to the sea and lovely walks. The moon on the sea from the (comfortable) bed and a decent light to read by, coffee in the morning - and I'm a happy person. I hope you will be too!
Guest access
The whole house is yours to enjoy. Plus the enclosed front garden. The cottage does not own land to the side or back of the property but does benefit from our neighbour's nicely mown lawn as a view from the kitchen window. There is a spacious feel to the place even though the dimensions are relatively small. There is plenty of 'borrowed landscape' including the Marshwood Vale, Stonebarrow Hill and the sea itself. The garden is tucked back from the road and once you're comfortably seated, very private. A nice sun-trap too on sunny days.
Other things to note
Please note that, being an old house, the stairs are narrow and steep. There is a sturdy handrail but if stairs are an issue, please think carefully before booking here. Also this part of the village is on quite a steep hill which you'll probably be walking up to get back from the beach. The cottage is not at the very top but, again, if this is an issue for you, be advised. Charmouth people claim to live longer and be fitter than average perhaps partly because of the hilly terrain. Fancy joining the blue zone? You may leave fitter than you arrived - unless the lure of The Oak on the way up proves too tempting...
