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Ruth's

Charminster, near Dorchester, Dorset
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Internet access
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bathroom
Pub nearby
Country houses
9 more

At a glance

  • Beautiful, converted coach house in the heart of Thomas Hardy Country
  • Calming colour palette creates a stylish and relaxing atmosphere
  • Spend time in the peaceful and enclosed courtyard garden and spark up the BBQ

Property code: OC-WY408

Ruth’s is a converted detached coach house which lies in the centre of Charminster, a village steeped in history and at the centre of a Conservation Area. This perfect family cottage, which is cosy in the winter and airy in the summer, is just 2 miles from the county town of Dorchester, and 6 miles from Cerne Abbas, home of the iconic Cerne Abbas giant.

Guests can expect to be warmly welcomed upon arrival with fresh flowers to greet you, and delicious home baked treats such as cake and biscuits to tempt your taste buds. Sit back with a nice cuppa, relax and enjoy the start of your holiday.

This delightful property has several interesting features, such as the lovely double wooden entrance doors with high, pitched ceilings upstairs. Downstairs the spacious cottage kitchen/dining room has a really welcoming feel and is perfect for a family get together. The entrance hall leads to the cosy living room, with patio doors leading to an enclosed and sheltered courtyard. The family bathroom and small utility room also lead from the entrance hall. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a small cloakroom with sliding door. To the front of the cottage, a gravel drive leads to a private parking area for one car.

Just around the corner you’ll find the River Cerne, a safe and nearby source of fun for families, great for paddling and picnics. St Mary’s Church is also close by, a picturesque village church with Saxon origins.

There are two pubs and a Post Office/shop within walking distance of Ruth’s and Charminster, surrounded by beautiful countryside, is crisscrossed with footpaths leading the walker to short or long walks - ideal for dog walkers and hikers alike. As well as a patio to enjoy sitting outside , there is a grass area available at the side of the property for your pets (not enclosed ).

Weymouth’s award winning, family friendly beach is not far and the Jurassic coast, which has World Heritage status, offers fabulous walks and fossil hunting opportunities, pretty villages, rolling countryside and gastronomic excellence.  There are also several historic houses and gardens in the area: Wolfeton House and Minterne Gardens are close by.

In the heart of Hardy country and not far from Thomas Hardy’s birthplace, Charminster is ideally situated to enjoy Dorchester’s thriving town centre, with the newly built Brewers Square, two cinemas, several museums such as the award winning Dinosaur museum, and lots of interesting shops, cafes and restaurants.

Bedrooms:1) Double with skylight and full length feature window 2) twin with skylight and built-in wardrobe.

G/F family bathroom: bath with shower, W.C. and basin

First floor cloakroom: first floor, W.C and basin with sliding door

Living room: comfortable seating, electric log effect fire, TV/DVD and patio doors leading to an enclosed courtyard

Kitchen/dining room: spacious and sociable, with a pretty seating area, terracotta stone tiles and wooden units, microwave, range cooker, dishwasher and fridge/freezer, air fryer

Hall: coat hooks and boot poles

Utility room:  washing machine

Linen and towels provided: please bring your own beach towels

Cot, stairgate and booster seat available on request: please bring your own cot linen

Wi-Fi: included

Garden: enclosed courtyard with seating and BBQ

Fuel: gas central heating, Combi hot water system 

Parking: private parking for one car. EV charging is not available at this property. Local EV charging is within 1/2 mile in the the village

Pets: 2 pets allowed 

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 double and 1 twin
  • 1 family bathroom with a bath with shower and WC; 1 separate WC
  • Range cooker, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave, air fryer
  • Utility room with washing machine
  • Welcome pack with home-baked treats
  • Travel cot, stairgate and booster seat available on request. Please bring your own cot linen
  • TV/DVD
  • Please bring your own beach towels
  • Enclosed courtyard with BBQ and seating
  • Private parking for 1 car
  • EV charging is not available at this property. Local EV charging is within 1/2 mile in the village
  • Pub 0.5 miles, shop 2 miles, beach 9 miles
  • 2 pets welcomed
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Samantha Banner

This property is personally managed by Samantha.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 17 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 stars4.9
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 stars4.8

Reviewed by Stephen 16th June 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Excellent very well equipped cottage in an excellent location in reach of all the places you might want to visit in Dorset. Jenny and Richard are a delight and great hosts.

Reviewed by Susan 8th June 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A pleasant week in a comfortable cottage, a limited number of places to eat in the area

Reviewed by Alan 7th June 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A very comfortable, well equipped cottage in a lovely village just outside Dorchester. Some lovely local walks and the Dorset coast is an easy drive away. A couple of pubs are within walking distance and The Sun, which does very good meals, was a five minute drive away (or 30 minute walk). We hope to stay at this cottage again when we revisit DorseRead moret. Hide

Reviewed by Stephen 16th May 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Excellent property & very considerate owners who provided everything needed & more to make our stay so preasurable.

Reviewed by Cheryl 4th January 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Excellent location - fantastic doggie walks straight from cottage. Richard and Jenny were extremely welcoming . Ruths was really thoughtfully stocked with every utensil you would need, an extensive welcome pack with prosecco , cakes, milk, treats and doggy treats - also store cupboard essentials. Very comfortable beds and lots of lovely touches aroRead moreund the place. Definitely a ten out of ten when compared to most other cottages we have stayed in. Hide

Reviewed by Ian 3rd November 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage in a quiet location, but close to amenities. Excellent location for exploring the local area. Great pubs within easy walking distance. Good walks on your doorstep.

Reviewed by Brian 5th July 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Excellent country cottage

Reviewed by Steve 26th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage where everything has been thought through with the items in the cottage, books and a couple of games for when the weather isnt good to picnic items. Richard and Jenny were perfect hosts offering information such as pubs and restaurants to eat at. There was lots of information in the cottage as to places to visit including places wheRead morere you can take dogs. Would recommend this cottage and look forward to revisiting. Hide

Reviewed by Richard 30th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

ideal location for exploring area, plenty of dog walks from doorstep, comfort very good and great kitchen area. hosts on hand in case of any problems, which there wasnt, all in all a very nice break and accomodation.

Reviewed by Andrew 25th February 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage, conveniently located for Dorchester and much of the Dorset coast. We had a lovely short break, the cottage was of a high standard with some very nice homely touches, such as flowers and a generous welcome pack. We would certainly recommend.

Reviewed by Joanne 30th December 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

I had a lovely Christmas week at Ruth's Cottage with my dog, Kaia. The place is so homely, and very warm and cosy, and had everything we needed. The kitchen is huge, and very well equipped - it was just me and my dog but the place would be perfect for families to sit round to eat or play games at the lovely big dining table. Ruth's is a 5 minute drRead moreive from Dorchester, so very central for, and a good, secure garden area for dogs out back. I was left some lovely treats too, some home made mince tarts, a nice bottle of wine and some choccies, all very much appreciated! Jenny and Richard are a lovely, warm and friendly couple and it was a pleasure to meet them. If you see Ruth's Cottage on the website and ponder whether or not to book, do it! You won't regret having a holiday in such a delightful, quiet and cosy cottage with just about the nicest hosts you're likely to meet. Hide

Reviewed by Ian 21st September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Very comfortable, well equipped and great location

Reviewed by Jutta 17th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely designed cottage, big and very well equipped kitchen, each room with its own cozy atmosphere, pittoresque surroundings.

Reviewed by Arthur John 3rd August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely, well appointed cottage with very helpful owners.

Reviewed by Roy 27th July 2024

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

I appreciate that I booked for July which is peak season but 1023 for 7 days , was disappointed overall.

Reviewed by Liz 30th June 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Lovely property set in lovely location Thank you for the welcome pack for us and our two dogs ! Delicious Dorsey apple cake ! Pretty flowers in every room ! Extra large towels and more Thank you !

Reviewed by Brian 22nd June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely holiday in a charming cottage. Highly recommended

15 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.