Button Cottage - Gold Hill

Gold Hill is the jewel in the crown of Shaftesbury, known for the nation's favourite ‘Hovis Bread TV’ advert. The iconic street is lined with chocolate box cottages and there are stunning views across rolling green pastureland, likely to have been the inspiration behind some of the author, Thomas Hardy's, great works. The eclectic town centre offers a great selection of independent shops and eateries as well as a regular Thursday market and a vibrant events scene, including food and fringe festivals. For those wishing to explore the Saxon roots of the area, the town museum and abbey ruins are well worth a visit and you can stop off at Barton Hill and Park Walk, which really make the most of this wonderful elevated position. Further afield are Longleat House and safari park, Stourhead House and gardens, Haynes motor museum, the cathedral cities of Salisbury and Bath, and the Kennet and Avon canal, all great choices for a day out and within 30 miles.

Set in a truly special location on Shaftesbury’s much photographed Gold Hill, this Grade II listed, lovingly restored terraced cottage is accessed via a doorway from the cobbled street, which is known for its steep incline and fabulous views. Built with Shaftesbury Abbey stone following its dissolution, a painstaking renovation was completed in 2024 and is evident from the moment you enter the inviting lounge/diner. Exposed stonework, beams, subtle Farrow and Ball paint colours and a fireplace with wood burning stove all come together to create a warm and homely ambience. There is room to dine in comfort as well as thoughtfully arranged furniture, dressed with care in Susie Watson fabrics. Enjoy your favourite shows on the Smart TV or simply relax and unwind in historic surroundings. Take the steps down into the kitchen at the rear, where hand-built units have been sympathetically chosen to blend character with modern conveniences. Heading back into the lounge you will find a door leading into an inner vestibule, with the shower room to the left. Cleverly designed to maximise space, a bi-fold door leads into the room, which has a stylish shower set against the rear wall and more beautiful natural materials to be admired. Head up the winding cottage style stairs to the first floor. Immediately right is the door to a charming single bedroom with day bed, a view over the street below, and a quirky opening above the stairs. A curtain provides privacy and this room would also make a wonderful reading nook. Just next door is the king-size bedroom, which is dual aspect and the perfect spot to retire to after a day spent exploring. Again, the furnishings have been chosen with the utmost care and attention, from the vintage bed frame to the 7000-pocket sprung mattress. When the day is done snuggle up in goose feather and down bedding, all naturally non-allergenic with natural allergen properties which is encased in sumptuous linens. The rear window provides a captivating view over the slopes of the town and surrounding verdant hills. Due to the age of the property there are changes of level, steps and some areas of restricted head height, including low doorways, which only adds to its character and charm.

From the kitchen, steps lead down into the courtyard garden. A true oasis in this town centre location, old walls and clever fencing create a high degree of seclusion and tranquillity. Take a seat with your morning coffee and open the shutters to admire the most wonderful framed view of the Blackmore Vale beyond.