Button Cottage on Gold Hill, romantic retreat

Historic cottage featured in the famous '70s boy-on-a-bike Hovis bread TV advert. Experience the nostalgia of 450-year-old Button Cottage nestled in the cobbles of Gold Hill. Once home to local button-makers the cottage has been restored to reveal original features combining timeless charm with modern comfort. Breath-taking views from cottage and courtyard. Discover Shaftesbury’s independent shops and cafés and explore rolling countryside and cosy pubs before retiring to your enchanting retreat. The space A unique opportunity to stay in an old stone cottage on the cobbles of the famous Gold Hill in the Saxon town of Shaftesbury. Lovingly, painstakingly and authentically restored over several years to an exceptional standard, and finished with high quality furnishings and fittings. Step into the cosy living room with limestone floor, Inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove. A soft colour palette, timeless fabrics and textured cushions and throws create the perfect setting to curl up in front of the Chesney wood burner with a glass of wine and local cheeses. Vintage style soft lighting, cosy furniture and copper finishes complete the homely feel, along with a Smart TV and high-speed WIFI. Continue through to the welcoming handmade kitchen comprising rustic open shelving for easy access to everything you need. A wine fridge, butchers block, and Smeg Lavazza coffee pod machine are just some of the thoughtful additions, not forgetting a dishwasher to make light work of the washing up! "Oh goody, it's bedtime" When it’s time for bed, sink into the hand-made 5000-pocket-sprung King size mattress (5ft. wide), sumptuous cotton bedlinens and naturally non-allergenic goose feather and down seasonal duvet in a generous Super-king size. An enchanting dressing room offers flexibility with a full-size single daybed (3ft. wide and 6ft. long). Feather and down double duvet and cotton bedlinens drape over the hand-made 5000-pocket-sprung mattress and a thick cotton ticking-stripe curtain covers a quirky opening over the staircase. The shower room on the ground floor comprises a stylish chrome rain shower with handheld attachment. Faith in Nature toiletries and plenty of Egyptian cotton towels provide a warm hug after a busy day exploring. Steps lead down to the pretty limestone courtyard garden at the rear, with wildflowers tumbling down the old stone wall, pots of lavender and roses, and comfortable cushioned wicker garden furniture. Start your day here with a Lavazza coffee overlooking the green rolling hills of the vale. When you can tear yourself away take a leisurely stroll around Shaftesbury Abbey ruins (built by 'King Alfred the Great' in 888) and the small Gold Hill museum, before setting off for a new day of adventures. Laundry: The internal laundry room is accessible from the courtyard and equipped with washing machine, tumble drier, clothes airer, pegs, iron and ironing board, as well as storing the garden furniture cushions. Gold Hill: Said to have the most romantic views in all of England and painted and photographed by many, Gold Hill and the surrounding Abbey ruins are a protected site of historical significance. About Shaftesbury: The area has plenty to offer serious walkers and gentle strollers alike, with walks across the Blackmore Vale and Cranbourne Chase AONB, as well as shorter scenic walks on the edge of town. For those determined to relax, far reaching views to the south are a must-see from the promenade at the top of Gold Hill (Park Walk), with plenty of benches to take in the sights. A sweet treat from Ecco Gelato or Reeves the bakers makes a tasty accompaniment. The other side of town (10 minutes walk away), Castle Hill offers amazing views in the opposite direction and is a popular place to sit and watch a beautiful sunset. Peruse the varied selection of independent shops and galleries displaying artisan crafts, artwork, enticing cookware, gifts and antiques (there really is a "butcher, a baker and candle-maker" ), as well as an award-winning countryside bookshop. A small town with a big personality, Shaftesbury has a small arts centre with theatre and cinema; lido, regular markets and food / fringe festivals throughout the year, all less than 5-minutes' walk from the cottage; not forgetting the annual Gold Hill Cheese Race to be seen from your doorstep on a Bank Holiday in Spring. DORSET'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS COMMENCE MID-NOVEMBER (INCLUDING SHAFTESBURY'S 17 DECEMBER). Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a heritage-inspired getaway, or simply the magic of staying on England’s most iconic hill, Button Cottage offers the perfect blend of comfort, nostalgia, and idyllic Dorset scenery, all within an enchanting and unforgettable setting. Button Cottage is especially well-suited to couples, friends, and solo travellers. For safety reasons it is not suitable for children or those less mobile due to varying floor heights, drops, and some uneven floors. Places to visit: Places to see a short drive away include Old Wardour Castle, Stonehenge, Stourhead Gardens, Kingston Lacy and Longleat Safari Park. You might visit the picturesque market town of Sherbourne with its traditional stone buildings, two castles, numerous cafes, and independent shops including vintage/antiques. Slightly further afield Corfe Castle is a popular choice, or The Lost Village of Tyneham (check access times), Cerne Abbas with its historic stone houses and Abbey remains, or Bradford-on-Avon and its famous quintessentially English tearoom (booking essential). A little further still and the cities of Bath and Salisbury make a great day out, and the Jurassic Coast is less than an hour away, not to mention Wiltshire and Somerset on the doorstep. Reviews from previous listing: 5* (Oct-24) “We absolutely loved our stay at Button Cottage, hard not to! Gorgeously renovated with all and more you could want or need for a seriously comfortable stay. The location is superb and we hope to come again :-). Thank you, Melanie & Tristan. xx" 5* (Oct-24) “We recently returned from a 4-night stay at Button Cottage, the cottage is utterly gorgeous from the first step inside, greeted by a table laden with treats Melanie had generously left for us. We absolutely loved our stay there and would not hesitate to recommend it. The hosts have made sure there is everything and more to make a stay not only comfortable but special (extra mention must also go to the bed and all the linens which are all super sumptuous).” 5* (Dec-24) “Just wow! The cottage is amazing one of the best we have ever stayed in. The quality of fixtures and fittings was superb. No effort was spared to make every aspect of our stay special. The personal touches such as extra cookware for our Christmas Day dinner and tasteful decorations were extremely thoughtful and added to our experience as did the welcome pack of local produce. The location was fantastic, on a quiet historic street but only 2 minutes to the town centre which had lovely shops, pubs and places to eat. Melanie was super friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the cottage to anyone." 5* (Dec/Jan-25) "This really is a beautiful cottage. We had such an amazing time. Melanie & Tristan have thought of everything. It's a very cute cottage but it is better equipped than many bigger places we have stayed. The decor and attention to detail is second to none and you're obviously close to restaurants, pubs, cafes and shops. It's sensational and we are very grateful we had the chance to stay here over New Year. Loved it all! Thanks so much. " 5* (Mar-25) “Thanks so much for your warm welcome, the cottage is absolutely beautiful, an oasis of calm to restore one’s soul!! and the details amazing. We had the best of times and would love to come back! We will recommend it to everyone we know." 5* (Mar-25) “I have stayed in many holiday cottages over the years and have to say this is one of the best I have ever encountered. A lovely cottage half-way up Gold Hill, tastefully modernised and beautifully appointed with good spec modern fittings while retaining its fabulous period character. A pretty courtyard garden is at the rear with views towards the hills. The owner, who lives nearby, met us on arrival and gave us a guided tour of the cottage and all its features, including the operation of all the services. Everything was immaculately clean and as for the bed I am prone to insomnia, but I had the best 2 night’s sleep in ages. If I ever return to Shaftesbury, I will definitely seek to stay here again. 5 Stars all round.” Guest access Access is via a key safe, however meet and greet is usually available. Please let us know approximately when you hope to arrive so that we can make sure everything is perfect for you. Please note that Gold Hill is steep and cobbled. Parking is not permitted on the cobbles however loading and unloading outside the cottage for a brief period is not a problem. Free street parking is available on the lower part of the hill (depending on availability) where the cobbles end and in the adjoining street of St James. There are also several paid-for and free carparks in the town including a 24hr. and 72hr. For more information visit Dorset Council website. Other things to note In keeping with the age and historical nature of the cottage you will find variations in levels, a few uneven floorboards and a couple of low beams. The cottage is not recommended for young children or for those less mobile.