Unique Grade 2 Listed cottage on the cobbles of iconic Gold Hill. Once home to local button-makers, the hill is now famous for the 70’s Hovis bread TV advert. Button Cottage reveals 450-year-old original features, combining English charm with modern comfort. Incredible views across the countryside can be seen from the cottage and courtyard garden. Explore heritage trails, cosy pubs and Shaftesbury’s independent shops and cafés just a few mins walk away before retiring to your enchanting retreat. The space Greenstone cottage on the cobbles of Gold Hill in the Saxon town of Shaftesbury, one of the highest towns in England. A 4-year restoration to an exceptional standard has created an authentic historical holiday let, finished with high quality furnishings and fittings. Greeted by the Inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, the cosy living room with limestone floor uses a soft Farrow & Ball colour palette, timeless fabrics and textured cushions and throws to create the perfect setting to curl up in front of the Chesney burner with a glass of wine and local cheeses. Vintage style soft lighting and copper finishes complete the homely feel, along with a Smart TV and high-speed WIFI. The welcoming handmade kitchen comprises rustic open shelving for easy access to everything you may 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.), sumptuous cotton bedlinens and naturally non-allergenic goose feather and down generous seasonal duvet in Super-king (8.5ft.). An enchanting dressing room with full-size single daybed (3ft.) provides flexible sleeping options. Feather and down double duvet and cotton bedlinens drape over the handmade 5000-pocket-sprung mattress, and a 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 with parasol. Start your day here with a Lavazza coffee overlooking the green rolling hills of the vale, followed by 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. (Note off-season closures for some tourist attractions). A laundry room accessed from the courtyard is equipped with washing machine, tumble drier, clothes airer, pegs, iron and ironing board, as well as garden furniture cushions. Gold Hill: Said to have the most romantic views in England and painted and photographed for centuries, Gold Hill and surrounding Abbey ruins are a protected site of historical significance and are visited by travellers from around the globe. Shaftesbury: At the top of Gold Hill is the high street where visitors can peruse the varied selection of independent shops and galleries displaying artisan crafts, artwork, colourful cookware, enticing recipes and spices, many gifts, antiques and vintage items, 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, food and fringe festivals throughout the year and a carnival or two at least, 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, and an array of Christmas markets across Dorset from mid-November. 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, take a stroll along the Victorian promenade (Park Walk) at the top of Gold Hill where far reaching views to the south are a must-see, and benches are perfectly positioned to enjoy the view in the sunshine. To the other side of town only 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. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a heritage-inspired getaway, a cosy Christmas 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 and solo travellers enjoying a getaway or refresh and is proving to be a popular writing retreat for visiting authors. Please note: In keeping with the building's history, varying floor levels and some uneven floorboards make it unsafe for children or those less mobile. Places to visit (examples): Old Wardour Castle and the historical water mill at Sturminster Newton are just a few minutes' drive. Less than half-an-hour's drive is Stonehenge, Stourhead Gardens, Kingston Lacy and Longleat Safari Park, or the picturesque market town of Sherbourne with its traditional stone buildings, two castles, numerous cafes, and delightful independent shops. 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, lake 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.