Frequently asked questions about Blackbird Cottage
Blackbird Cottage is a three-bedroom holiday cottage in Beaminster, Dorset, sleeping up to five guests. Here you’ll find answers about the cottage, facilities, parking, dogs, children, booking, and exploring Dorset.
About Blackbird Cottage
Q: How many guests does Blackbird Cottage sleep?
A: Blackbird Cottage sleeps up to five guests across three comfortable bedrooms, ideal for a group of friends, a family, or a combination of both. Although we have ample sleeping space, there is one bathroom and limited seating in the sitting room, which is why we keep our maximum at five guests to ensure everyone is comfortable.
Q: How many bedrooms does Blackbird Cottage have?
Blackbird Cottage has three comfortable bedrooms. Two bedrooms are located at the front of the cottage and feature king-size beds. One of these beds can also be separated into two small single beds if required.
The third bedroom is situated at the rear of the cottage and features a comfortable queen-size bed.
Q: How many bathrooms does the cottage have?
A: We have one large shower room with double sinks, located on the ground floor. It features a spacious walk-in shower, luxury organic toiletries, fluffy white towels, hairdryers and a full-length mirror in one of the bedrooms, everything you need to feel at home.
Q: What is Blackbird Cottage like?
A: Blackbird Cottage is a charming Grade II listed stone cottage, thoughtfully furnished in a stylish and sympathetic manner. It beautifully blends modern comforts and convenience with the character and charm of its historic features.
Q: Does Blackbird Cottage have low ceilings?
A: Yes. Blackbird Cottage is nearly 300 years old and full of character, with original beams and low ceiling heights in the sitting room and kitchen. It’s part of what makes the cottage so charming, but worth knowing if anyone in your group is particularly tall.
Q: Does Blackbird Cottage have a wood burner?
A: It does, and it’s one of our guests’ favourite things about the cottage. The wood-burning stove in the sitting room is perfect for cosy evenings in, especially on crisp autumn and winter nights. Between November and March, we provide enough logs, kindling and fire lighters for one or two fires. After that, additional logs can be purchased locally. All you need to do is light it, settle in and enjoy.
Q: Does Blackbird Cottage have a garden?
A: It does, and it’s rather lovely. The private, enclosed garden is a real suntrap, with a magnolia tree, flower borders and a table and seating for outdoor dining. Several guests have told us they had breakfast out there every single morning. In spring and summer it’s at its most magical, but even in autumn it’s a beautiful spot for a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine, entirely yours for the duration of your stay. Please note there is a small pond in the garden, so young children will need supervision.
Q: What is included in the welcome hamper?
A: A welcome hamper will be waiting for you on the dining table when you book 5 or more nights, a little something to make you feel instantly at home. Sue also leaves tea, coffee, hot chocolate, herbal teas and biscuits for that all important first cuppa.
Q: What are the beds like?
A: We take beds seriously at Blackbird Cottage. Guests mention them in almost every single review the dreamy mattresses, the sumptuous feather-and-down duvets (these are swapped for naturally cooling & hypoallergenic natural British wool in the summer) and quality pillows. A restorative night’s sleep is practically guaranteed. As one guest put it: “I’ve never slept so well away from my own bed.” We can also supply hypo- allergenic bedding please let us know when you book.
Q: Is there WiFi?
A: Yes, reliable, fast WiFi is provided throughout the cottage.
Is Blackbird Cottage dog friendly?
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage dog friendly?
A: Yes, we welcome one well-behaved dog per stay. The garden is fully enclosed so they can roam freely and safely, the countryside starts almost from the front door and most of Beaminster’s cafés, pubs and restaurants are happy to welcome four-legged guests too.
A dog stay fee of £30 applies per stay. For everything you need to know and a few house rules do take a look at our dogs page.
Q: How many dogs can I bring?
A: We welcome one well-behaved dog per stay.
Q: Is the garden enclosed?
A: Yes, the garden is fully enclosed with either fencing or a high stone wall. There is also an outdoor tap available for washing your dog after a walk.
Q: Is there a charge for bringing a dog?
A: A dog stay fee of £30 applies per stay. For everything you need to know and a few house rules do take a look at our dogs page.
Q: Are there dog-friendly walks nearby?
A: Yes, there are lots of lovely walks right from the doorstep. Have a look at our blog for further details.
Q: Are there dog-friendly pubs, cafés and restaurants in Beaminster?
A: Yes, Beaminster is a very dog-friendly place! Dogs are welcomed in many local pubs, shops and cafés, so there are plenty of places to enjoy together. Have a look at our dog guide for more details.
Is Blackbird Cottage suitable for families and children?
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage suitable for children?
A: We welcome children of all ages. However, very young children will need supervision due to uneven flooring, steps between rooms and a small pond in the garden.
Q: Is there a travel cot?
A: Yes, there is a travel cot available at the cottage, but it must be requested at the time of booking. The cot is provided with a mattress; however, guests will need to bring their own bedding and linen.
Q: Is there a stair gate?
A: Yes, there is a single stair gate at the cottage, which is located in the utility room. Guests are asked to fit the stair gate themselves if required.
Q: Is there a fire guard?
A: There is also a fire guard at the cottage, which is located in the utility room.
Q: Is the garden safe for young children?
A: There is a small wildlife pond in the garden, as well as some small steps. Young children will therefore need to be supervised at all times while outside.
Q: Are there any accessibility considerations at the cottage?
A: Due to the age of the cottage, there are some uneven floors and steps between rooms. The downstairs flooring consists of a combination of tiles and flagstones, so guests should take care when moving around the property.
Parking, EV charging and getting to Blackbird Cottage
Q: Is there parking at the cottage?
A: Free on-street parking is generally available around Blackbird Cottage.
Q: Where can I park near Blackbird Cottage?
A: There is paid parking on Beaminster Square and at Yarn Barton Car Park JustPark location no. 6325. Short-stay parking is available on The Square, while Yarn Barton Car Park offers long-stay parking. Both car parks are free between 6:00pm and 8:00am.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Most on-street parking is free and car parks are free between 6:00pm and 8:00am Monday to Sunday.
Q: Is there EV charging near Blackbird Cottage?
A: Yarn Barton Car Park has slow EV charging, which is ideal for an overnight charge. For faster charging, the nearest option is at Bridport Co-op.
Q: Can I charge an electric car at the cottage?
A: There are no facilities for charging electric vehicles at the cottage. We also do not permit guests to charge electric bikes, scooters, or mobility scooters at the property.
Q: How far is the car park from Blackbird Cottage?
A: Yarn Barton Car Park is a 3 minute walk from the cottage.
Q: Do I need a car to stay at Blackbird Cottage?
A: With so many amenities right on the doorstep of Blackbird Cottage, you may not need a car for a short stay. There are cafés, restaurants, pubs, a local food shop, and small supermarkets all within easy walking distance. Regular bus services also provide convenient transport to nearby Bridport and the coast.
Q: How do I get to Beaminster?
A: There is a direct mainline train service from London Waterloo that stops at Crewkerne. Crewkerne can also be reached from Bristol Templemeads. The station is approximately a 10-minute taxi journey from Beaminster and Blackbird Cottage.
Booking, check-in and check-out
Q: What is the minimum stay at Blackbird Cottage?
A: The minimum stay at Blackbird Cottage is two nights. During peak season, the minimum stay may increase to five or seven nights.
Q:What time is check-in?
A: Check-in time is 4:00pm.
Q: What time is check-out?
A: Check-out time is 10:00am.
Q: Can I request early check-in?
A: We’re always happy to offer an early check-in where possible. This will depend on when the previous guests leave and how much cleaning and preparation is needed before the cottage is ready.
Q: Can I request late check-out?
A: We can sometimes accommodate a later check-out. Again, this depends on when the next guests are due to arrive. Please just ask, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request where we can!
Q: How do I book Blackbird Cottage?
A: You can book Blackbird Cottage by clicking on this link.
Q: How far in advance can I book?
A: We accept bookings up to one year in advance. If you have specific dates in mind, please get in touch using this link.
Q: What are the booking and cancellation policies?
- A deposit of 25% of the booking total is required.
- This deposit will be refunded according to the cancellation policy.
- The full booking balance must be paid 30 days before arrival.
- If the booking is cancelled less than 30 days before arrival then a charge equal to 50% of the stay will be made.
- If the booking is cancelled less than 10 days before arrival then a charge equal to the full booking amount will be made.
What is near Blackbird Cottage?
Q: Are there shops near Blackbird Cottage?
A: Yes, we’re very lucky in Beaminster to have a wonderful selection of lovely local shops, including a greengrocer, butcher, baker, delicatessen and pet shop, as well as a bookshop, artists’ galleries and a lovely gift shop.
Q: Are there cafés and restaurants near Blackbird Cottage?
A: In Beaminster, you’ll find a fantastic selection of places to eat, including a Michelin-listed restaurant, welcoming local cafés, and a lovely vegetarian and vegan café.
Q: Are there pubs near Blackbird Cottage?
A: Yes, Beaminster has two lovely local pubs, both conveniently located on The Square: The Red Lion and The Greyhound. Both pubs also serve food, making them great options for a relaxed meal or drink.
Q: What restaurants are within walking distance of Blackbird Cottage?
A: There are two excellent restaurants within walking distance of the cottage: Brassica, which is just around the corner, and Parnham Park. Both restaurants are Michelin-listed, making them wonderful options for a special meal.
Q: Are there good walks near Blackbird Cottage?
A: Absolutely! There are lots of beautiful walks exploring the surrounding countryside, with some lovely routes starting right from the cottage doorstep. There are walks to suit a range of fitness levels. Please take a look at this page for more information and inspiration.
Q: How far is Blackbird Cottage from these places?
Approximate driving times to these popular locations:
- West Bay – 19 min
- Lyme Regis – 33 min
- Eype – 19 min
- Seatown – 25 min
- Charmouth – 28 min
- Bridport – 16 min
- Mapperton House – 7 min
- Golden Cap – 24 min
Blackbird Cottage for Weddings and Special Occasions
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage suitable for wedding guests?
A: Blackbird Cottage is ideally located near two popular wedding venues; Mapperton House and Hope Farm.
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage near Mapperton House?
A: Mapperton House is a 7-minute taxi journey away.
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage near Hope Farm?
A: Hope Farm is a 5-minute journey away.
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage suitable for getting ready for a wedding?
A: The cottage is well suited for getting ready, with a spacious walk-in shower, luxury organic toiletries, fluffy towels, hairdryers and a full-length mirror.
Q: Are there hairdressers and beauty treatments nearby?
A: Hairdressers and beauty salons are within walking distance, and in-house treatments can also be arranged.
Anything else I should know?
Q: Can you hear the church bells at night?
A: The bells at St Mary’s Church only ring during the day, although the clock does chime throughout the night. Most guests find this to be a charming part of their stay, adding to the character and atmosphere of this unique location.
Q: Are there low ceilings?
A: Yes. Due to the age and character of the building, some of the ceilings are lower than you would find in a modern house, particularly in the kitchen and sitting room.
Q: Is there a pond in the garden?
A: Yes. There is a small wildlife pond in the garden.
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage suitable for tall guests?
A: The kitchen and sitting room have lower ceilings, adding to the cottage’s character and charm. If you’re over over 6 feet 2 inches, you might need to watch your head, quite literally!
Q: Is Blackbird Cottage suitable for light sleepers?
A: Blackbird Cottage is tucked away on a quiet side street, just a short stroll from the main square. It’s wonderfully peaceful, with the usual soundtrack being the gentle hoot of a tawny owl, the occasional bleat of a lamb, and the soft chime of the church clock.