A charming character cottage with Abbey view

Bensly Cottage is a pretty and newly refurbished character property in the middle of the beautiful market town of Sherborne. It has a view of the magnificent Abbey, and is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre, with its pubs, restaurants, delis and tea rooms. The two castles are also reachable on foot, and delightful country walks are easily undertaken from the cottage. There are many historic sites, country pubs and beautiful countryside to visit in the surrounding area. Sherborne offers shops, cultural events, markets and music, and, of course, its famous schools.

The cottage is comfortable and well equipped. The ground floor consists of a sitting room with wood burning stove, furnished with a comfortable 3 seater sofa and an armchair. There is television (with internet freeview channels and apps) and free wifi; a DVD player with a selection of movies, and a bookcase with plenty of books to read. There is also a welcome folder with maps and information about local attractions.

Leading from the sitting room is a Shaker-style kitchen with washer drier, dishwasher, microwave, oven with electric hob and large fridge freezer, plus all utensils. A dining area at the rear sits four, with access to a very small courtyard.

Upstairs are two comfortable bedrooms, one double and one smaller room with bunk beds - please note the top bunk is only suitable for a child. There is a modern bathroom with a bath including a shower, a basin and WC. There is central heating throughout. Bed linen, towels and bath mat are provided.

The cottage is a seven-minute walk from the railway station (direct line from London Waterloo) and Sainsbury's, and a ten minute walk from Waitrose. There is on-street parking opposite, depending on availability, and two long-stay car parks within a short distance. The owner can direct you to nearby convenient parking on request.

A leisure centre nearby offers an indoor pool, gym and fitness classes. The town has a range of gift shops, antique and reclamation shops, galleries, beauty parlours and clothes shops. Besides tea rooms, cafes and delis, the town has a variety of places to eat, including a pizzaria and a gelatoria. Dine in style The Green or Newell or The Plume, all short walks from the cottage. Enjoy traditional ales and pub grub at the Digby Tap or the Cross Keys. There is pizza at Tamburinos. A fantastic fish and chip shop is open in the evenings and is only round the corner. There are lots of lovely delis and wine bars too.

For visitors to the local schools, it may be of interest to know that the cottage is in close proximity to Sherborne Prep, Sherborne School and its boarding houses, Sherborne Girls School and Sherborne International. Leweston Girls School is a five-minute drive, and a taxi service is available in the town.

Please note that there is no parking at the cottage. It is possible to unload outside the cottage, and then park nearby on the street (the owner can advise).

The cottage is named after W.J Bensly, a master at Sherborne School in the early 20th century, who once owned it. He was a tutor of Alan Turing, and well known and loved as a gentle eccentric, who once played cricket against Arthur Conan Doyle and won medals for bravery in the First World War.

This cottage offers its guests an indoor pool and a fitness center. WiFi is free in public spaces.

This Sherborne cottage is smoke free.