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Blyton Cottage
Wolland, Dorset
Nestled in the tranquil hamlet of Woolland in the heart of rural Dorset, Ellwood Cottages offers award-winning, single-story holiday accommodation. These three traditionally built barns—named after famous Dorset authors Hardy, Barnes, and Blyton—have been masterfully converted into high-specification, wheelchair-accessible retreats. Set within a charming courtyard with breathtaking views of Bulbarrow and Ibberton Hills, these cottages provide a peaceful sanctuary for disabled travelers, their families, and carers. The site is dog-friendly, welcoming assistance dogs (free of charge) or one well-behaved companion dog per cottage.
Property Reference:
170326/01
The interiors are designed to balance a cozy, "home-away-from-home" feel with modern functionality. Each cottage features a tastefully furnished living and dining area equipped with:
Entertainment: Free Wi-Fi and a recreation room stocked with books (including large print), musical instruments, games, and puzzles.
Kitchen: A purpose-designed, fully fitted accessible kitchen featuring a dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, microwave, and a mid-height oven with a side-opening door.
Convenience: A welcome pack of homemade bread, jam, milk, and butter awaits every arrival.
Living Areas
The bedrooms are spacious and flexible, designed to ensure a restorative night's sleep for all guests.
Blyton Cottage: Sleeps 4 to 6 guests across two en-suite bedrooms. One room features a fully height-adjustable electric profiling bed alongside a single bed, while the second is a family room with "Zip and Link" beds (convertible to Super King) and children’s bunk beds.
Layout: All bedrooms feature a 1300mm wheelchair turning circle, non-slip flooring, and bedside-operable lighting.
Accessibility: All doors provide a 760mm clear opening, and bedding/linen is provided for all stays.
Bedrooms
The cottages are surrounded by beautifully landscaped, wheelchair-friendly gardens that invite guests to relax for hours.
Scenic Seating: Each cottage has its own designated seating area with tables and chairs, positioned to enjoy views of the local farm animals and wildlife.
Gardens: Sensory planting and raised beds line level, hard-surface pathways that are easy to navigate.
Parking: Adequate undercover parking is located at the rear of the cottages, with a level, 30-meter route (no kerbs) leading directly to the front doors.
Outdoor Areas
Features
Beyond the cottages, Ellwood provides exceptional on-site facilities to enhance your holiday:
Indoor Splash Pool: An indoor heated pool (maintained at approx. 30°C) is available from April to September. It features wide steps with handrails and an Oxford Dipper hoist. Fully accessible changing rooms with wet room showers are located poolside.
Recreation Room: A large communal meeting space serves as a hub for entertainment and information on local Dorset attractions.
Practical Extras: Each cottage is equipped with an iron, ironing board, hairdryer, and even a BBQ for summer evenings.
Accessibility
Accessibility is at the core of Ellwood Cottages, with specialized equipment provided free of charge.
Specialist Equipment: Includes "Bello Sonno" electric profiling beds, Oxford Advance mobile hoists, wheeled shower chairs/commodes (including recliners), rise-and-recline chairs, and kitchen perching stools.
Structural Design: The cottages feature "push-pull" doors for easy operation, wet-room style showers with 1500mm turning circles, and kitchens with 700mm high clear space under hobs and sinks.
Dimensions: Light switches are set at 1100mm and sockets at 900mm. The bathrooms include drop-down support arms and side grab rails, with specific transfer options (Left/Right) available depending on the cottage chosen.
Nearby Places
Since Ellwood Cottages is located in the heart of rural North Dorset (near Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton), you are perfectly positioned to explore some of the most scenic and accessible parts of the English countryside.
Here are the best accessible places to visit within a short drive of the cottages:
1. The North Dorset Trailway
Just a few miles from Woolland, this is a fantastic resource for wheelchair users. It is a reclaimed railway line that has been converted into a flat, surfaced path.
Accessibility: Completely level and paved with a hard-surface (crushed stone/tarmac) ideal for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Highlights: The section from Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone offers beautiful views of the River Stour and the restored Shillingstone Railway Station.
2. Kingston Lacy (National Trust)
Located near Wimborne Minster, this grand country house and estate is one of the most accessible National Trust properties in the region.
Accessibility: The ground floor of the house is fully accessible via a ramp. They offer a "shuttle" service (a buggy with a wheelchair lift) to take you from the car park to the house.
The Gardens: Most of the formal gardens and the Japanese garden have firm, level gravel paths.
Facilities: Accessible toilets and a "Changing Places" facility are available on-site.
3. Weymouth Seafront & Harbour
If you fancy a trip to the coast (about a 45-50 minute drive), Weymouth is famous for its award-winning accessibility.
The Esplanade: A completely flat, multi-mile stretch of paved promenade with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
Beach Access: During the summer months, Weymouth offers beach wheelchair hire so you can get right down to the water's edge.
The Harbour: The historic harbour side has been remodeled to be largely step-free, perfect for watching the fishing boats with a portion of fish and chips.
4. RSPB Arne (Poole Harbour)
For nature lovers, this heathland reserve offers a rare chance to see sika deer and spoonbills in a wild setting.
Accessibility: They offer off-road Tramper mobility scooters for hire (pre-booking is essential). This allows you to navigate the more rugged woodland trails that a standard wheelchair might struggle with.
Facilities: Accessible cafe and toilets with easy-access bird hides.
5. Sherborne Abbey & Town
The historic town of Sherborne is famous for its golden stone buildings and magnificent Abbey.
The Abbey: Almost entirely level-access and very welcoming to visitors with mobility needs.
Shopping: While some older shops have steps, the main "Cheap Street" is a pleasant, slow-paced environment with many accessible tea rooms.
6. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
If you are traveling with children or grandchildren, this farm park is designed specifically with accessibility in mind.
Accessibility: The entire site is flat and paved or on hard-standing ground.
Inclusive Fun: They have a wheelchair-accessible trailer ride (the "tractor ride") so everyone can head out into the fields together to see the animals.
Top Travel Tip for Dorset:
Because many of the villages surrounding Ellwood Cottages are very old, I recommend using the "AccessAble" app or website before heading to specific pubs or tea rooms, as some historic buildings may have narrow doorways.