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Hardy Cottage
Wolland, Dorset
Named after Dorset’s most famous novelist, Thomas Hardy, this cottage is an outstanding single-story barn conversion that perfectly balances traditional character with modern, barrier-free living. Hardy Cottage is the most intimate of the three conversions, specifically designed to sleep up to three guests. It provides a peaceful, high-specification retreat in the heart of rural Dorset, making it a premier choice for smaller families, couples, or a guest with a carer.
Property Reference:
170326/03
The living space at Hardy Cottage is designed to be a "home-away-from-home," featuring a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Relaxation: The cozy living and dining area is tastefully furnished with plenty of space for wheelchair maneuvers.
Connectivity: High-speed Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and guests have full access to the communal recreation room for books, games, and music.
Convenience: A welcome pack of homemade Dorset treats is provided to help you settle in immediately.
Living Areas
Hardy Cottage features a unique two-bedroom layout that offers privacy and specialized care options:
The Single Room: A dedicated private room featuring a "Bello Sonno" fully height-adjustable electric profiling bed, ideal for guests with specific medical or mobility needs.
The Twin/Double Room: Features a pair of versatile "Zip and Link" beds that can be used as two singles or joined to create a generous Super King-size bed.
Design: Both rooms feature bedside-operable lighting, 760mm clear door openings, and non-slip, water-resistant flooring.
Bedrooms
The cottage is perfectly positioned to make the most of the tranquil Woolland countryside:
Private Seating: Enjoy your morning coffee at your own outdoor table and chairs, offering stunning views across the fields toward Bulbarrow Hill.
Seamless Access: The route from your undercover parking bay to the cottage is level and hard-surfaced, ensuring an easy 30-meter transit without any kerbs.
Sensory Gardens: Guests are invited to explore the landscaped sensory gardens and communal courtyard, all featuring wheelchair-friendly surfacing.
Outdoor Areas
Features
Hardy Cottage is fully equipped for a high-end self-catering experience:
Modern Kitchen: A purpose-built kitchen featuring a dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, microwave, hob, and oven.
Leisure: Seasonal access (April–September) to the indoor heated splash pool and the pool hoist.
Pet Policy: Assistance dogs stay for free, and one well-behaved companion dog is welcome.
Accessibility
Accessibility is woven into every detail of Hardy Cottage, from the structural layout to the specialist equipment provided free of charge:
The Wet Room: A spacious, wheel-in shower room with slip-resistant flooring, a 1500mm turning circle, and a left-hand transfer toilet with drop-down support arms.
Specialist Aids: Access to mobile hoists (bring your own sling), wheeled shower chairs/commodes, toilet raisers, and kitchen perching stools.
Ergonomics: The kitchen features an accessible hob and sink with front controls and clear legroom underneath (700mm high). Light switches are positioned at 1100mm and sockets at 900mm for effortless reach.
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.