“Although there was nothing wrong with the cottage/dairy itself, in fact on the whole it was quite nice, there were a couple of disappointments to deal with when we arrived.”
Apparently, there had been vehicle damage to a telegraph pole and there was no Internet. Obviously this was outside the control of the owner, but knowing about it would have been nice as I had taken some work with us that I couldn't do. This was coupled with problem that we couldn't get any type of Internet connection via 4g, or even slower, while in the area of the cottage. We couldn't even get a telephone signal of any kind. No Internet, so no WhatsApp, no telephone signal, so not even texts. I am with O2 and my wife is with Vodafone. I don't know if that is the usual situation or the problem is related to the issue with the telegraph pole.
We were asked to move our new car from the front of the property to the side, because it was in view of the guests from the other holiday property (their car was at the side of their property). We did this but I was a bit concerned about all the conkers that fallen all over that area. However it wasn't windy so that wasn't a problem. When we came back one evening the new guests from the other property were parked where we'd been told to park, so we had to park at the front anyway.
Also, again no fault of the owner, but the A35 was closed for repairs each night between 8.00pm and 6.00am, so getting back after 8.00 was via single track country lanes, but there are passing places.
On the plus side the property has pretty well everything you are likely to need and it's handy for anywhere accessible from the Dorchester to Honiton road.
There are some nice eateries a short drive away, particularly The Loders Arms. The food is good and the service too, but don't go if you have a problem with dogs, although all very friendly, there's a lot of them.
It's our 6th visit to Dorset and apart from the aforementioned inconveniences, we had a good holiday and we will, God willing, be returning to Dorset next year.