"Where Hardy went `by footpath and by stile, beyond where bustle ends' . . ."

Higher Bockhampton is Hardy's `Upper Mellstock', and those interested in the literary landscape can explore the locations of his famous novels - whilst living in cottages converted from barns built by the famous writer's father in 1849! All around is a wealth of glorious National Trust countryside, the beautiful coastline is just 6miles away and the properties are set in their own 4acres of peaceful grounds. As well as offering plenty of space for strolling and relaxing, there are two en-tous-cas tennis courts, lawns for croquet and badminton, and a children's play area with swings and Wendy house. There is also a magnificent Roman-style indoor heated swimming-pool (complete with mural!) with full changing facilities, a large sauna and elegant sitting area. Careful and tasteful conversions of the fine old barns earned these cottages the English Tourist Board's coveted `Development Award'; furnished and equipped, they retain tremendous character whilst offering modern convenience and comfort. Featured on TV's Wish You Were Here, Greenwood Grange offers the ideal holiday combination - quality accommodation, fine facilities and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Steeped in history, Greenwood Grange was built by Thomas Hardy's father, whilst a short distance away is the thatched cottage where Hardy himself was born, built by his great-grandfather and little altered. At Lower Bockhampton, Hardy went to school and there is alovely walk from there to the next village, Stinsford, where his heart is buried. There are walks directly from the door over some of the most beautiful countryside in Dorset: nearby Thorncombe Wood is awildlife sanctuary from which a nature trail leads through magnificent chestnuts, beeches and oaks, and through 70acres of black heath, furze, birch, holly, heather and rhododendrons. Dorchester (Roman Durnovaria and Hardy's `Casterbridge') is a pleasant walk away (2miles) and a most attractive country town, with museums of the dinosaur and the military, swimming-pool, golf (good golf can also be found at Weymouth and Charminster) and plenty of good shops, restaurants and pubs. Also of interest is Prince Charles's development at Poundbury, near Dorchester. There is a good choice of beaches: at Weymouth (8miles) a broad sweep of sand, ideal for castle building, is overlooked by an elegant esplanade; swimming is safe from the beach, and there are lots of traditional entertainments; the nearby RSPB reserve at Radipole has nature trails from which grebes, swans and warblers may be seen. The beach at Ringstead Bay (6miles) is of particular interest for its geology, fossils and the vegetation and wildlife of its undercliff; nearby can be seen the outlines of avillage abandoned in the Middle Ages. The Dorset Coastal Path offers magnificent views and surprising sights, such as the natural arch of Durdle Door, and the almost circular cove of Lulworth, about 7miles away. West Bay, as featured in the television programme Harbour Lights with Nick Berry, is also within easy driving distance. The area offers abundant river stretches for coarse or trout fishing, and sea angling from the coast. Gardens flourish in the mild climate, and there are many to choose from: Mapperton Gardens, Forde Abbey Gardens and the subtropical gardens at Abbotsbury are well worth an excursion.

A very spacious ground floor property with its own large garden. Spacious beamed living/dining-room with gas fire in ornamental fireplace, very high ceilings and Purbeck stone floor. Farmhouse-style kitchen. Three double bedrooms, one with TV and en-suite bathroom/W.C. with shower cubicle, one with en-suite shower room/W.C. Bunk-bedded room with additional bunk beds (for +2). Bathroom/W.C. with over-bath shower. Separate W.C.

*Double oven *Additional fridge *Widescreen TV *Radio/cassette/CD *Auto wm/tumble dryer *D/washer *Two cots *Two additional Z-beds (for +2) *Large enclosed garden with patio and furniture *Gas barbecue *Easy walking access *Non-smokers only *Friday to Friday

*Combined heating, electric and leisure facilities incl *Ample parking (extra covered parking for 6 cars) *Shops 2 miles *Two TVs (Sky) *DVD *WiFi *Shared laundry room with freezer, coin-operated auto wms and tumble dryers *T/cots and high chair by arr (additional cots and high chairs at cost poa) *Garden furniture *Duvets with linen Refurbishment has been taking place in all properties and previous interior pictures both in the 2007 & 2008 brochure and on the website do not show a true likeness to the refurbished properties (except DTJ)

SUPERB INDOOR POOL AND SAUNA COMPLEX Sensitively created in old stone to blend with the cottages, Greenwood Grange's magnificent pool is open daily all the year round. For the exclusive use of visitors, it is spectacularly designed in Roman style, with a mural depicting and emperor and his hand-maidens. * Fine 32-ft x 18-ft indoor heated swimming-pool with full changing facilities * Shallow `D' end for young children's supervised paddling * Attractive sitting area overlooking pool * Six-person sauna (coin-operated) * Sunny outside terrace with loungers EXTENSIVE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FACILITIES Indoor Amenities: Set next to the pool building and sympathetically designed in stone and brick, the pupose-built leisure building offers plenty of things to do, whatever the season. * Table tennis, table football and children's snooker table * Bar billiards (coin-operated) * Fenced `under fives' play area with play slide, play train and tot rocker * Electric treadmill Outdoor amenities: * Peaceful grounds extending to 4 acres * Children's play area with swings and a delightful, fully furnished `Goldilocks' theme Wendy house * Two en-tout-cas tennis courts (or please bring your own racquets) * Croquet lawn (equipment foc, or please bring your own) * Badminton lawn (equipment foc, or please bring your own)

OFF SEASON BREAKS AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS Greenwood Grange Cottages are the perfect choice for a Dorset holiday at all times of the year. With full oil-fired central heating throughout, the cottages offer a cosy and warm welcome in the off-season months. And, of course, a full range of facilities - including the indoor heated swimming-pool - is available throughout the year.This is a festive getaway for Christmas and New Year holidays, too - with decorated Christmas trees in all cottages.