We welcome guests to arrive from 4pm on the commencement of the stay. During the winter months we can often be more flexible with this timing but please do check with us in advance as the changeover workload of the day determines the flexibility. We often need this time to service the properties and carry out maintenance work to keep the properties to the standards that our guests expect.

We ask that the property is cleaned, tidied and vacated by 10 am on the day of your departure please.

We ask that the property is cleaned, tidied and vacated by 10 am on the day of your departure please.

We simply ask you to let us know as soon as things go wrong so that we may try to rectify the problem as quickly as possible. Please remember if you leave it until the morning of your departure to tell us we often cannot get replacements on that day which then means our guests coming in after you cannot gain the full use of the equipment until it is repaired.

We try to provide all this but if you need something special like an extra large vase for flowers or large saucepan then please just ask…

All bedding is provided and beds are made up for your arrival. However, if you are bringing a baby and using our cot then please would you bring baby’s bedding.

We provide towels, a hand towel and bath sheet per person, for use in the cottage, oven gloves, tea towels and bath mats. We do ask that you do not use our towels on the beach or for swimming.

Please look at our links to local shops and attractions.

All properties have woodburner and we provide wood in the woodstore outside of each cottage but we do ask that you supply your own matches and firelighters.

Please refer to our page on local attractions and activities for full information as this is quite extensive and hopefully should answer all your queries on this.

We are very fortunate in having a good doctor’s surgery in Portesham just 3 miles away and a casualty department at Dorchester Hospital.

We have a barbecue available and all you would need to get is the charcoal, lighting fuel and matches…… Oh of course and the food you want to cook! All we ask that you book it in advance and that it is returned clean for use ready for other people.

We have a bike store right along side the cottages for your convenience.

Whilst many people do bring their own maps and walking guides, it is not really essential as we have quite a reasonable selection for you to borrow but we do ask that if you take them with you they are returned.

In order that dogs remain welcome at Gorwell guests must make sure there are not more than 2 dogs at the property at one time unless we have agreed to accept more. We ask that dogs are not left unattended in the cottage at any time. If you are attending an event or party and are not able to take your dog with you we can recommend kennels locally where you dog can be well looked after for the day so you can enjoy the event knowing they are safe. Please remember we are a working farm with sheep and other animals so we do ask that all dogs are kept under control at all times and do not upset or attack the animals or wildlife. Any fouling of lawns paths etc must be cleared without delay, the hirer must bring the dogs own bedding and dogs are not allowed on beds, chairs, sofas etc. I am sorry but dogs cannot be accepted during July and August except for exceptional circumstances.

There are plenty of places around the farm for dogs to be walked. We can give you directions for short or long walks on and off the farm when you arrive.

Each holiday property has a file of local attractions and activities and a much wider selection of information is available in the games room or on our local activities and links page where we have included their web addresses should you wish to find more information.

Gorwell Farm is working farm with sheep. John is happy to take interested guests and children in the landrover by arrangement when he goes to check his animals at most times of year, but please do not be disappointed if the weather, ground conditions or seasonal workload prevents him from being able to do this. If you are visiting the animals or helping John to feed them we ask you observe the usual hygiene rules and always wash your hands after feeding or handling them. Most of the year the animals are in the fields at Gorwell. For those who enjoy the wildlife, we are very fortunate in that we have Sika and Roe deer in the valley. When out walking we can often see them in the fields or through the trees in the woods. Badgers are also regular visitors to the farm. For bird watchers this area is a haven. The spring and autumn months are often the best time to see some transient visitors. Our regulars and summer visitors include Buzzards, Falcons, Fly catchers, Long tail tits, Swallows, House Martins, Finches, Warblers and a whole host of others. We have a list in each cottage of birds seen here but also we have a nature book in the games room where anyone can list birds wildlife and flowers spotted on Gorwell. Don’t forget just at Abbotsbury we have the swannery and at Weymouth we have the nature reserve Radipole Lake.

Please do be careful driving through the farmstead where there may animals or children from the cottage.

We have an excellent stock of brochures here but our local information centres have a much wider stock and their knowledge of what is open when it’s open etc. and are far more up to date. Dorchester TIC 01305 267992 will help you with for information or try our web links page for local information site. We also have a link to Hidden Dorset a website with unusual places to go and visit in Dorset.

Yes they are very welcome and the youngest we have had so far was 4 weeks old. We can, given notice, usually provide a cot or travel cot a high chair or high seat and stairgates but we do ask guests to provide their own cot bedding. We enjoy seeing the children looking at the animals but please tell them not to enter any of the fields or open any gates around the farm without permission. This is for their protection and we do ask that children are supervised at all times around the animals. Please also ensure everybody washes their hands afterwards.

There is car parking adjacent to each cottage or within the cottage garden. However we accept no responsibility for vehicles or their contents while on the premises.

We try to make sure we have equipped each cottage to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible so you have a stress free and relaxing time. Each cottage has an electric double oven cooker, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, food processor, an excellent range of cooking equipment, crockery and glassware. Our aim is to make sure there are plenty of extra useful utensils you cannot think you will need until the moment you do need them. Each cottage has a large flat screen freeview tv in the living room, a DVD player and free wifi. All the cottages are centrally heated and there is also a wood burner in each cottage with wood provided in the log store.

ACCESS STATEMENT – Gorwell Farm Abbotsbury Weymouth Dorset DT3 4JX Nov 2013

INTRODUCTION
A family farm found in its own quiet scenic valley with the farmstead and cottages approximately 1.2 miles from a public road. Access to the farmstead is via a tarmac well- maintained single track road with passing places. We offer accommodation in 6 cottages, 3 barn conversion cottages and 3 farm cottages and we aim to offer our guests a comfortable well- equipped cottage for their holiday so providing an environment for a relaxing stay. The following statement is a summary of our provision. If you have any specific queries, please contact us so we can advise and help.

PRE-ARRIVAL
Nearest bus stop (for main bus line) is 2.2 miles away in Abbotsbury. The buses travel to Weymouth or to Bridport Nearest train station is 30 minutes away – Dorchester or Weymouth Our contact details are given at the end of this statement.

ARRIVAL & CAR PARKING FACILITIES
On arrival we ask guests to come to the farmhouse to collect the key for the cottage. Parking is available outside the farmhouse either on a shingle or a tarmac surface. Access to the front door is via a flagstone path with 3 half inch wide steps and one 2 inch step.
Spindle Cottage.
Parking is available for Spindle Cottage on a tarmac surface and within 3 feet of the entrance Contrasting colours for skirting, floorcovering and doors Smoke alarm fitted in hallway and upstairs landing. Fire extinguishers in the kitchen The main to the cottage is through a double patio door, cm wide with no raised threshold. The room has a wooden floor with non slip mat at the entrance. The kitchen area which is part of the main room has a ceramic tile floor. The dining area is open plan with kitchen. Oblong Table (moveable) – legs on each corner, 65cm floor to lowest point of table (underspace), 1.2 metres long, 1 metre wide and 75cm high •Chairs (moveable) – 2 chairs with arms. •Furniture is moveable and all is non feather. •One higher chair with arms for ease of standing. •Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available stereo with CD, radio and tape).The doorway into the hall is suitable for a wheelchair. The hallway has ceramic flooring. The main bedroom has a doorway cm wide. The doorway into the en-suite is cm wide. Both are wheelchair accessible.
Spindle Cottage has an accessibility rating of level 2

Bride Cottage
Parking is available for Bride Cottage on a tarmac surface and within 3 feet of the entrance Contrasting colours for skirting, floorcovering and doors Smoke alarm fitted in hallway and upstairs landing. Fire extinguishers in the kitchen The main entrance to the cottage is through a standard door, with no raised threshold. The hallway has a ceramic floor. The kitchen area which is part of the main room has a ceramic tile floor. Living room has a carpet. Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available stereo with CD, radio and tape). The dining area is open plan. 2 sofas with arms. There is a semi glazed door from the living room area to the garden. Stairs to the first floor are carpeted. There are 5 stairs before a small landing area and then 5 more before a second winder and onto the landing. Handrail on both sides.2 bedrooms, one ensuite with a bath, and a shower room.

Granary Cottage.
Entrance is either via the garden and double patio glazed doors. Small step over the threshold of 3 inches. Wooden floor in the living room. Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available stereo with CD, radio and tape) 3 sofas with arms. Light coloured walls and contrasting dark skirting boards and doors. Kitchen with ceramic floor. Hallway to stairs. 5 stairs to landing and external door. 5 stairs to 1st floor. Handrail on both sides.4 bedrooms, 2 en suite with showers and third bathroom with bath.

Mead Cottage.
The main entrance to the cottage is through a standard door, with a 3 inch step. The hallway has a ceramic floor The kitchen area has a ceramic tile floor and a dining area. Living room has a carpet. The dining area has a wooden floor. There is a glazed double door from the living room area to the garden. Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available stereo with CD, radio and tape) Stairs to the first floor are carpeted. Handrail on one side 4 bedrooms, 2 en suite with shower rooms, further bathroom with bath. All walls are light coloured with white doors and skirting boards.

Sundial Cottage
Entrance via porch. Small step of 2 inches. Ceramic floor. Slope into the kitchen. Ceramic floor. Door into the living room slight slope. Carpeted living room with door to hallway. Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available stereo with CD, radio and tape) 2 sofas and chair with arms. Bathroom downstairs with non slip flooring. Stairs carpeted with winder. 3 bedrooms upstairs. All walls are light coloured with white doors and skirting boards

Grey Mare Cottage
Entrance via dining room/ conservatory . Small step of 2 inches wooden floor. Semi glazed door into kitchen with ceramic floor. Door into the living room carpeted with door to hallway. Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available stereo with CD, radio and tape) 3 sofas with arms. Bathroom downstairs with non slip flooring Stairs carpeted with winder. 3 bedrooms upstairs and shower room not ensuite. All walls are light coloured with white doors and skirting boards

All paths are paved concreted or tarmac.

Parking is either within 3 feet of the cottage door or within the garden but Grey Mare Cottage and Sundial Cottage has parking on a slope.