Goldilocks home that is just right
Picturesque cottage was where the children’s classic was penned
House hunters who have previously viewed homes that are just too big, or maybe just too small, would do well to take a look at this detached cottage in Dorset which is just right. Because the picture postcard thatched Burton Cottage was the birthplace of the much-loved children’s bedtime story Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
The Grade II listed house was the former home of British author and poet Robert southey who was inspired to create his family of three varying sized bears there (they didn’t actually start life as father, mother and baby bear).
In the village of Burton, near Christchurch, Burton Cottage was home to southey – one of the romantic poets alongside Wordsworth and Coleridge – between 1799 and 1805, before he became Poet Laureate in 1813 after sir Walter scott turned the position down.
Although thought to be around three centuries old, the property has recently undergone renovation and been given an interior design makeover.
set in just over half an acre of grounds, the four bedroom cottage now combines original features including exposed timber beams and wooden flooring with contemporary touches and modern tech.
Downstairs has a spacious entrance hall currently also doubling as a study, a large dining room which seats up to 10 and triple aspect lounge with log burner and decorative mantelpiece. A breakfast room leads to a modern fitted kitchen which opens out onto the patio, a utility room and snug.
on the first floor there is a master bedroom suite with an en-suite dual walk-in shower and dressing area, as well as three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
outside, the cottage has long gravel driveway and lawned garden complete with decked area and covered loggia, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Bears permitting.
■ Burton Cottage is listed for sale with Fine & Country, with a guide price of £1million. Visit fineandcountry.com for details.
Although thought to be around three centuries old, the property has recently undergone renovation