Two Holiday Cottages at Hembury Mill – The Mill and Cider Barn
Get away from it all in our beautifully restored Mill which still has its original machinery, or the former Cider Barn next door. The holiday accommodation has been sympathetically converted to a high standard, combining historic character with modern convenience and style. Set within 7.5 acres with an acre of gardens and an orchard, the location is rural yet within walking distance of the village of Askerswell which has a church and lovely village pub.
We are tucked away down a private track, near the dramatic slopes of Eggardon Hill with its distant views of the Jurassic Coast and the Marshwood Vale. Both holiday properties have the use of a large outside space and orchard with facilities for ball games, swings and wild play in the stream and pond – perfect for children young and old with an interest in nature and wildlife.
Nearby Askerswell village has a lovely pub for lunches or evening meals, or you can venture to Bridport for more places to eat and shop. Fossil-hunting at Charmouth is another popular local activity, or why not visit the lovely beach at West Bay, made famous by TV’s “Broadchurch”?
TAKE A LOOK AT THE BELOW VIDEO TO SEE HOW NEAR HEMBURY MILL IS TO THE BEAUTIFUL JURASSIC COASTLINE
https://youtu.be/FqWTU3bq9YU
WHAT OUR PREVIOUS GUESTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US
- Lydia05 May 2025A wonderful stay, in a beautiful home with an amazing garden to play in.
The upside down layout in the converted cider barn, was just as described and had everything we needed to stay with two small children.
They especially loved eating outside in the garden next to the millpond full of tadpoles.
Would love to stay again 🙂
Thank youread moreread less - Sue15 Apr 2025Lovely, unique place to stay. We enjoyed walking across the fields to the cosy local pub. And a very generous and kind welcome pack. Thank you!read moreread less
- Matthias12 Apr 2025We had a lovely time and our kids enjoyed the zip wire a lot! Thank youread moreread less
- Natalie04 Jan 2025Lovely converter barn. Such a beautiful relaxing location. We had a lovely stay and really enjoyed exploring the area. Lots of great places to visit are within easy reach.read moreread less
- Miles03 Jan 2025It's a beautiful mill house, really sympathetically restored with gorgeous woodwork everywhere. The surrounding fields are filled with sheep though there's a lovely lawn area bordered by streams which allows dogs to run around safely.
The house is within really easy access of the local beaches and Bridport for any shopping needs.
It was New Year, -4 degrees outside, though the house was lovely and warm.
Many thanks for a lovely stay.read moreread less - Vladimir04 Nov 2024We visited for a weekend in November and absolutely loved the place.read moreread less
- Catherine21 Sep 2024We had a lovely stay at The Mill, our toddler (2yrs) enjoyed seeing the horses, sheep and cows in the surrounding fields.
The slide in the garden was a little steep/fast for him (we didn't try the zip wire), but he loved the space to run around in the garden - as did our dog.
Accommodation is over three levels, but stair gates kept our little one safe.
Well stocked kitchen.
Very peaceful location. Local pub in Askerswell is fabulous - huge garden.read moreread less - Nick24 Aug 2024Beautiful setting and a very comfortable, well equipped house. I throughly recommend the pub down the road!read moreread less
- Mark18 Aug 2024Great place, down a winding track, dogs loved the massive garden; although no direct access to it from the Mill it was only a 20m walk. Stream and pond so care with kids, ours were 10 & 12 so all good. Nice little bbq area. Great pub about 15mins walk across field footpath or around on the road, although care needed as roads around the area are only single highways. Close to Weymouth, Dorchester and West Bay along with many nice places in between.
We were also lucky enough to have a really low fly-by from a massive Airbus Atlas doing a manoeuvre from Brise Norton around Portland which was lovely to see / hear 💪🏻
Absolutely loved the place as did all the family 👍🏻👍🏻read moreread less - Annabel03 Aug 2024What a beautiful place! We’ve had a lovely and relaxing week at Hembury Mill. There’s some lovely walks to do, a great pub within walking distance and beaches are a short drive away.
Thank you so much!read moreread less - Alex01 Jun 2024Every other review has said this, but a genuinely unique property which is incredibly well situated for walks and visiting local attractions. Absolutely worth considering if you are looking to holiday in the area. Shaun was an incredible host, fixing the (very minor) issue that cropped up during our stay immediately. Also because it might not be totally clear from the listing, the property is very suitable to have children in - even very young children. The hosts have set up stair gates and the garden was a highlight for our 4 year old.read moreread less
- Fleur20 Apr 2024We had a wonderful stay in the Mill. There is a large garden for the kids to play in. The sheep are really nice. The pub (spyway inn) is in walking distance and wonderful.read moreread less
- Peter09 Apr 2024We had a lovely 3 night stay. The place was immaculate and in a picturesque setting. Our children loved the zip line. It’s a short drive to Bridport. It’s a short walk to the nearby pub, albeit it was shut early on Sunday and closed on Mondays. Highly recommended accommodation.read moreread less
- Alex04 Apr 2024Lovely location, great upstairs space with nice kitchen. Great garden - my 5 year old loved the zip wire. Lots of attractions on the doorstep.
Would recommend the local village pub. Abbotsbury was lovely.
Accommodation would get 5* if there were extras like toiletries which would be nice- but otherwise lovely!read moreread less - Rod30 Dec 2023Nice place very sweet, loved the walk over the field to a great pub all in all lovelyread moreread less
- Nicola29 Dec 2023The water mill is a perfect place to stay. Beautiful setting, stunning building and the whole place is furnished to the highest standard. Shaun is very friendly and helpful. I can’t recommend this place enough!!read moreread less
- Danny21 Oct 2023Beautiful place and really unusual. Lots of space outside and comfortable beds.read moreread less
- Luke30 Sep 2023We had a lovely stay at Shaun’s property. We were able to drive round all the amazing sights on the Jurassic coast, loads of amazing places to explore. Lovely pub nearby called the Spyway Inn with great landlords.read moreread less
- Matt21 Sep 2023Shaun was a great host and the Coder barn was a lovely place to unwind. Its a charming little village with nice walks and easy access to the local towns.
The property itself was clean and tidy and had everything we needed to enjoy our four night stay.
We send our upmost thanks to Shaun and Heather for a memorable first stay - We will be back to stay in the Water Mill in the future!
Kind regards,
Matt, Steph, Cleo & Jasperread moreread less - Jack20 Sep 2023This place is simply stunning. Location is incredibly close to many major landmarks you would want to visit.
Kitchen was perfect and an arrival gift greeted us.
The ceilings are a little low as expected from an older building, so watch your head.
The entire place was very fun to explore. Shaun also turned on the wheel for us.
You also get a huge garden to relax in next to sounds of local streams and even a mini waterfall at the back.
We would love to visit again!read moreread less 
THE MILL
Sleeps 2-6 in 3 Bedrooms
CIDER BARN
Sleeps 2-4 in 2 Bedrooms
BOTH PROPERTIES
5 Miles to Jurassic Coastline
Outskirts of Picturesque Village
Village Pub 0.5 miles by Footpath
Bed Linen and Bath Towels
Welcome Pack on Arrival
Wifi Internet Access
One Acre of Garden with Orchard and Pond
Children’ Play Area with Swings Slide
Zip Wire (disclaimer required before use)
Outside Seating and BBQ
Dog Friendly
RENOVATED COUNTRYSIDE BARN
Cider Barn and The Mill are situated in a secluded and peaceful setting within a sheltered West Dorset valley. Both properties have been lovingly restored by the current owners, who are dedicated to maintaining and preserving its history.
CIDER BARN – Sleeps 2-4
- A wonderful stay, in a beautiful home with an amazing garden to play in.
The upside down layout in the converted cider barn, was just as described and had everything we needed to stay with two small children.
They especially loved eating outside in the garden next to the millpond full of tadpoles.
Would love to stay again 🙂
Thank youread moreread less
Lydia05 May 2025 - We had a lovely time and our kids enjoyed the zip wire a lot! Thank youread moreread less Matthias12 Apr 2025
- Lovely converter barn. Such a beautiful relaxing location. We had a lovely stay and really enjoyed exploring the area. Lots of great places to visit are within easy reach.read moreread less Natalie04 Jan 2025
- We visited for a weekend in November and absolutely loved the place.read moreread less Vladimir04 Nov 2024
- Beautiful setting and a very comfortable, well equipped house. I throughly recommend the pub down the road!read moreread less Nick24 Aug 2024
- We had a lovely 3 night stay. The place was immaculate and in a picturesque setting. Our children loved the zip line. It’s a short drive to Bridport. It’s a short walk to the nearby pub, albeit it was shut early on Sunday and closed on Mondays. Highly recommended accommodation.read moreread less Peter09 Apr 2024
- Lovely location, great upstairs space with nice kitchen. Great garden - my 5 year old loved the zip wire. Lots of attractions on the doorstep.
Would recommend the local village pub. Abbotsbury was lovely.
Accommodation would get 5* if there were extras like toiletries which would be nice- but otherwise lovely!read moreread less Alex04 Apr 2024 - Nice place very sweet, loved the walk over the field to a great pub all in all lovelyread moreread less Rod30 Dec 2023
- Shaun was a great host and the Coder barn was a lovely place to unwind. Its a charming little village with nice walks and easy access to the local towns.
The property itself was clean and tidy and had everything we needed to enjoy our four night stay.
We send our upmost thanks to Shaun and Heather for a memorable first stay - We will be back to stay in the Water Mill in the future!
Kind regards,
Matt, Steph, Cleo & Jasperread moreread less Matt21 Sep 2023 - Beautiful and relaxing stay at the cider barn! Brilliant garden for the kids to enjoy. Cosy accommodation inside with everything we needed. Very clean. Perfectly located for a quiet, relaxing stay but close to Bridport and other attractions. Would definitely stay here again.read moreread less Sara19 Aug 2023
- A lovely cottage stay with a huge, beautiful garden. The kids loved playing on the zip wire and paddling in the stream.read moreread less Rob05 Aug 2023
- We had a lovely stay over the 1st week of the summer holidays with our two young children. They loved the zip wireread moreread less Thomas29 Jul 2023
- Beautiful spot which is very secluded and private. Perfect if you have children - zip wire, swings and slide. Pond and stream with tadpoles.
Birton Bradstock beach is close by and perfect for kids and great if you want a dog free beach.
Found loads of fossils and had many wonderful visits to other beaches nearby.
Shaun was a great host and easy to get hold of if needed. However we didn’t need much , they had thought of everything. Wonderful welcome basket as well which had tea, bread, marmalade, eggs and milk (in the fridge).
If you were hoping to see chickens, they are no longer there, however the sheep offered hours of entertainment in the adjacent field! Plus no early wake up from a cockerel which is a bonus.
Local pub was excellent and beautiful view from the beer garden.
Wonderful holiday thank you Shaun and Heather.read moreread less Anne03 Jun 2023 - A beautiful cottage in a lovely peaceful location. Everything worked. Would certainly return.read moreread less Tom01 Jan 2023
- Great location for access to local seaside resorts such as Weymouth, West bay and Lyme Regis.
The garden is great for kids!read moreread less Alex17 Sep 2022 - Lovely peaceful stay, perfectly situated to visit lots of areas along the Dorset coastline. Thanks for having us!read moreread less Rhianon10 Sep 2022
- Lovely cottage style accomodation to stay in and a great base to explore dorset.
We stayed with 2 young children who loved the garden with swings and slide.
Accomodation was lovely with a thoughtful welcome hamper on our arrival.
Would reccomend anyone staying with a baby to take their own travel cot or a mattress as the one provided wasnt really a mattress at all. Also definitely take black out blinds if staying in summer..we were very grateful we had packed these with 2 young children.
Only negative was that the double mattress is old and uncomfortable and after 7 night's we are a little crippled.
Overall a lovely stay in a great property.read moreread less Ellie22 May 2021
STAY IN A RESTORED WORKING WATERMILL
The Mill dates back to 1724 and has all the original machinery including two sets of millstones, original scales, and historic artifacts and bygones from the day. In fact, it is the only working watermill with original machinery in Dorset.
THE MILL – Sleeps 2-6
- Lovely, unique place to stay. We enjoyed walking across the fields to the cosy local pub. And a very generous and kind welcome pack. Thank you!read moreread less Sue15 Apr 2025
- It's a beautiful mill house, really sympathetically restored with gorgeous woodwork everywhere. The surrounding fields are filled with sheep though there's a lovely lawn area bordered by streams which allows dogs to run around safely.
The house is within really easy access of the local beaches and Bridport for any shopping needs.
It was New Year, -4 degrees outside, though the house was lovely and warm.
Many thanks for a lovely stay.read moreread less Miles03 Jan 2025 - We had a lovely stay at The Mill, our toddler (2yrs) enjoyed seeing the horses, sheep and cows in the surrounding fields.
The slide in the garden was a little steep/fast for him (we didn't try the zip wire), but he loved the space to run around in the garden - as did our dog.
Accommodation is over three levels, but stair gates kept our little one safe.
Well stocked kitchen.
Very peaceful location. Local pub in Askerswell is fabulous - huge garden.read moreread less Catherine21 Sep 2024 - Great place, down a winding track, dogs loved the massive garden; although no direct access to it from the Mill it was only a 20m walk. Stream and pond so care with kids, ours were 10 & 12 so all good. Nice little bbq area. Great pub about 15mins walk across field footpath or around on the road, although care needed as roads around the area are only single highways. Close to Weymouth, Dorchester and West Bay along with many nice places in between.
We were also lucky enough to have a really low fly-by from a massive Airbus Atlas doing a manoeuvre from Brise Norton around Portland which was lovely to see / hear 💪🏻
Absolutely loved the place as did all the family 👍🏻👍🏻read moreread less Mark18 Aug 2024 - What a beautiful place! We’ve had a lovely and relaxing week at Hembury Mill. There’s some lovely walks to do, a great pub within walking distance and beaches are a short drive away.
Thank you so much!read moreread less Annabel03 Aug 2024 - Every other review has said this, but a genuinely unique property which is incredibly well situated for walks and visiting local attractions. Absolutely worth considering if you are looking to holiday in the area. Shaun was an incredible host, fixing the (very minor) issue that cropped up during our stay immediately. Also because it might not be totally clear from the listing, the property is very suitable to have children in - even very young children. The hosts have set up stair gates and the garden was a highlight for our 4 year old.read moreread less Alex01 Jun 2024
- We had a wonderful stay in the Mill. There is a large garden for the kids to play in. The sheep are really nice. The pub (spyway inn) is in walking distance and wonderful.read moreread less Fleur20 Apr 2024
- The water mill is a perfect place to stay. Beautiful setting, stunning building and the whole place is furnished to the highest standard. Shaun is very friendly and helpful. I can’t recommend this place enough!!read moreread less Nicola29 Dec 2023
- Beautiful place and really unusual. Lots of space outside and comfortable beds.read moreread less Danny21 Oct 2023
- We had a lovely stay at Shaun’s property. We were able to drive round all the amazing sights on the Jurassic coast, loads of amazing places to explore. Lovely pub nearby called the Spyway Inn with great landlords.read moreread less Luke30 Sep 2023
- This place is simply stunning. Location is incredibly close to many major landmarks you would want to visit.
Kitchen was perfect and an arrival gift greeted us.
The ceilings are a little low as expected from an older building, so watch your head.
The entire place was very fun to explore. Shaun also turned on the wheel for us.
You also get a huge garden to relax in next to sounds of local streams and even a mini waterfall at the back.
We would love to visit again!read moreread less Jack20 Sep 2023 - Shaun is an excellent host and we were made to feel very welcome. Within the Mill and the surrounding spaces, His attention to detail is spot on and we all had a fantastic stay. We would totally recommend staying in the Mill.read moreread less Ian02 Sep 2023
- A lovely place to stay, really unique and interesting. The mill and related historical artefacts have been preserved and presented brilliantly. The kitchen contained everything we needed and the house was clean and well presented. The host was quick to respond to messages, friendly and helpful. So much to do in the local area and the pub just two fields away was fantastic.read moreread less Hayley12 Aug 2023
- Recently stayed at Shaun's place for 9 nights and absolutely loved it. Spent lots of time in the enormous garden with the kids. They loved the zip line , swings, tree house and searching for frogs. Evening walks to the local pub were lovely.
The property itself is charming and impressive. We saw the water mill working and really enjoyed the history and character of the property.
Shaun is a friendly and engaging host and we enjoyed learning about the history of the property from him.read moreread less Michael12 Jun 2023 - Idyllic location - beautiful location with water on all sides and close to the beach. Good communication throughout the process and cottage was well equipped. Some points which weren’t an issue but important to note (1) Garden isn’t accessed directly from the cottage - only 10 secs away but a bit more effort to eat meals outside (2) children require supervision at all times in garden as there is a lot of water - no enclosed space without water! (3) Main bedroom doesn’t have blinds on all skylights so you will need to bring an eye mask!read moreread less Cat03 Jun 2023
- Great house in a really good location. Shaun was an excellent host.read moreread less Edward10 Sep 2022
- We stayed at the mill for 3 nights together with my husband and our 2 year old daughter. The mill is absolutely beautiful and set in an idyllic location. It is well through through and quality of the craftsmanship really shows. For our 2 year old it was fun to be at the mill, see it working, to make use of the playground, and be at the farm in general! The hosts were lovely and gave us great tips on the places to eat in the area. Overall very pleased with our stay and highly recommend it. Wish we stayed longer!read moreread less Alua27 Apr 2021