Thanks to the friendliness and excellent attention of the owners - Maggie and Quentin Edwards - we (my wife and I, plus our 15yr old Labrador) had a wonderful and relaxing long weekend from the moment we arrived at Cools Farm to the moment when - most reluctantly - we left.

We had 'discovered' the existence of Cools Farm through Google having directed us to tripadvisor whilst searching for a B&B where we could stay with our dog, and not too far from Shaftesbury (where we were going to an 80th Birthday celebration).

That Cools Farm had received so many fantastic reviews, was one of the main reasons we decided to book there and then, although because August was such a busy month (the height of the UK holiday season) we weren't able to get 'The Piggery' (where Dylan - our dog - could have stayed with us), so instead we booked in for the 'Edwards Room' (and Dylan spent the nights in a clean and dry stable close by).

Cools Farm itself is really lovely. Originally built in the c1600s (and apparently receiving its name in the 1700s after a ?Robert Cool had lived there) the property has been substantially (but sympathetically, aesthetically and most comfortably) restored within the last few years, and it was a real pleasure and privilege to be part of everything the house (I really should say 'home', for it has a real lived-in feeling) afforded us.

Soon after we rang the bell, the front door was opened by a smiling and friendly Maggie, who gave us a great welcome as we entered the most impressive large hall. After we'd all introduced each other, we were taken up the stairs to our bedroom, and were thrilled by the size of the room as well as with the range of quality furniture (both modern and period), plus the bonus of lovely views.

Apart from the 6-foot bed (extremely comfortable), the addition of two comfortable wing chairs in the room allowed us to sit and relax each evening to read magazines and sup coffee - both supplied within the room.

Our private bathroom - just a couple of strides across the landing from our bedroom - was also quite large, and had everything we needed (and more!) although being shower-lovers (and the shower area was roomy) we wished we'd been able to stay a couple more days if only to try out the whirlpool bath!

Breakfast (we asked for 08.30) was on time, even if the first morning I was a few minutes late due to Dylan deciding he wanted to explore (off lead) the area, and no amount of whistling and calling by me, leading to his coming back! ('old age' these days doesn't allow me to run after him!) That he - as well as us - really loved walking the highways and byeways of the countryside around Cools Farm, allowed us to all be together and enjoy the peace, silence and safety of the lanes; wonderful! - and when we sat down afterwards, the breakfast itself was scrumptious (see 'menu' amongst my photos).

Now I must not forget to mention Plato (the young black labrador), Percy (the Jack Russell), Polly (the very old Jack Russell), Matilda (the black cat), the range of chickens, plus of course, the Red Poll Cattle, all of which, in each others' way, helped to make our short stay both memorable and enjoyable (the dogs for their friendliness and company, the cat for purring when being smoothed, the chickens for their lovely eggs, and the cows for looking so contented - well, who wouldn't be contented in such beautiful surroundings?!)

There's so much more I could say about Cools Farm, its location, its fantastic and really lovely owners - Maggie and Quentin - the friendly and appreciative other B&B-ers we met (from Germany and Holland), the history of the place, the quality of the rooms, the building, and everything else, but the best accolade of all is that we will be returning to Cools Farm because we really loved being there, and felt 'at home' - a feeling and experience shared by many of those who'd returned (as evidenced by the glowing comments in the Visitors' Book.

P.S. The photos (on the website) of the Edwards Room don't really do the room any justice as to its size or facilities, so I have added several photos of my own (I've also added other photos of the Interior and Exterior plus extras in and around Cools Farm which I hope will be of interest).