Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Thomas Hardy's Cottage is a thatched house built around 1800 located near Thorncombe Wood. The structure features traditional cob walls and showcases typical rural building styles from early 1800s Dorset.

The cottage was built in the early 1800s, and Hardy lived there until 1874. He completed some of his most significant literary works while residing in this house.

The rooms display household items from the 1800s that show how rural writers and craftspeople lived their daily lives. The arrangements reveal the simple conditions of their homes in this part of Dorset.

A visitor center next to the cottage offers information about the property and walking trails through nearby woods. The location is rural, so good footwear is recommended for exploring the surrounding area.

The cottage still stands at its original location on the edge of the woods, while Hardy later moved to a different house called Max Gate. This contrast between the two homes shows how his life changed over time.

Location: Stinsford

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Phone: +441305262366

Email: hardysbirthplace@nationaltrust.org.uk

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage

GPS coordinates: 50.73148,-2.38633

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43