Stoke Trister

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Games Room

Entertainment

Bathtub

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Freezer

Fridge

Kettle

Kitchen

Kitchen Utensils

Microwave

Oven

Toaster

Kitchen & Dining

Cot / Crib

Dryer

Washing Machine

Bedroom & Laundry

Exercise Equipment

Sauna

Wellness & Fitness

Wi-fi

Internet & Office

Fireplace

Heating & Cooling

Parking On Street

Parking Available

Parking & Access

Barbeque

Garden

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Outdoor Seating

Patio / Terrace

Outdoor

Pets Allowed

Pets

Child Friendly

Other

If you’re in search of a countryside escape full of character, this home delivers the perfect solution. Set within 60 acres of peaceful meadows, you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty of Somerset. Enjoy far-reaching views, long walks, wild swimming and magical evenings by the fire pit. There’s also an old stable with a gym and a sauna – covering all your wellness needs. Inside, the rooms are quirky, cosy and well-suited to family gatherings with open fires, snug sitting rooms and a playroom. And for explorations further afield, it’s a short drive to Glastonbury, local pubs, shops and restaurants. 


The Magic of Living

DVD Player

Stove

Central Heating

Balcony

Set against the rolling hills of Blackmoore Vale, this studio barn is perfect for two. While the layout is entirely open-plan, it's packed with character – think A-frame ceilings, wooden beams, and a cosy bed tucked underneath the eaves. You'll share the garden with the friendly owners, but you'll also have access to a private deck. It overlooks the countryside, making it ideal for evening tipples as the sun goes down. Location-wise, Wincanton sits just outside the Cranborne Chase AONB and is only a ten-minute drive from Stourhead. Further afield, you'll find Glastonbury, Stonehenge, and Salisbury – all great options for day trips.

Vale Viewpoint

Smart TV

Heated Towel Rail

Rain Shower

Cooking Essentials

High Chair

Air Conditioning

Parking On Premises

EV Charger

Tucked away on a dairy farm in the Somerset countryside, this home is the ideal place to switch off from everyday life. With modern interiors, it’s quite the contrast to the home’s rustic surroundings – although those natural wood touches are blended seamlessly into the home, too. Keen to explore? You’re perfectly placed – you’ll find The Newt and Stourhead within easy reach, and if a beach day is calling your name, it’s just an hour’s drive to the picturesque Jurassic Coast. 

Somerset Soul

Library of Books

Desk / Workplace

Free Parking On Premises

Smoke Detector

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Part Victorian farmhouse, part modern pad, this rural home is filled with light and character. The recently-renovated manor sits on a verdant plot in the bucolic Somerset countryside, boasting far-reaching views and access to plenty of scenic routes. If you're the kind of walker who enjoys a post-stroll pint, you'll be pleased to hear the village pub is just a fifteen-minute walk away.

This homely property will welcome you with open arms, inviting you to sink into the plush Chesterfield sofas or unwind with a soak in the free-standing bathtub within minutes of arriving. When you're settled, gather the family for a meal on the fairy-lit terrace and take in the natural vista ahead. If it's too cool for alfresco dining, the contemporary kitchen-diner is the next best thing, letting the outside in through expansive sliding glass doors.

There's no shortage of worthwhile sights in your immediate vicinity, from the manicured gardens at The Newt to the Swiss art gallery in the town centre. Thirty minutes down the road, the historic hamlet of Wells is home to an impressive cathedral and a selection of quintessentially English eateries.

Montague Manor

Netflix

Board Games

Streaming Services

Ping Pong Table

Hair Dryer

Cafetiere

Hangers

Iron

Ironing Board

Cleaning Products

Drying Rack

Desk

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Private Entrance

Free Parking On Street

Self Check-in / Check-out

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Buzzy Bruton life is on your doorstep at this Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, set right along the well-heeled high street. Mingle with the movers, shakers, and millionaires in its gastropubs, independent shops, and art galleries. Or don your walking boots for bracing country walks – the house has direct access to a quiet lane leading onto the rolling countryside surrounding Bruton.

Back home, there’s room for all ten of you to pile into this magnificent three-storey home. Filled to the rafters with Georgian architectural details, original flagstone floors and exposed brickwork archways strike a note of authenticity, while a contemporary extension housing the open concept living space is firmly in the 21st century. And we love how pared back and gloriously clutter-free everywhere feels, allowing the contemporary artwork and vintage statement furniture to do all the talking.

On sunny mornings, spill out into the garden room and slide back the French doors onto the suntrap patio – there’s an outdoor dining area complete with a built-in barbecue that’s prime for lazy breakfasts or alfresco evening meals. Winter evenings are all about getting around that Fritz Hansen dining room table with original Eames chairs for slap-up dinners and catch-ups. And you can always keep the night flowing with a game of table tennis in the games room, squirreled away in the ancient stone garage. Or get your game face on for a late-night session around that Edwardian poker table.


A Royal Flush

Amazon Prime

Satellite / Cable TV

DVD Library

Home Cinema Setup

Projector

Sound System

Baby Bath

Luxury Toiletries

Toiletries

Coffee Maker

Espresso Machine

Mini Bar

Pod Coffee Machine

Wine Cooler

Black-Out Blinds

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Luxury Bedding

Heated Pool

Outdoor Pool

Bicycles

Swimming Pool

Temperature Control

Underfloor Heating

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Multiple Sets of Keys

Balcony / Patio

Herb Garden

Pool House

Outdoor Shower

Throws

Umbrellas

Nice to haves

Safe

A lot of time and thought has been put into converting the historic chapel that is now The Burrow. Nestled in a tranquil spot of countryside surrounded by rolling hills, the space feels authentically rustic but still comfortable and elegant. The tall arch windows provide floods of natural light and beautiful views of the landscape, including the inviting (and heated) swimming pool. While remote location would be difficult for guests without a car, it also makes it a great spot for a romantic getaway. 



The Burrow

Private Washing Machine

Private Parking

Courtyard

Sun Umbrellas

This stunning stone-built cottage in North Cheriton is surrounded by Somerset countryside making it the perfect rustic retreat for a small group of friends or family. Formerly a 17th century barn, this historic home with its typically high wall used in times gone by to play the ball game Fives – one of only six remaining walls of this period in all of Somerset and Dorset – is an absolute gem.

Boasting a recently refurbished kitchen cum dining room complete with fantastic flagstone floors, a cosy sitting room with exposed brick fireplace and wood burning stove and beautifully beamed sloping ceilings in the bedrooms, this truly is the homeliest of homes. You’ll love sunny mornings out in the courtyard, preparing family favourites on the spacious countertops in the kitchen, and gathering around the wooden table for sociable meal times. The table in the sitting room is great for jigsaws, games of cards or planning the day’s activities. At the day’s end, read or recline on the leather sofas or host a movie night in front of the wood burning stove. 

If you fancy getting out and about in the fresh air, head out on circular walks straight from your front door before stopping in one of two dog friendly pubs in the village – a designated conservation area. Alternatively, the market town of Sherbourne with its Abbey and two castles is just six miles away and there are also many National Trust properties to snoop around including Stourhead with its world-famous 18th century garden, Montacute House, Lytes Cary Manor and Barrington Court. Within easy reach by car is the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site famous for its sandy beaches and gorgeous geological features such as Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Whatever you do, don’t forget to ask your host to take you to see their chickens, rare breed Zwartbles sheep and Shetland ponies in the fields nearby.


High Fives

Games Console

Changing Table

Baby Monitor

Hot Tub

Electricity Adaptors

Welcome Hamper

Resort Access

Stair Gates

Surrounded by sixty acres of farmland and three lakes, this home in Bratton Seymour, Somerset, wouldn’t be out of place in an Enid Blyton novel. Picture muddied boots piled by the door after a day of rambling, wet bathing suits hanging up to dry after a day of swimming, children drinking lemonade while making daisy chains on the grass and adults relaxing on the patio, a sundowner in hand. Grand yet rustic, this home is best enjoyed as a ‘gentrified farmhouse,’ just as the hosts like to call it. Besides its stunning grounds, it boasts bags of entertainment for a rainy day, including a foosball table, walls full of books, a piano and gym equipment. The home has many of its original features too, like the flagstone floor in the kitchen and open rafters in the attic bedrooms, which allow you to feel its history. It's also full of modern comforts, including an Aga stove and a truly romantic wood-framed bathtub. There are endless spaces to socialise and dine together, from the red medieval-looking dining room to the cosy kitchen table and elegant lounge room, or outside on the patio and under the courtyard's trees. Rise early to greet the day with some yoga in the enclosed sheltered garden, take the rowboat out on a sunny afternoon or steal yourself away for an evening to relax in the colourful lakeside yurt and cosy up by its wood-burning stove. A true country haven, there’s no end to the adventures to be had here. 

Oak Lodge

Blender

Single-Level Home

Whether you’re in search of a slow-paced, restorative retreat or an action-packed countryside adventure, this eco-friendly home welcomes you to enjoy it all with a wonderful sense of ease and comfort. 

Sitting peacefully in the Dorset hills with the market town of Gillingham just a short drive away, days can be spent embracing fresh country air, following nearby hiking trails and admiring the beautiful views. And with large glass windows, this home makes the perfect spot to cuddle up on the sofa and watch the sky transform. There’s also underfloor heating – ensuring warmth through the winter season, while sunny days will draw you outside to bask in this glorious setting from the terrace. 

Back inside, the office meets playroom serves as a wonderful games room or alternatively as a calm, meditation space, while the kitchen has everything you could need to prepare delicious home-cooked meals (Waitrose is just a three-minute drive away).  

Peace in the Moment 

Always fantasized about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic stable building (dating back to 1900) is part of a family estate located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Along with the estate’s gatehouse (also available on Plum Guide), it's been recently refurbished and is accessible to outsiders for the first time. We loved the balance between period features and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom and kitchen gadgets. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The owners clearly want their new guests to feel at home, as they’re happy to accommodate needs, whims and fancies, from arranging a paid-for chef or babysitter, to offering a choice of seasonal duvets, luggage storage, locally sourced ingredients in the welcome pack and everything you’d need to bring your baby (high chair, cot, dinnerware, pram, potty, etc). The home’s location is another definite selling point. At the end of a small village lane, near a cricket green and traditional pub, it’s picturesque and quaint. The nearest town is Sturminster Newton where there are plenty of shops and cafes, a great deli and butchers. This home makes a great base to explore the famous Dorset coast and countryside or simply settle back and relax by the wood-burning stove and imagine your servants are just out of sight.

The Manor Stables

Sonos

Piano

Private Pool

Buzzer / Wireless Intercom

Breakfast Included

Renovated to the highest standards by the current owners, this gorgeous former rectory is the perfect place for a large family retreat. Dating back to the seventeenth century, the home is built from local honey-coloured stone and faces south across the Somerset countryside. Seven acres of grounds are dotted with chestnut trees and rolling lawns, while there’s also a children’s play area, a heated swimming pool and a croquet lawn, so there's no risk of running out of things to do. During the summer, the terraces are particularly inviting, while the clear skies provide fantastic stargazing opportunities come nighttime. Meanwhile, in winter, the thought of a brisk walk followed by lunch at the local pub is hard to resist — heading straight north from the property will get you to the pretty brooks that run off the River Cary, while the nearby villages of Corton Denham and Babcary are both home to excellent watering holes. The idyllic market town of Castle Cary is a ten-minute drive away, and just beyond that lies Bruton, which has been quietly remaking itself as a haven for artists, foodies and creatives. Located between the two towns, The Newt in Somerset is an extensive country estate, complete with fascinating cider-making and gardening exhibits, a Roman villa museum and plenty of parkland to explore.


Honey Stone

Always fantasised about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic gatehouse (built in 1900) is part of a family estate, located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Recently refurbished by the owners in a modern but classic style (along with the estate’s stables, also available on Plum Guide), it's been opened up to outsiders for the very first time. We loved the balance between period features, such as the original windows, fireplace and kitchen floor, and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The kitchen worktop is made from cedar from the estate, for example. The owners clearly want their new guests to feel at home, as they’re happy to accommodate needs, whims and fancies, from arranging a paid-for chef or babysitter, to offering a choice of seasonal duvets, luggage storage, locally sourced ingredients in the welcome pack and everything you’d need to bring your baby (high chair, cot, dinnerware, pram, potty, etc). The home’s location is another definite selling point. At the end of a small village lane near a cricket green and traditional pub, it’s picturesque and quaint. The nearest town is Sturminster Newton where there are shops and cafes, a great deli and butchers. This home makes a great base to explore the famous Dorset coast and countryside or simply settle back and relax by the wood-burning stove and imagine your servants are just out of sight. 

The Manor Lodge

Twenty minutes from Glastonbury lies Castle Cary, a charming market town with scenic countryside on its doorstep. This cottage is only a five-minute drive from the town's shops and eateries, while further afield, Bruton, Wells, and the Mendip Hills are all within easy reach. We're smitten with the views back home – nothing beats waking up to rolling fields. The second bedroom has a triple bunk well-suited for little ones, and the living area has a gas-effect fireplace for cosying up. A small dog is welcome to tag along, though it's worth noting that there isn't much outdoor space here.

Seeking Camelot

Outdoor Audio

Outdoor Kitchen

Within the sprawling grounds of this Georgian manor home, the only neighbours you’re likely to come across are a couple of llamas, ponies and a waddle of ducks. Classic walled gardens, orchards, vast lawns and pastures make up the ten acres of grounds. Exploring, you’ll find a private swimming pool surrounded by rattan furniture for a drink or two and an outdoor bar and cooking area with a wood-fired pizza oven. There’s also a barn that can be dappled with fairy lights for a special celebration and a former coach house that’s been turned into a dedicated cinema and games room. 

Accommodation is spread across the main house, which dates back to the 18th century, and a separate cottage with its own farmhouse-style kitchen and cosy living room. In the main house, the ground floor is everything you expect from an updated Georgian manor – a library-like sitting room, a grand lounge with gilded mirrors and chandeliers, oil paintings adorning the hallway walls, and a big, bright dining and sitting room looking out over the gardens. The kitchen is a vision of farmhouse charm, with a purring Aga at its centre. 

But, we have to say, the real surprise is the subterranean ‘club’ area. Descend the stairs to find a private, fully-stocked bar and VIP-style velvet booths. It’s the perfect place to host a special event without disturbing the neighbours (or lack thereof).

Speakeasy Manor

Part of a manor that dates back to the sixteenth century, this beautiful listed barn conversion is not your average country cottage. With enough design credentials for a magazine spread, the home mixes old and new with aplomb. Gather in the grand room to see a space with cathedral-like ceilings and antler chandeliers, with pops of bright modernity from the aquamarine walls and huge pieces of artwork hanging on the walls. There are cosier spots too, including bedrooms that have been tucked up in the rafters ensuring a snug night's sleep, as well as a log-burning fire in the second living room. Comprised of two adjoining barns, the home has got enough room to seat the entire party, with two kitchens for whipping up a feast — ask ahead and the owners will provide you with eggs from the grounds' chickens. Outside, there's a private covered hot tub, a barbecue area and pretty walled gardens to explore, but beyond the gates, one of England's most beautiful counties awaits — Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in less than fifteen minutes by car, as can the architecturally unique town of Blandford Forum.

Hammoon Manor

Set within an organic dairy farm, this cottage makes the perfect setting for a restorative rural escape. You can enjoy views across the surrounding countryside while soaking in the hot tub. There is also a barbecue and outdoor seating for alfresco dining. Inside, the rooms are simple, fresh and family friendly with all the essentials you could need to settle in and make it your own. Outside, you can meet the resident alpacas and follow nearby hiking trails. It’s also just a short drive into the heart of Sturminster Newton where you’ll find pubs, restaurants and a supermarket. 



Fields of Wonder

Tucked away amid seemingly endless open countryside in Somerset, this home is a little bit special. It’s part of a larger estate – which includes an animal rescue sanctuary – but it has its own driveway so it feels completely private. It’s been transformed into a guesthouse from the ancient outbuildings, and the result is a dreamy bohemian space. 

The house is hidden in 20 acres of private grounds in Lottisham, a rural hamlet in pretty Somerset. You’ll be able to explore the surrounding countryside on foot using the many lanes and footpaths – is there anything better than a crisp country stroll with friends, followed by an afternoon in front of a roaring fire? You’ve also got all of Somerset’s delights to discover by car. It takes eighteen minutes to drive to Glastonbury, where you can walk up to the Tor to take in the view, and shop in the quirky boutiques for crystals and tarot decks. Castle Cary and its charming cafes are sixteen minutes away, and it takes nineteen minutes to reach beautiful Bruton. 

That said you might find that you don’t want to leave the grounds at all. The house is elegant yet warm, full of rustic charm and modern luxuries – everything you need for a relaxing stay is to hand here. You’ll spend your time cooking delicious meals in the stunning kitchen, or playing games in one of the sitting rooms. The outside space is just as lovely, with a huge terrace and a barbecue that makes alfresco feasts in the summer an absolute dream. You’ll be planning your return trip even before reaching the end of the driveway. 


Bohemian Bliss

A cosy lodge made from a shipping container, this is the ideal place for a couple's retreat. It's packed with character (including a log burner), and though the owners live next door, privacy shouldn't be an issue. The enclosed patio is an absolute highlight. With a fire pit, pizza oven, and a variety of seating, a great time in the great outdoors is all but guaranteed. We also can't get enough of the countryside views. Scenic walks are right on the doorstep, making it ideal for pets. You're further away from the beach and other conveniences here – Bournemouth is about an hour away – but Shaftesbury is within easy driving distance.

Southwest Serenity

Bathrobes

Laundry Supplies

Vacuum Cleaner

Step-Free Access

Fenced Garden

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Pet Basket

Pet Bowls

Cosy countryside cottages don’t get much better than this. Tucked away in the Somerset countryside, this home is an absolute delight. It’s been recently renovated with wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, and it boasts a charming blend of contemporary and antique furniture. If you like the idea of escaping the city for a charm-filled cottage, but could do without dusty beams and draughty doors, this is the right home for you. 

The cottage is warm and welcoming, the perfect setting for a romantic escape. Curl up on the sofa and admire the lush garden as you sip Champagne. When the weather is fine, open up the glass doors to create a stunning indoor/outdoor space. Whip up meals in the kitchen to enjoy outside in the garden, or fire up the barbecue for a real alfresco treat – you might like to walk to the nearby farm shop for local goodies to cook. Soak up the sunshine outside and enjoy the countryside views. In the evening, get cosy around the fire pit before sinking into the oh-so-comfortable bed upstairs. 

You could happily spend your days here, playing board games, reading, and admiring the garden, but if you do want to explore further afield, you have plenty of choice. The East Mendip Way passes right by the cottage, so bring your hiking boots if you want to get a bit closer to the Great Outdoors. It takes thirty-two minutes to drive to Bath, where you can admire the Roman Baths and explore the galleries, museums and theatres – not to mention the excellent array of eateries. Or perhaps you’ll just pootle around the countryside, popping into charming villages – Mells and Bruton are close by – and country pubs whenever the fancy strikes? Soho House members will enjoy its proximity to Babington House. However you spend your time here, you’ll love having such a delightful place to call home.


Miss Honey's Cottage

If you’re looking for a group retreat that combines luxury accommodation with a mystical quality then, abracadabra! This is the one. Influenced by its proximity to Glastonbury (five minutes from the town centre), with its witchcraft myths and Arthurian legends, this home's defining characteristic is quirk, from the architectural details that resemble enchanted oak trees to the dedicated midnight badger-watching spot in the garden. However, while most esoteric accommodation tends to the tumbledown end of the rustic spectrum, this unusual abode is practically palatial. Everything is to the highest spec, including a sound system with ceiling speakers, large American-style fridge-freezer and memory foam mattresses. Originally a cottage dating back to 1580, it’s been substantially extended to add luxury bed-and-bath spaces – the master is our favourite, with its cocktail balcony and freestanding bath – and a ten-metre entertainment pod, with underfloor heating, a constellation ceiling, Bang & Olufsen widescreen TV and Wifi sound system. If you're staying for Glastonbury, a special festival package that includes free Sunday tickets can be arranged ahead of time. Your hosts can provide a welcome hamper full of locally sourced snacks, elderflower and still water upon request, or if you’re planning an extra special visit, they can wave a wand to arrange an in-house chef and full catering – perfect for that full-moon ceremony. 

Hunters Moon

XBox

Hammock

This semi-detached cottage in Somerset is surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside. French doors from the living room open onto a private outdoor space with a small patio area, perfect for your morning cup of tea with a view of the wildflower meadow, and the shared gardens are available for your use too. There’s even a zip wire, trampoline, and climbing frame for your little ones to let off steam. In the summer mornings, why not explore the gardens or swim in the pool, and in the colder winter months we would love to curl up with a good book in front of the log fire.

Pop on your boots in the designated boot room, and walk from this home along the river – for about twenty-nine minutes – to Nunney. Here you can have a great lunch at the George Inn, ice cream or coffee at the cafe, and explore the impressive medieval castle, complete with a moat. 

Visit the market town of Frome – just an eight-minute drive away – with its abundance of independent shops, pubs, and cobbled streets with rivers running down them. Once a month, Frome also hosts a vibrant street market full of artisan food, craft makers, and much more. 

Plus, slightly further away – just thirty-two minutes away by car – you can also reach the city of Bath. Here, you can explore the Roman Baths, the cathedral, see the Royal Crescent, do some shopping, or even spend a day at the spa.

Wildflowers of Whatley

Tucked in the charming village of Shroton, this converted barn is ideal for a relaxing Dorset getaway. It’s suitable for a couple or a small family with up to two children over the age of six, as the second bedroom is on a mezzanine level accessed via spiral stairs. Still, with everything needed for a comfortable stay and the village offering fresh local produce, this is a home where you can truly switch off. With countryside walks on your doorstep, yet just a forty-five-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast, you’ll never be lost for things to do. 

Dorset Soul

This delightful home is nestled in the Somerset countryside, within easy reach of Wells and Bath. This unique home is on a 450-acre gated estate, where luxury and eco-conscious living blend. The house features high ceilings, huge windows, and a patio with a barbecue – it provides an idyllic escape for families and groups of friends seeking a peaceful and luxurious getaway. We love the main bedroom’s balcony, and the relaxing bathtubs in the elegant bathrooms – you’ll find it easy to relax here. 

River Repose

Playground

Rice Maker

Workplace

Safety Gates

From the moment you see the grand stone exterior and cobbled courtyard, you’ll know that this ever-so-charming home is steeped in history. It's a former malthouse that’s over 300 years old and filled with traditional features. When you step into the entrance hall, you’re entering through the large oak door onto the original cart-way, and as you start trying to choose which bedroom you want to lay claim to, you’ll be winding your way up a turret stairway with rope bannisters, surrounded by wooden beams and original fireplaces. The interior has been fully renovated, with a modern handmade kitchen, squishy sofas, and cute-as-a-button bedrooms. Sip your afternoon tea perched on the sunny window seat with a good book in hand (there's an extensive collection to choose from), while gazing at the expansive green views of the playing fields and village church in the backdrop. Elsewhere, the large 14-seater pine dining table will be the perfect spot to savour a slow dinner with the entire group. Although in the garden you'll notice a patio, complete with outdoor furniture, that’s ideal for wine and cheese nights – there's a large lawn and a range of outdoor games available too (including table tennis) for hours of early evening fun. You don’t have to go far to continue the historical theme, as the pub next door is one of the oldest in the country and has been the resting place for many a monarch visiting the area since the 15th century. The surrounding county town, Frome, just a fifteen-minute drive away, was voted one of the best places to live in the UK - explore the rich history, shop at independent boutiques, buy fresh produce at the local market or dine at one of the many eateries dotted around nearby.

Malter’s Rest

Get far away from the madding crowd in Thomas Hardy’s Dorset with this beautiful home – it’s the perfect romantic retreat. Surrounded by woodland, relax in the hot tub with a glass of fizz (or whip up a smoothie with the blender in the kitchen), and when the sun sets, cosy up by the fire pit. There’s a hammock to unwind in as well. 

The sylvan setting can be admired through the French doors in the living room, too – keep your eyes peeled for visiting wildlife. At the end of an idyllic day, head up to bed in the treehouse-like bedroom with its honeycomb-shaped, whitewashed wood ceiling before exploring the area the following morning. 

Out and about, the market town of Blandford Forum, with its array of eateries, is a six-minute drive. Alternatively, the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster, is eight minutes in the car, while Thomas Hardy's Cottage is twenty-three minutes. Further afield, Sandbanks, with its award-winning beach and chic boutiques, is just over a thirty-five-minute ride, so there’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Honey Bee Cottage

Even before you enter, it’s clear that there’s something special about Faerie World. The high position of the cottage gives a heavenly view of the stream below, and you can hear the babbling water from the terrace, which is itself surrounded by flowers, and makes you feel like you’re in a fairytale. Once inside, the living room and bedroom don’t disappoint. The bedroom in particular, with its Farrow & Ball colours, stands out. The kitchen doesn’t have the same aesthetic charm, but that’s a small gripe, and shouldn't give you any cause for concern.

Faerie World

Gated Community

Helipad

A historic gatehouse on the grounds of the Shaftesbury Estate in rural Dorset, this petite one-bed lodge has recently undergone a loving refurb by one of the estate owners, Lady Shaftesbury. She obviously has a great eye for design, as her palette of delicious apricot and duck egg blue stylishly updates this vintage cottage into not just a twenty-first-century home, but a home with charm and character. There are plenty of thoughtful touches we found exquisite, from soft dressing gowns to the complementary breakfast hamper – and everything, from Egyptian cotton bedding to the plush sofas, is of boutique hotel quality. The hosts are attentive, meticulously committed to making sure your every whim is met. All in all, this cosy country hideaway is perfect for city escapes, with nearby the great beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest, the National Trust property of Kingston Lacey, cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth and traditional seaside in Bournemouth. And while it feels like one of a kind, a twin lodge and two maisonettes in a neighbouring cottage are also available, so you can bring your friends too (although you might want to keep this little secret to yourself). 

A Little Peach

Part of a nineteenth-century groom’s cottage on the grounds of St Giles House in Dorset, this maisonette in a former stable block looks like a scene straight out of Bridgerton. A stylish mishmash of antique brickwork, vintage pieces and modern design touches, every inch has been cleverly renovated by Lord and Lady Shaftesbury to enhance the history and character in an uber-cool way. Think bold paint colours, jazzy wallpapers, traditional flagstone floors, hand-crafted bespoke showers and a drool-worthy copper roll-top tub. While the Egyptian cotton bedding and plush dressing gowns are modern luxuries worthy of a boutique hotel, the estate's rolling green fields, the stable views and the cosy living area – complete with a wood-burning fire – feel authentically rural. You'll love strolling among the manor's private garden, or, when you crave a bit of adventure, enjoy day trips to the beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest and cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth. Larger groups can even rent the neighbouring cottages and lodges, all beautifully designed by Lady Shaftesbury. If you're looking for a glamourous stay in the stunning English countryside, this is it.

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