Two maisonettes with rustic-luxe interiors on a countryside estate bordering Cranborne Chase (each sleeps 4)
Space & setting.
This adjacent pair of 19thC grooms’ cottages offer a countryside stay in truly unique style. Similar in size and decor, you’ll be beguiled by the combination of artfully dilapidated grandeur and striking contemporary design that greets you. Dark-wood panelling, exposed brickwork and original fireplaces are juxtaposed with ornate chandeliers, jacquard curtains, colourful walls and bespoke wall tapestries. It’s a simultaneously decadent and rustic scene that feels playfully eccentric. Note the subtle equestrian touches throughout, too – a nod to the buildings’ past.
Each maisonette has a cosy lounge and 2 double bedrooms, with ensuite bathrooms featuring gorgeous copper roll-top baths and step-in Drummond showers. Come with another couple or family — or book both cottages for a group stay — and bring wellies to roam the parkland and bordering Cranborne Chase (380 square miles of chalk downs, ancient woodlands and river valleys), then zip to nearby gastro pubs for a lazy lunch. The Jurassic Coast and New Forest are only 30 mins by car, so this makes a brilliant base for longer stays too and a full exploration of Dorset’s beauty.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive
“The house and outbuildings fell into a period of disrepair following the Second World War until the 12th Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury took over in 2010. The buildings have now been through a 12-year, award-winning restoration, giving us the chance to welcome guests once again.” Manager, Olivia
She loves
“Morning walks across the estate, watching red kites overhead.”
We love
The bespoke tapestries and wall hangings.
You may not love
You’ll need to drive here, and to pubs and restaurants. The beds are all doubles and cannot be twinned. Poor phone reception but WiFi.
Sustainability.
The owners undertook a painstaking restoration to preserve original features and implement environmentally friendly practises where possible. The building has solar panels, a ground-source heat pump and biomass heating system along with full recycling. This is a Dark Skies reserve (virtually no light pollution) and the estate is an Environmental Steward, with hundreds of species of protected flora and fauna on-site.
Surrounds.
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Main house -
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Cranborne Chase © Cranborne Chase AONB -
Pythouse Kitchen Restaurant -
Sculpture by the Lakes © Sculpture by the Lakes -
Langham Wine Estate © Visit Dorset -
The Jurassic Coast
- Explore the estate with its pretty parkland and honey house. Various activities are available on-site or nearby, including horse riding, archery, fishing and buggy racing.
- Cranborne Chase is an AONB right on your doorstep, 380 square miles of chalk downs, ancient woodlands and river valleys with endless vistas across Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. It’s also a Darky Sky Reserve, so there’ll be fantastic night views here too.
- The Goat Shack farm shop with its seasonal fare is 5 mins by car, while you’ll find The Horton Inn, The Sheaf of Arrows and The Monmouth Ash pubs within a 10-minute drive.
- We also love Pythouse Kitchen Restaurant for a lazy lunch; just over the border in Wiltshire (35 minutes), it’s an enchanting 18thC walled-garden restaurant with a sustainable approach to both gardening and cooking.
- Visit Sculpture by the Lakes – renowned contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon has created an oasis of art and nature at what must be the most beautiful sculpture park in the UK. Don’t miss The Kitchen here for delicious homemade food, The Store for thoughtful gifts and The Gallery for curated exhibition pieces.
- Langham Wine Estate offers vineyard tours and an on-site tasting room (35 mins’ drive). Their pink fizz is a Kip favourite.
- The Jurassic Coast is perfect for winter walks and summer picnics – a World Heritage site just 20 minutes by car. Or head to the New Forest for wild ponies and stunning heathland walks (30 mins’ drive).
Specifics.
- Two adjacent maisonette apartments on a 500-acre Dorset estate
- Grooms Cottage 1 . Ground floor: entrance, cosy lounge and kitchenette, kingsize bedroom and ensuite bathroom with standalone tub and separate shower; upstairs: kingsize bedroom and ensuite bathroom with standalone tub and separate shower
- Grooms Cottage 2 . Ground floor: entrance, cosy lounge and kitchen with range cooker and dining table; upstairs: 1 x kingsize bedroom and ensuite bathroom with standalone tub and separate shower, 1 x kingsize bedroom with in-room shower cubicle, standalone bath and toilet
- Each maisonette also has:
- Microwave, hob, toaster, kettle, fridge and crockery
- Breakfast, snack and lunch hampers on request
- Smart TV
- Free WiFi throughout
- 2 fold-out beds for children and a baby cot (all extra charge) and highchairs to borrow
- Lots of parking
- Manager available by phone
- Walk to a shop, drive to pubs and restaurants (10 mins)
- Dog friendly (downstairs only and extra charge; must be kept on a lead outside)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay year round
- Remember to pack: all basic supplies including tea, coffee, milk, olive oil, washing up liquid etc
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
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