Insanely cool rental for 16, with rustic-luxe interiors and a fascinating history
Space & setting.
Set in the grounds of an upmarket countryside estate, this 17thC stable conversion is an incredible place for a group. The daringly chic reimagining took over a decade to create — and the result? An ode to interior design, which expertly marries a rich history with modern comforts, made all the more attractive by the miles of unspoilt natural beauty all around. Exposed-brick walls, stripped wooden floors and timber beams have been paired with jewel-toned velvet sofas and a billiards table, while equestrian touches are a stylish reminder of the building’s past incarnation. You can ride horses and go buggy racing at a local stables if you want to take the dream further, though we’d spend our time here simply strolling through Cranborne Chase’s chalks downs, ancient woodlands and river valleys; a glorious background for long chats with friends.
The 8 regal bedrooms feature kingsize beds and deep soaking tubs (some cleverly tucked up on mezzanine floors), while antique furniture has been given a contemporary spin, thanks to bold paint colours and a cornucopia of patterns across heavy cushions and curtains. And if you can’t decide who’s cooking, the on-site team can arrange fine-dining experiences in the quirky dining room, or casual catering, such as grazing plates washed down with local sparkling wine.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive
Special touches.
+ Book a private chef / caterers / mixologist
+ Beauty and wellness treatments on offer
+ Babysitting
+ On-site archery, mushroom foraging with a guide, casino games and a sushi masterclass
+ Off-site experiences including a tour of Langham vineyard, a kitchen table lunch at Pythouse, buggy racing, horse riding and extreme sports
“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
“Sitting by the firepit watching the sun set across the Avenue and horses from the stud riding across the grounds.”
We love
The original 17thC stable features, including stall dividers and iron feeders.
You may not love
You’ll need to drive here, and to pubs and restaurants. The beds are all doubles and cannot be twinned. No basic supplies.
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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- Explore the estate – as well as the main house and pretty outbuildings, the grounds include 865 different species of flora and fauna (many of them rare), a walled garden and a honey house.
- Various activities are on offer, including on-site archery and off-site horse riding and buggy racing. Fishermen will love a day on the River Allen, full of native brown trout.
- 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 from your garden too.
- Try your hand at falconry -– Dorset Falcony Park plays host to over 100 birds of prey, including falcons, vultures and eagles, as well as daily flying shows.
- The romantic cathedral city of Salisbury is half an hour away by car, offering cobbled streets lined with plenty of independent shops, galleries, cafés and pubs.
- Day trip to the Jurassic Coast to visit fossil beaches and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door or the New Forest for wild ponies and walks across stunning heathland.
Specifics.
- Converted 17th stables on a 500-acre Dorset estate
- Underfloor heating
- 8 bedrooms, all with kingsize bed, roll-top bath, separate shower and Smart TV; one has a woodburner
- True Grace toiletries and White Company robes
- Note 2 of the bedrooms are on the ground floor and are wheelchair accessible
- Child friendly; one room has a mezzanine bed. There are also fold-out beds and travel cots (extra cost)
- Lounge with sofas, billiards table and bar (stocked on request)
- Books, board games and Bluetooth speaker
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and espresso machine (no microwave)
- Rustic dining room with table for 30
- Breakfast, snack and lunch hampers on request
- Front lawn with firepit, wooden benches and chairs
- Free WiFi throughout
- Lots of parking
- Manager available by phone
- Walk to a shop, drive to pubs and restaurants (10 mins)
- Dog friendly (extra charge)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay year round. Sunday-Thursday nights £2,000 p/n; weekends £2200 p/n
- House rules: No noise outside after 10pm
- 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!
40% 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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