The Manor Lodge

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.

Home truths:
*Guests can choose to have a king-size bed or two singles in the second bedroom, so it's good for either a family or two couples
*There are plenty of lovely things around, so watch kids' sticky fingers and boisterous jumping
*It's a great area for walking - but sadly no dogs are allowed
*Entertainment choices are limited to Smart TV and a few books so you may want to bring games/activities for rainy days
*The bathroom is on the ground floor and the bedrooms are upstairs
*There isn’t a microwave, so if you really need one you may have to bring your own
*You'll want a car for this home, but you can park on site