The Hayloft

The original details of this converted hayloft hark back to bygone times, and its farming heritage is still very much evident. But what was home to farming tools and animal feed has been cleverly converted to make what can only be described as a love nest. Step inside the larger barn structure and head up your own staircase to the front door. It's bright, with windows built into the walls at a low level, and skylights in the roof and the old timber rafters leave you in no doubt about the building’s former purpose. A cheerful rainbow of colourful kitchen tiles livens up an otherwise pristine white and wood motif and stable-style doors are pure country-chic. For sunny days, there’s a barbecue patio just outside the barn and your hosts encourage you to use their farmhouse garden, to pick apples in season or use the swingset. If you’re lucky, they’ll gift you with some freshly-grown veg straight from their raised beds. If you manage to drag yourself away from your well-deserved morning lie-ins, the local pub and village shop are just a short walk away and provide excellent food. Dorchester is only ten minutes away by car, and you'll reach the stunning beaches and coastal walks of the Jurassic Coast in around fifteen.

Home truths:
* There are ten steps to climb to reach the apartment
* The stone barn houses one other holiday home which can be booked alongside this one, just ask
*Private parking is in the lane where a tractor passes sometimes, so cars must be tucked well in
*Cars larger than an SUV are not suitable as there is a narrow garden bridge to cross
*There is a stream in the garden so it is not suitable for children aged between 2 and 10
*There is a patio shared between the two apartments with a barbecue and guests have access to the host's farmhouse garden to pick apples and relax
*On the second level of the barn, it feels like you're in the rafters with sloping ceilings and low beams