Hardy's View Lodge

This rural property is set in a small coppice containing wild fruits and flowers, commanding spectacular views south towards the coast. Dorset's beautiful landscape of rolling chalk downland affords wonderful walking, with footpaths direct from the property. The area offers a wealth of pretty villages, sandy beaches and a coastline which has World Heritage status. The towns of Dorchester, Sherborne and Yeovil are easily accessible and there are many National Trust properties to visit. Visit the nearby seaside town of Weymouth with its sandy beach, or venture slightly further to Lyme Regis or the harbour town of West Bay. There are many attractions including Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, Monkey World, Hardy’s Cottage and Abbotsbury Swannery. For fishing enthusiasts, guests can arrange with the owner to fish on the privately owned four mile stretch of the River Frome or the fishing lake which is a short drive.

From the moment you step through the porch you will be struck by the character of the property, which was originally a shooting lodge. The impressive entrance hall/snooker room has flagstone flooring, exposed stone walls, a huge fireplace with open fire, beams, and a 3/4-sized snooker table. The main living area is a large open-plan room with traditional dining table with plenty of seating facing a large inglenook fireplace with open fire. The focal point of this room is the large 42 candle chandelier (oil filled candles pre filled on your arrival) and TV. From the main living area step down into ‘The Admiral’s Well’ a circular snug area at the base of the tower. Head up the spiral staircase to the tower which really captures the spectacular views. The kitchen is perfect to try out some new recipes or cook some old family favourites. It has a gas oven and hob, microwave, two fridges, a freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. Leading from the kitchen is the first of the four bedrooms a super-king-size zip-and-link (which can be made into a twin on request at the point of booking) with dual aspect windows and an en-suite shower and WC. Walking back into the hall/snooker room there is a separate WC. Completing the ground floor accommodation is the second bedroom a super-king-size zip-and-link (which can be made into a twin on request at the point of booking) with en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath, separate walk in shower and WC. Heading up the stairs to the third bedroom a twin room with en-suite shower and WC. The final galleried bedroom has a king-size bed with internal balcony overlooking the snooker room, children to take care. This room has a private bathroom with shower over bath and WC.

To the front of the property with open views towards the coast is a lawned area open to fields beyond. There is a paved patio with outside dining table and charcoal BBQ. An idyllic peaceful area to relax and watch the sun go down with a refreshing beverage. Ample off-road parking is available on the gravelled drive. The lodge is accessed via a private farm track, which is level and firm but not tarmacked.