Retreat 41563 – Dorchester, Dorset

The village of Minterne Magna is steeped in history and home to the beautiful Minterne gardens which host a mass of flowering plants nestled in a unique Himalayan valley and surrounded by wonderful views of the Dorset landscape. It is famous for an important collection of rhododendrons plus daffodils bluebells primulas and ornamental cherries that flower in abundance under the canopy of magnificent trees. The garden is a must-see in spring.

Local amenities can be found along with the much-photographed hillside giant in the nearby village of Cerne Abbas (2 miles). Within 10 miles is the county town of Dorchester with its plethora of museums and bustling high street. The picturesque town of Sherborne is 10 miles away where you can explore the two castles and visit the beautiful Abbey. This traditional detached farmhouse forms part of the Minterne Estate and sits alongside farm buildings.

A private entrance gives access to a welcoming boot room the ideal spot to leave muddy footwear after long walks in the surrounding countryside. There is a washing machine tumble dryer and freezer located here and a useful shower room with WC next door. Heading further into the property you will come to the family kitchen. At the heart of the property this sociable room has a central table for informal dining a range-style cooker with gas hob and electric ovens a microwave fridge and a dishwasher.

To make you feel even more at home some essentials are provided including oils condiments fruit tea coffee bread jam washing machine tablets dishwasher tablets and washing up liquid. Just next door is the striking dining room with plenty of room for leisurely meals. There are two homely reception rooms in which to relax on the ground floor a cosy snug with an open fireplace and a light and bright sitting room with a TV and wood burner (fire wood lighters and kindling are fully stocked for your stay).

Two separate staircases rise to the first floor giving access to the five bedrooms. There is a super-king-size zip-and-link bedroom (which can be a twin on request) with an en-suite bathroom with bath and WC a twin bedroom and three double bedrooms which share a bathroom with bath and WC. One of the double bedrooms has two single day beds which are available on request.

Heading outside you will find a pretty enclosed garden with established shrubs and plants plus a private hot tub and dining area with gas BBQ (cylinder provided with gas) perfect for al-fresco dining. There is ample off-road parking in a shared yard to the rear of the property. A short walk from the property across the lane will take you to a shared walled garden adjacent to Minterne House.

There is a lawn tennis court and heated outdoor pool with changing room open from April to October between 10am - 12 noon and 4pm - 6pm daily. Access to Minterne Gardens is included daily from 10am to 6pm.