Unique house for six with wonderful Dorset views

Kennels Lodge is the perfect rural retreat for families & couples looking for modern comfort, in an idyllic countryside setting. Originally a hunting lodge, now converted by a leading architect into a wonderful warm home with panoramic views and abundant wildlife. There is only one house nearby, 100 yards behind the Lodge. Huge fenced garden safe for children, the house is found up a private track a long way from the road, which is "The Rhododendron Mile", part of Puddletown Forest. The Kennels Lodge is set in rolling countryside, but not totally isolated as there is a single house some 100 yards behind, (the only house in sight) with lovely neighbours, discreet & private but helpful if needed. The house is full of light, most of the rooms have soaring ceilings and oak beams, and the 30-foot upstairs sitting room takes full advantage of the views with huge plate glass windows, but with wood burning stove & underfloor heating throughout, so you are always warm and cosy. All of the house is on the level, with wide corridor and no steps to negotiate, except for the stairs up to the sitting room! Comfortable armchair & TV in the kitchen/diner for less mobile guests. Large TV & video player upstairs. Music system compatible with NFC/DAB/Blue Tooth/digital radio. Professionally laundered bed linen, towels & beach towels provided, but please bring baby linen for the travel cot. We also have picnic gear, charcoal barbecue and fab outdoor seating & dining set. Plenty of children's toys and books, chess set, board games & large collection of books. A few basic foodstuffs, tea, coffee, milk, sauces, herbs & spices are supplied in the kitchen, and shampoo & shower gel & soap in the bathrooms. We are gradually switching to all-organic cleaning & bathroom supplies. You'll have the privacy of the whole house and garden, accessed via a private drive on the edge of the forest. Loads of room to play football and rounders. If you only need the en-suite double bedroom with its own French windows for a night or two, just ask! There is seating on the outside terrace and plenty of parking. I'm an experienced Air b&b-er - see our lovely reviews on our other listing ("Beautiful Luxury Dorset Farmhouse") which I co-host with my daughter. I live with my partner on his farm half a mile away across the fields, and while I am happy to help anytime, my experienced co-host and troubleshooter, John, is mainly in charge now and can give local advice too, should you have any queries. Our nearest village (5 mins drive/15 mins walk) is the charmingly named Puddletown. The local gastropub, The Blue Vinney, serves great food and has a play area and beer garden. The village also has a brilliant local Londis shop, with post office. There's also a modern doctor's surgery and a brand new 'forest-fun' playground and recreation ground (including tennis court). The house is adjoining Puddletown Forest (3 minutes' walk) with footpaths for great walks and mountain biking. Bring your bikes or hire from us. We're in the heart of Hardy country, only 15 minutes from the stunning beaches of the Jurassic Coast, and even closer to several famous attractions such as Monkey World, Kingston Maurward Animal Park, Hardy's Cottage, and the Tank Museum. There is always masses to do in the area, especially for children. There are 3 golf courses nearby, 2 cinemas for rainy days and a lovely new pool and fitness centre in Dorchester. Trains to Dorchester South and Dorchester West, then a taxi needed for the six miles to the house (around £15). A half mile walk through the woods can get you to a bus stop from Puddletown to Dorchester but the service is patchy! Ideally you need a car to get the full benefit of exploring the area. Bring bikes for exploring and fun in the Forest! TOWELS & BEACH TOWELS are provided. Speak to me about DELAYED CHECKOUT on Sunday nights for a small extra charge. We now have to charge for LOGS (£6) for the wood burner after the first big basket that you will find ready for you. First bag of Charcoal for the barbecue free of charge also. CHILDREN: The house is great for children. High chair, travel cot & stair gate provided. Gates round the garden can be secured. We have loads of books, some toys, Lego, bucket & spades, boules, chess set and board games. BOOKS: You are welcome of course to read the books but please don't take them home, many of them have sentimental value.