The Old Barn, Motcombe

The Old Barn is at the far end of a long wing of a lovely family farmhouse just outside a rural village in the stunning landscape on the edge of North Dorset. Its amazing views look over Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. The Old Barn is a very large studio space 12m x 4.5m with a king size bed, an additional double bedroom is available by prior and separate arrangement, the ensuite bath and shower is between the two rooms. We look forward to welcoming people to share this very special place. The farm is on top of a hill with 360 degree far reaching unspoilt rural views in all directions and fantastic light shows. The Old Barn is filled with light from windows on three sides including morning rays from the east and most often staggering sunsets in the west. The king size bed is made up with white cotton bed linen and an ensuite bath and shower room with fluffy bath towels. Although attached to the main house, The Old Barn is at the far end enabling you to relax in total privacy. The sitting area is comfy with a television and unlimited wifi. In the kitchen you will find breakfast staples such as tea, coffee, sugar, honey, marmite and cereal. On your arrival the fridge will be stocked with butter, milk, jam, juice and croissants so you can enjoy breakfast in your own time and at your own pace. It is equipped with a hob, oven/microwave, fridge, kettle and toaster. Pets by arrangement only. The farm has over 200 acres of road-free land. There are footpaths and a bridleway over the land leading to Motcombe and Gillingham. There are OS maps provided during your stay. We like to meet and greet our guests and although you will be staying in the grounds we are always available in the house just a few meters away - come and knock on the door! Motcombe is a pretty Dorset village, it has a post office and well-stocked village shop with local produce and the very popular Coppleridge Inn which is a 10 minute walk down the drive and lane. Motcombe Village Hall has just started live streaming so watch their space for international culture. We are in the Blackmore Vale which is full of beautiful walks and rural villages. The historic town of Shaftesbury (3 miles) with the super steep and famous Gold Hill from the Hovis ads. There are many cafes, restaurants, delis and boutiques to enjoy. Down the hill in Gillingham there are also eating options. The surrounding villages are full of good and atmospheric pubs. Beyond Shaftesbury the beautiful Dorset countryside extends to Cranborne Chase and our favourite walk up Melbury Hill. Within sight of The Old Barn is King Alfred's Tower, the 49m high triangular brick folly built by the Hoare's of Stourhead (6 miles) famous for its 18th century landscaped gardens and stunning autumn colours (National Trust). Also in this direction is the small but happening town of Bruton (11 miles) with internationally acclaimed Hauser & Wirth Arts Centre, bar and restaurant. The Chapel is another stunning space to eat in the heart of Bruton. Further afield in this direction is The Newt a hotel and restaurant in the former Hadspen House. They have landscaped a new garden of levels and espaliers with a farmshop and cafe. Tisbury (7 miles) is a charming small Wiltshire town with its hugely popular Beckford Arms within the Fonthill estate with its architectural landmarks. Messums (renowned London art gallery) has opened in the remarkable thatched stone tithe barn. It offers exhibition and performance space as well as a great little cafe. Stonehenge (20 miles) is always worth a visit and if you get stuck in a jam on the A303 then try and enjoy the mystical stones. For the tallest cathedral spire in England Salisbury (19 miles) is an easy trip and Bath (24 miles) is excellent shopping in a beautiful Regency setting. Within an hour and a half is the Jurassic Coast and the sights of Durdle Door, the protection of Lulworth Cove and Chesil Beach. Weymouth and Swanage are the local seaside towns with Lyme Regis a bit further away. Poole and Studland with Corfe Castle and the Pig on the Beach are also great destinations. We are right in the middle of a lot! We are situated 2 hours drive from central London via the M3/4 and A303. Gillingham train station is on the South West Train line, 2hrs to Waterloo, 1 1/2 hrs to Exeter. We are 10 minutes (3 miles) from the train station. There is one king size bed which accommodates 2 people maximum. We can host an additional couple or two individuals by arrangement.