Peaceful airy garden retreat for work or leisure.

The "Annex" is a conversion of one of a small group of stone barns that make up Willow Barn. It has the prime view of the manicured lawn, carefully tended flowerbeds and pool, with it's longest side and two upstairs dormers facing exactly south. Once partly an artist's studio, the open plan downstairs is wonderfully light and airy, and its peaceful location on a no through road make it ideal for a relaxing getaway or a place to come and be inspired by the local Dorset history and landscapes. The Annex was intended and kitted-out to be entirely self-contained. The kitchen has a full compliment of crockery, cutlery, pots and utensils and also a dishwasher and washing machine. Although the annex shares the property with the main house, you get the prime view of the garden, and with only a few small windows (with blinds of course) facing back towards the main property you can enjoy a great deal of privacy during your stay. The downstairs is large and open and a great place to relax. It is worth noting that the two bedrooms are in the dormer roof of the property and do have some limited headroom when you are climbing into bed. There is a dryer in the main property garage which guests may use during their stay though you will need to let us know so we can open the doors. There is also a sheila's maid in the pool room which is always warm. We try to be as plastic-free as possible in the consumables we offer for your stay. For instance, there will be a lovely natural soap bar in the bathroom and a bottle of milk in glass (handily available in the local independent supermarket) in the fridge awaiting you on your arrival to get you started. Please note that the pool is open May through to September only. It would be our hope to greet you upon arrival, but if this is not possible we would always be on the end of a phone to answer any questions. The main house is one where family members tend to come and go, and if anyone is in, our proverbial door will be open. Willow Barn is firmly placed in rural Dorset. We are about a 15 minute drive from historic Sherbourne, with its 8th Century Abbey, new and ruined castles, gardens, museum and ancient town centre. Both Cerne Abbas with its horny giant and the magnificent Stourhead House National Trust property are within a half-hour drive. Willow Barn is surrounded by rolling fields and quaint villages with typically West Country meandering names; think "Mintern Magna" and "Bishop's Caundle". The Jurassic Coast, with the legendary 29-mile-long Chesil Beach is on the South Coast of Dorset, and is one of our favourite destinations, with its beach-side eateries and wonderful Sub-tropical Gardens. You will need to drive if you want to visit nearby places in Dorset, public transportation is fairly limited. If you are thinking of visiting Willow Barn more for a retreat from it all and don't require more than to step out of the door and stomp the many local rural footpaths, the nearest train station - Templecombe - is a handy 10 minute drive away and we are happy to collect and return you to the station, given notice.