We provide comfortable, beautifully furnished accommodation for two people (perhaps accompanied by a baby or small child) in an idyllic setting in North Dorset, UK, within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast and many other places of interest in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. These include the old market town of Sherborne (formerly the capital of Wessex), with its abbey and two castles, Athelhampton House near Dorchester, Stourhead Gardens, Longleat House and Safari Park, Montacute House, and the picturesque towns of Wells, Glastonbury and Bath, not forgetting, of course, West Bay near Bridport, home of the TV program Broadchurch.
We are close to a number of SSSIs, and our garden is visited by a variety of wildlife. Alner's Gorse, a local butterfly sanctuary is a short walk down a green lane. We also maintain a small flock of sheep and in the spring there may be lambs in our paddocks.
The accommodation we offer is located in an annexe that adjoins the main house. It has recently been refurbished throughout. Guests are welcome to bring a dog, as long it is well behaved (we have our own dog, cats and sheep).
Ridge Farm Annexe is often described by our guests as being 'like a home'. And that's exactly what it was for 25 years when Madeline's mother lived here. The Annexe was completely refurbished during 2014, with brand new bathroom fittings, new carpets and a redesigned kitchen. The accommodation consists of a sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and hall.
The sitting room is equipped with a comfortable sofa and armchairs, and there is access to the patio outside through sliding French doors. A TV is provided, as is wireless high-speed fibre broadband (45-50 mbps), and there is also a selection of games and jigsaw puzzles -- and two bookcases full of books in the hall.
The bedroom is furnished with two comfortable 3' beds with pocket-sprung mattresses and duvets, 2 chairs, 2 bedside cabinets, each with a bedside light, a small chest of drawers, and a built in wardrobe with shelving. A cot for a baby or camp bed for a child can be provided.
The recently completely refurbished bathroom is equipped with a corner bath, walk-in shower, basin and toilet. There is a mirrored cabinet over the basin and a shaver point suitable for both 240v and 115v appliances.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a ceramic-topped, two-oven electric cooker, a microwave cooker, a fridge with a small freezer compartment and a washing machine (3kg wash). In the winter there is also a condenser tumble drier in the porch. Crockery and cutlery are supplied, together with cooking utensils and all other normal kitchen equipment. For dining there is a table and chairs. Towels and linen are provided. Meals are not provided, but a supply of basic provisions, including bread, butter, milk, coffee, tea, sugar, flour, salt and pepper, will await you on your arrival. If you would like us to, we can also supply additional provisions at cost (payment on arrival). Please order these at least 48 hours beforehand.
Access to the Annexe is via a private porch and you will be free to come and go as you wish. You will also be very welcome to make use of the patio and the rest of the garden.