South Lodge

South Lodge is located on the outskirts of Hazelbury Bryan, a tranquil village with an 18th century pub just 4 minutes walk away. Set opposite the village cricket pitch, Hazelbury Bryan is quintessentially English with a shop just 8 minutes walk away whilst the property is a real gem with a 5 star Visit England rating. Around this part of Dorset is farming country with gently rolling hills either covered in crops, cattle or sheep. Bulbarrow Hill is just a couple of miles further on and at almost 900 feet gives the most excellent views across the Blackmore Vale. Lots of towns nearby to explore including Sherborne, the county town of Dorchester and Sturminster Newton with it's excellent Cheese Festival all within about a 15 minute drive.

The accommodation at South Lodge comprises of an open plan living area with wood burner, Smart TV, Wii console, radio, WiFi and a selection of books and games. The kitchen comes equipped with induction hob with electric oven, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer and dishwasher. The dining area has table with chairs for four. There is a conservatory giving you an additional space to unwind and plan your next day's outing. There is a ground-floor king-size double bedroom and a ground floor bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and toilet. Up to the first floor where there is a twin bedroom and a cloakroom with basin and toilet.

Outside is a pretty garden including a patio area complete with table and chairs. There is off road parking for one car. Your fuel, power, bed linen and towels are all included in the price.

Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton is in the Blackmore Vale and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The town is split in two by the River Stour with Sturminster to the North and Newton to the South of the river.

Surrounding Villages

Move from the metropolis that is Sturminster Newton and you will find yourself in some stunningly beautiful areas - we holidayed in this very area in 2012. There are some great villages to explore including Okeford Fitzpaine, Child Okeford, Manston, Marnhull, Stalbridge, Stourton Caundle, Pulham and Hazelbury Bryan to name but a few.

Events

Every Monday the town holds a market that has been occurring in the area for a long time and holds all sorts of locally produced goods. In the middle of September, the area gathers in all the cheese lovers to the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival. 2014 saw it in its 15th year and exhibitor numbers grow even further. It's not all cheese though with a wealth of other food and drink exhibitors as well as entertainment and arts and crafts. On the third Thursday in August, Sturmninster Newton holds its annual carnival.

Activities and Attractions

The North Dorset Trailway is run by a charity and is dedicated to making sections of the pld Somerset and Dorset Railway into usable areas to now walk and cycle. The trail now leads from Sturminster Newton all the way through Blandford Forum to Spetisbury, around 11 miles in total. It is one of the best ways to appreciate all the countryside around you with lots of attractions to visit on your way. One such is Sturminster Newton Mill, a stunning looking building with a very long history. The mill consists of three floors and a north and south wing and regular events are also held on the site. It even has a shop selling flour made by the still working mill. The mill is open between April and September with a small admission charge.

Sturminster Newton Museum is housed in a beautiful thatched building in the centre of the town. It shows exhibits to do with local history of the town, the local railways and even local poets. There is also a souvenir and gift shop and admission is fee.

Eating Out

You have a choice of over 20 places to eat out including tea houses, cafes, pubs and restaurants. There are also some great pubs and restaurants to discover in the outlying villages and towns.