Woody at The Old Forge, Dorset

• Sleeps: 2-4
• Bedrooms: 1-2
• Bathrooms: Private external
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Once an 18th century Wheelwright’s Forge, today The Old Forge, Dorset is a cherished family-run retreat with cosy and eclectic accommodation for couples, families, and their four-legged friends.

Owners Sophie and Alex are both Dorset natives – in fact, The Old Forge was Sophie’s own family home – and love taking care of their guests. Filled with heart and character, there’s plenty to marvel at here, from quirky vintage touches to classic cars. Sophie’s father Tim keeps his prized 1934 Lagonda Rapier at the retreat, and is more than happy to show enthusiasts around his old workshop!

You’ll find Woody the shepherd’s hut (proudly named in honour of Sophie and Alex’s young son) secluded among wildflowers at the scenic foot of Fontmell Down and Melbury Beacon, for the ultimate digital detox. Ideal for two, you can bring your dog for a well-deserved break… and from April to September the Tentipi will be pitched just outside, to sleep up to four guests in total (or six if you bring some extra bedding for the raised floor!).

If it’s still just the two of you, the Tentipi makes a wonderful hangout space; furnished with a wood-burning stove, a kingsize bed with organic lambswool mattress, and a ready supply of books and games.

Meanwhile, inside Woody awaits a comfy bed and a wood-burner, with plenty more books and games to keep you entertained. There’s a pair of binoculars to gaze at the Downs and the red kites that soar above, and a private al fresco kitchen stocked with goodies (including fresh eggs from the resident free-roaming hens).

Additional facilities include your very own bathroom and compost loo, just a few steps away. Oh, and a zingy orange hot tub – affectionately known as the “tea cup” – set within its own handcrafted timber surround that opens up to the star-filled sky. Sophie and Alex can have the tub heated and ready for you on your first night, so all you have to do is relax.

When morning rolls around, savour coffee on your upcycled veranda, to glorious countryside views. There’s a converted grain silo barbecue hut on hand for a sizzling supper later on, and a wealth of ‘extras’ to pre-order for your stay, from barbecue and breakfast packs to tasty kits for your pizza oven, so going hungry just won’t be an option.

At a glance

• A quirky shepherd’s hut for two, privately nestled on a family-run retreat in Cranborne Chase, part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Dorset.
• Private hut facilities include an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, a separate bathroom, and a hot tub for stargazing.
• The Tentipi is pitched next to Woody from April-September, to sleep a further 2-4 guests.
• Dogs and children are very welcome to stay!
• Foodie treats can be pre-ordered for your stay, please see the property website for information. There is a barbecue hut for sizzling suppers.
• There are friendly animals on site and beautiful local walks aplenty, with iconic attractions in easy driving distance.
• The owners suggest taking the scenic 40-minute walk to Compton Abbas Airfield where you can dine at Guy Ritchie’s famed smokehouse restaurant!

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Large Groups

More information

What to do with the hours in between? Start by saying hello to the friendly resident animals just over the fence: Lily the horse, Shorty the Shetland pony, and the aforementioned chickens. There’s also a dog-secured field for your four-legged friend to run wild and free!

Pack a picnic and while away some time among the butterflies and orchids, or embark on the impossibly scenic 40-minute walk across Fontmell and Melbury Downs to Compton Abbas Airfield. As well as reliving the golden age of aviation through beautiful heritage aircraft, here you can also dine at Lore of the Sky, Guy Ritchie’s famed smokehouse restaurant.

For immersive days out, a short drive will lead you to some amazing local places, including Bovington Tank Museum, Longleat Safari Park, and Stonehenge. Browse Shaftesbury’s independent shops and admire idyllic Blackmore Vale views from Gold Hill (as seen in the iconic Hovis TV ad), or drive a little longer and reach Durdle Door in under an hour.

However you choose to spend your time, Woody awaits your return, with a firepit to gather round by evening, and a fresh supply of marshmallows in the kitchen to fuel storytelling under the stars. Heaven.

Things to note

Wi-Fi is intentionally not included so you can properly unplug. Dogs are welcome to stay, at an additional charge per dog. The Tentipi will available from April to September, please bring additional beds/bedding if sleeping 4 guests in the tipi. The hot tub can be warmed for your first night free of charge, so be sure to arrive for your chosen time to avoid a cooled tub! Please bring your own towels for the hot tub. There is a range of accommodation available at the retreat, please see the property website for details. Flat rate all year round, no peak rates charged during school holidays!