The Willow Lodge
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
Central heating with open fire and woodburning stove. Electric oven and hob, Aga, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher. TV, WiFi. Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove and open fire inc. in rent. Bed linen and towels inc. in rent – please bring beach towels. Highchair and cot available – please bring own cot bedding if required. Off-road parking available for 4 cars. Mature garden with lawn, picnic table, barbecue, and sun loungers. Storage area for bicycles, beach equipment. Two well-behaved pets welcome. Sorry, no smoking. Shop 0.1 miles, pub 0.2 miles. Note: With prior arrangement, a lift is available for guests with limited mobility
Gould’s Farmhouse is a welcoming, pet‑friendly country house set in the heart of Milborne St Andrew, Dorset. Well positioned for exploring the Dorset National Landscape, it is an ideal choice for families or groups of friends looking for space, character, and easy access to the surrounding countryside. With a generous garden, an open fire and a woodburning stove, this seventeenth‑century farmhouse offers a relaxed and comfortable retreat with a real sense of history.
Pull off the village road and you are immediately greeted by the reassuring presence of a substantial Dorset farmhouse, its traditional brick exterior and mature garden setting reflecting its long heritage. Step inside and the character continues, balanced by thoughtful updates that make the house easy to enjoy as a holiday home. Throughout, the farmhouse is furnished with period pieces and delightful touches that give a gentle nod to its history, adding warmth and personality to every room.
The kitchen is very much the heart of the house. Farmhouse in style, with flagstone floors and a traditional layout centred around the Aga, it is a space that naturally draws everyone together. Whether preparing relaxed breakfasts, packing picnics for a day out, or cooking supper at the end of the day, the kitchen is designed for shared moments and unhurried meals, with practical touches that make everyday living feel effortless.
From here, move through to the dining room, where a generous inglenook fireplace with a woodburning stove creates an inviting focal point. This is a room made for long, sociable evenings, with plenty of space to gather around the table, share food and conversation, and enjoy the warmth of the fire as it flickers in the background.
The sitting room offers a slightly different ambience, opening into a spacious and comfortable retreat with soft carpeting, a chandelier overhead and tall windows that overlook the garden at the front of the house. An open fire adds to the sense of comfort, making it an inviting place to unwind with a book, enjoy a film, or simply relax together after a day exploring Dorset.
The conservatory leads off the dining room and is ideally positioned to catch the sun, offering a bright and inviting space to sit back and unwind. Furnished for relaxed use throughout the day, it is a lovely spot for morning coffee, a quiet hour with a book, or simply watching the seasons change in the garden.
A ground‑floor cloakroom adds to the convenience of the house, while a lift, available by prior arrangement, helps ensure accessibility for guests with limited mobility.
Upstairs, the farmhouse continues to offer a calm and restful feel across four thoughtfully arranged bedrooms. There are two king‑size bedrooms, each with its own en‑suite, providing privacy and comfort for couples. The third bedroom is a twin with an en‑suite shower room, while a fourth bedroom, another twin and particularly well suited to younger guests, is accessed through bedroom three, making it a practical and family‑friendly arrangement.
Outside, the garden provides plenty of space to enjoy the fresh country air. Spend time stretching out on a sun lounger, fire up the barbecue as the day draws on, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting. Just along the road, a well‑equipped children’s playground offers an easy diversion, while the village shop and pub are all within easy walking distance, making it simple to pick up essentials or head out for a relaxed meal without needing the car.
The surrounding area is rich with places to explore. The Dorset National Landscape envelops the village with rolling countryside, footpaths and scenic walking routes. Dorchester offers historic streets and markets, while the Jurassic Coast tempts with dramatic scenery and memorable coastal walks. Nearby, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door showcase some of Dorset’s most recognisable natural landmarks, while Weymouth Bay provides sandy beaches and traditional seaside charm. For a gentler day out, Athelhampton House and Gardens offers a fascinating glimpse into Dorset’s past, with its beautiful Tudor house, formal gardens and café just a short drive away. Sculpture by the Lake, approximately six miles away, provides a peaceful and contemplative setting combining contemporary sculpture with carefully landscaped gardens (please note this attraction does not permit children or dogs). Attractions such as Monkey World, the Bovington Tank Museum and Farmer Palmer’s provide further options for family‑friendly days out.
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Gould’s Farmhouse is a characterful Dorset base for gathering together, slowing the pace, and enjoying both countryside and coast from a distinctive village setting.