The Shooting Lodge

Dorset, with its pastures and valleys reminding us of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, is still unchanged in many places. There are wonderful beaches, heathland, places of historical interest and the Isle of Purbeck.

Summer is not the only season to savour the delights of Dorset. The footpath network throughout the county is unsurpassed: the South West Coastal Path offers exciting scenery, with safe and sandy beaches interspersed by rugged cliffs teeming with wildlife whilst the country footpaths meander inland through hidden valleys and dramatic hills.

The Wrackleford Estate is set in the magnificent Dorset Downlands, just north of the county town of Dorchester, ideally located to enjoy many of Dorset’s charms.

Sitting Room	Al Fresco view

The Shooting Lodge

This rustic lodge nestles high on the Dorset Downlands of the Estate, in a small coppice of wild fruits and flowers, commanding spectacular views. One mile from the nearest road, up an uneven track, it is remote and rural.

The original structure was built over 150 years ago as a Shooting Lodge and ‘Refuge’ for hunters. It is built partially of materials dating back to the early 19th century.

Today its rustic charms are offered to those looking for a unique and peaceful place to stay either for a short break or for a well earned week’s holiday.

The Shooting Lodge provides a secluded, cosy base and also makes the most memorable venue for exclusive parties, sleeping up to nine people.

Twin Ensuite bedroom (Ground floor)

Accommodation

There are five bedrooms. On the ground floor, two twin bedrooms, each with ensuite shower-room. On the first floor, there is a separate bathroom for a twin bedroom, a double bedroom with mezzanine overlooking the large entrance hallway, and, accessible from the living /dining area via a steep spiral staircase, the Tower room, a small single open plan bedroom.

There is a fully fitted kitchen with Gas range oven and hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher, coff ee maker. There is a large living/dining area with large open fireplace, TV, DVD and CD player. The cloakroom off the hall has WC/WB.

Retaining the traditional atmosphere, there is no mains electricity or telephone. Power is supplied by an easy-to-use quiet generator when needed, but most utilities run on gas, such as lighting, hot water, radiators, cooker and fridge. Fuel for the wall lamps and heating is Calor gas.

Once the sun goes down, there are logs aplenty for roaring open fi res and many candles for those cosy intimate evenings. For the mild months, just outside the lodge, there are wonderful areas to barbeque and dine, overlooking the Frome valley.

The use of the generator is free for up to 30 hours per week, or 13/17 hours for 3 or 4 nights stay respectively. Thereafter there is a modest charge per hour for over usage.

An initial supply of small candles is available for the small candle holders that are provided. The large chandelier in the living area requires larger candles and boxes of 24 can be purchased from the owner on arrival.

Dry Fly Fishing on the River Frome

The Chalkstreams of Southern England are renowned the world over for their quality of fishing, sparkling water and clean gravel beds. The River Frome is no exception with the Wrackleford Beats being some of its best.

The Fishery, managed to offer a sustainable and enjoyable sport for guests, supplements the wild trout with sympathetic stocking both in density and size, all stocked fish being sourced from a local fish farm on the river. Day tickets can be booked in advance and purchased from the owner.