The beautiful county of Dorset, located in southwest England, is known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks, which attract visitors looking for a quiet holiday getaway. The Wimborne Minster area is an ideal location for exploring Dorset, and accommodation options include charming country houses, cozy guest houses and pub hotels. choose for Eco-friendly holiday home in Dorset Ensures a sustainable stay in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Old dairy, part of Classic Cottages' Eco-Cottages collection, is a contemporary design, comfortable and affordable accommodation option in Dorset. Read on to discover more about my experience at this eco-friendly resort.
About old dairy
Where is the old dairy located?
The Old Dairy is conveniently located just 10 minutes' drive from Wimborne Minster in Dorset, close to the picturesque River Allen. It is set within the stunning landscape of Cranbourne Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) extending over 380 square miles of stunning countryside straddling the borders of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset.
The cottage is located under a Dark Sky Reserve, giving you clear, starry skies. Stargazers should bring their own telescopes, and photographers should brush up on their night photography skills.
The Old Dairy is part of a courtyard of four converted farm buildings forming a quadrangle, and is located next to the New Barn Farm where the owners live.
The Old Dairy is part of a historic site
The Old Dairy and New Barn Farm occupies a historic site within the Knowlton South Circle Henge, part of a group of four Late Neolithic henge monuments in Knowlton. The henge ruins, which feature circular enclosures with an outer bank and an inner ditch, are thought to have served ritual or ceremonial purposes and date back to between four and five thousand years ago. Radiocarbon dating places the Knowlton South Circle Hinge at around 2500 BC, making it one of the largest and perhaps the oldest examples of its kind.
During the Early Bronze Age, about three thousand years ago, the surrounding countryside saw the construction of many round barrows or burial mounds. While many of these mounds have been leveled by plowing over the centuries, some still stand as recognizable mounds, attesting to ancient burial practices and beliefs.
Knowlton Church and Earthworks were built in the 12th century and are said to be one of the most haunted places in Dorset. This Norman church is surrounded by Neolithic earthworks associated with prehistoric rituals. Thank God I did not hear ghostly figures or whispering voices!
The Old Dairy: Eco Holiday Cottage in Dorset
the Place of living/residence
Upon entering The Old Dairy, you will be greeted by a spacious, inviting atmosphere Open plan living room and kitchen area, immediately evoking a feeling of comfort and intimacy. Reflecting the owner's passion for interior design, the space is decorated with rustic touches, such as recycled wall features and floral displays. one of Classic cottages The best designed places to stay in Dorset!
You can relax on the comfortable sofas with blankets to read Dorset books or watch smart TV. In winter, there is a wood-burning stove with a basket of burners to keep warm.
A thoughtful addition to the space is a cocktail-making kit, complete with samples of Salcombe gin, inviting guests to indulge in a little mixology with the flavors of the South Coast.
the Open kitchen It has all the modern amenities which makes cooking a leisurely breakfast a real pleasure. While you choose to explore local pubs for dinner, the kitchen is fully equipped with all the pots and pans needed to prepare a relaxing meal indoors.
Additionally, for warm summer evenings, there is the option to enjoy outdoor cooking on the BBQ. Charcoal is provided so you can light it without any hassle.
On arrival, you'll find the essentials for a relaxing start to your day, including tea, coffee, sugar, fresh bread, eggs and chocolate biscuits.
Next to the sink in the kitchen, environmentally friendly washing and cleaning products are provided.
There are separate Utility closet If you need a washing machine with eco-friendly laundry tablets available for guests.
bedrooms
The Old Dairy offers two wonderful bedrooms strategically located at opposite ends of the property. Each is elegantly decorated with wood paneling and found objects, a smart TV on the wall and wonderfully comfortable beds.
Both bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms with rain showers and beautiful pink tiles. However, the master bedroom elevates the experience with a luxurious bathtub located in front of the patio doors. It's the perfect place to look out the window while enjoying relaxation.
Eco-friendly hut
K Responsible travelerIs it important for me to stay at properties that have implemented sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. So, it goes without saying that I love Eco Classic Cottage Collection To be able to filter the properties that I will consider.
The Old Dairy falls into the green cottage group because it has air source heat pumps, automatic LED lighting, recycling with some decorations, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
Meet the animals at New Barn Farm
New Barn Farm is a working farm with a passion for rare breeds. I recommend taking a tour to meet South African Boer goats, Hungarian Mangalica pigs, Albion cattle, traditional Herefords and delicate Dorset sheep.
The farm has won awards for its Boer goat meat, which is one of the healthiest meats available.
Also visit Clockingham Palace, where free-range hens lay their eggs. I love the name of their residence!
Finally, they have some adorable pet pygmy goats.
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Explore the local area
Things to do near Wimborne Minster
Wimborne is a great location to explore Dorset's stunning coastline, historic sites and charming villages. Here are some recommendations for things to do in Dorset that can be reached on day trips from The Old Dairy near Wimborne Minster.
Historical sites To visit
- Knowlton Castle and Earthworks – English Heritage
- Kingston Lacey – A National Trust country house and estate near Wimborne Minster.
- Highcliffe Castle –
- Hardy hut – Thomas Hardy Cottage, in Upper Bockhampton, is a small cob-and-straw building and is the birthplace of English author Thomas Hardy.
- Corfe Castle – National Trust fortification above the village of the same name on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula
- Lulworth Castle – A hunting lodge from the early 17th century built in the style of a fortified castle.
Coastal locations to explore
- Jurassic Coast – Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Explore options for Jurassic Coast Tours.
- Hingesbury Head – Nature walks in the Area of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Bournemouth.
- Bournemouth – Visit the coastal city, take a bus tour and see the upside-down house. Find Bournemouth tour Options.
- Sand banks – Award-winning beaches in Poole. Take the Sandbanks chain ferry alongside Studland/Swanage.
Where to eat near Wimborne Minster
You'll be spoiled for choice if you decide to eat out when you stay at The Old Dairy country house in Dorset.
There is a fantastic array of funky restaurants and pubs in Wimborne and the surrounding villages that use local produce on their menu. However, it's worth planning, as some are booked on weekends or closed on Sunday and Monday.
- The Inn Museum is located in Farnham It is part of the Butcombe Brewing Co. Which serves seasonal cuisine by AA Rosette standards.
- Old hay at Stapehill It is an award-winning pub serving a delicious sustainable menu, and has a shop selling locally sourced goods and crafts.
- The Old Inn at Holt It is a welcoming country pub offering a wide range of old favorites on the menu.
- Olive Branch is located in Wimborne Minster It offers a British and European menu, cooked to a high standard. Great value for money!
- The Wimborne Pig at Wimborne Minster It is an award-winning restaurant serving seasonal menus of local produce.
Step-by-step plan for your trip to Dorset
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