Set within the grounds of a rural working farm, Kingfishers provides an authentic opportunity to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors on the doorstep of some of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire's most iconic locations.
This lovely kitchen is perfectly set up for a lazy start at the breakfast-bar or whipping up a feast for lunch or dinner.
The wood-burner and exposed brickwork make for a really rustic and cosy experience.
The large luxury bedroom leads seamlessly to the main living space.
This stunning conservatory is the perfect place to drink in the rural landscape beyond. Lots of comfy seating, a dining space and even a bed for your four-legged friend.
You enter into this stunning open plan kitchen/lounge/diner which is flooded with natural light. A wonderful place to relax and switch off. There is a door off the kitchen that connects to the owners' property, which will always remain locked.
The living area is particularly lovely with scavenged furniture, a wonderful wood-burning stove and a cosy place to eat. Sit for a moment and feel the sense of calm, it's a real delight.
Leading off the lounge is a large conservatory space with expansive views over the garden and fields beyond... Note that there is a small step down into the conservatory.
The striking roof lantern lets the light pour in.
The luxurious bedroom has a sumptuous king-size bed and luxury linens to help you drift off into blissful slumber...
The hand picked vintage furniture is perfectly juxtaposed within the modern clean space.
Plenty of storage and a wonderful en suite shower-room.
A crisp and spacious shower area styled in kingfisher blue with a rainfall showerhead to help you unwind and refresh after a day exploring.
The en suite fixtures have been tastefully selected in striking kingfisher blue.
Why not just spend the day with your feet up, a warm drink and a book.
There is plenty of private parking for two cars to the right of the property. Note that there is one small step up into the front door.
Beyond the private garden you will find expansive grounds that you are free to wander with your four-legged or two-legged companions!
The property is at the end of of a small terrace of converted farm buildings and with its own private garden you will feel wonderfully tucked into the local landscape.
Kingfishers is within the grounds of a wonderful working cattle farm and tucked onto the end of the other converted barns.
Iconic Golden Hill or "Hovis Hill" from the adverts is just 15 minutes away in stunning Shaftesbury - one of Dorset's most beautiful market towns.
Fashionable Bruton is always worth a visit for stunning architecture and fantastic eateries. On the outskirts you will find the fabulous Hauser and Wirth farm shop with its world famous art gallery and installations.
Beautiful and very nearby, Sherborne was recently voted the "South West's best place to live" by the Times.
Castle Cary is steeped in history and has a wealth of quaint shop, pubs and tea rooms.
The Longleat estate and Safari Park needs little introduction - just a short 30 minute drive brings you to this magical place.
Trendy and arty Frome is just 30 minutes away and probably has Somerset's most eclectic mix of shops, eateries and retailers. Time your visit with their famous Sunday markets.
Kingfishers
60353.8 miles NW of Shaftesbury | Sleeps 2 + cot* (no children from 1 to 9)
7 Nights from £403
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
The Dolphin Inn is a traditional Dorset hostelry with characterful interiors and a large beer garden for al fresco dining. Open for lunch and dinner daily, food is freshly prepared with vegetarian and vegan options available.
Nearby beach
Rockley Sands beach in Poole is a small sand and mud beach, with facilities including a cafe, shop, toilets, equipment hire and parking. There is also disabled access and the beach is dog-friendly all year. Swimming at low tide should not be attempted due to strong currents.
April 2019
Not suitable for dogs
Not very dog friendly as too rocky at shore edge.
Nearby walk
Thanks to walkdorset.com for this delightful circular walk to the historic Judge Wyndhams oak. Take a look at their website for full details and other fabulous walks in the area.
Nearby town
Noted for its connections to the famous oil painter John Constable, Gillingham is Dorset's most northerly town. You will find a good selection of independent shops and cafes here and easy access to Shaftesbury which is just five miles away.
Also nearby
Visit the world-famous gardens at Stourhead and sit amongst tranquil scenes. Described as ‘a living work of art’, the gardens lead visitors on a breath-taking journey. Spend a while in the 18th Century Palladian villa and Hoare family home, before wending your way around the grounds, falling in love with the beautifully thought out landscapes and classical architecture.
November 2021
Beautiful landscapes to explore
A short drive away and you're in the impressive landscape of Stourhead, with its magnificent trees, lake and iconic garden structures. We visited early November when the autumn colours were blazing. A perfect morning out, whether for a lazy amble round the lake or exploring the footpaths to viewpoints and monuments. Good National Trust cafe and shop too.
June 2021
A highlight of our 5 night stay
We stayed in nearby Nunney for 5 nights. Stourhead was definitely our top pick. On a sunny day it was absolutely beautiful. The scenery is stunning and it was nice to have a well-earned ice-cream in the pretty courtyard of the pub after a good walk. There are plenty of spots for taking beautiful pictures. We'd be interested to return one Autumn or see it covered in snow too.
October 2014
Magical!
This is the most beautiful place you can imagine - the walk around the lake, dropping into the various buildings and grottoes, is breathtaking. All I can say is you really must visit.
September 2013
Superb
A wonderful must in Dorset. Great gardens and interesting house. Well worth a visit.
Another famous haunt of the novelist Thomas Hardy, Shaftesbury has some of England’s most fascinating architecture, including the famous cobbled street of Gold’s Hill and the ruins of the abbey which date back to 888AD. The town sits at the top of a hill with panoramic views in every direction over Dorset and Wiltshire. Despite its glorious position and the beauty of its buildings and streets, Shaftesbury remains unspoilt by tourism.
October 2013
Really worth a visit
We thought this would be more 'touristy' with the attraction of the Gold Hill. We stayed nearby and could have enjoyed pottering into Shaftesbury everyday. Turnbulls Deli and Cheese shop is amazing. (bring deep pockets). There are lots of cafes and independent clothes, gift shops and galleries to dip into. We didn't even get time to go to the Abbey but there are some fantastic views across the vale in the park area next to the Abbey entrance. A really friendly small market town, which even has an excellent curry house (Chutneys) which was an unexpected bonus.
November 2011
Shaftesbury is a lovely little town with an excellant bakery and nearby Hovis hill (Gold Hill)
A fantastic 13th Century building with 14 acres of exquisite, tranquil gardens.
November 2025
Beautiful gardens
We enjoyed a lovely meander around the gardens (free to RHS members on certain days).
November 2021
Bishop Palace Gardens and Wells
These are just the most beautiful gardens to wander around, even if you are not an avid garden enthusiast! The bubbling springs feeding the wells and river, the tranquility, the ramparts and the setting adjacent to the Bishops Palace, plus the imaginative planting make it a great place to visit any time of the year - November for us. Right in the centre of Wells too, so lots to explore.
October 2021
A great place to visit
A beautiful garden to walk around with great views of the cathedral.
Wells is a lovely small city to spend the day in.
Make sure you go to the cathedral and Vicars Close as well.
A dedicated group of small producers sell a variety of home made, home grown items including baked goods, preserves, garden produce, fresh meat, flowers, plants and gifts every Friday morning from 8.30am - 11.30am.
The North Dorset Cycleway wends its way through classic Hardy country. The 73 mile circular route links Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Farnham, Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton. You can dowload route maps for shorter sections of the ride from the Dorset Council Web site below.
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