Manor Farmhouse

Set within the historic grounds of the Minterne Estate, Manor Farmhouse is the kind of place where family traditions are born. This Grade II listed country house invites guests to slow down, switch off and rediscover the joy of spending quality time together. Sleeping up to ten guests across five bedrooms, it's a peaceful retreat for multigenerational family holidays, long-awaited reunions with friends and restorative escapes surrounded by Dorset's extraordinary natural beauty.

Steeped in centuries of history, Manor Farmhouse occupies a special place within the estate. Originally dating back to the seventeenth century before being thoughtfully rebuilt in the nineteenth century, the house retains many of the features that give it its timeless appeal. Leaded windows flood the interiors with natural light, flagstone floors whisper stories of the past and wood-burning stoves bring warmth and comfort to cooler evenings. Staying here offers a rare opportunity to experience the atmosphere of an authentic Dorset farmhouse while surrounded by an estate that has quietly shaped generations of fascinating lives.

At the heart of the home lies the traditional farmhouse kitchen. Complete with everything needed for relaxed self-catering stays, it's a space made for preparing hearty breakfasts before a day exploring the estate, baking with grandchildren on rainy afternoons and gathering around the family dining table to share food, laughter and stories long into the evening.

The comfortable sitting room offers another welcoming place to come together. Sink into the sofas with a favourite film, catch up over a glass of wine or simply admire the ever-changing views across the surrounding countryside. Yet perhaps Manor Farmhouse's most enchanting feature is its library. Lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and centred around an open fire, it's a haven for readers of all ages. Curl up with a classic novel beside the flames, introduce younger guests to beloved childhood stories or simply savour the rare luxury of uninterrupted quiet.

Sleeping accommodation has been thoughtfully arranged to suit a variety of group dynamics. Five spacious bedrooms offer three king-sized and two twin layouts, creating flexibility for extended families and friendship groups. The principal bedroom, tucked away on the second floor, benefits from its own ensuite facilities, while the remaining bedrooms are served by a family bathroom upstairs and an additional shower room on the ground floor. Each room enjoys tranquil views across the estate, ensuring peaceful nights and restorative mornings.

Outside, the private enclosed garden provides a safe and secluded space for children and dogs to play freely while adults unwind with a morning coffee or a good book. Fire up the barbecue for leisurely summer lunches, dine beneath the open sky and embrace the simple pleasure of spending time outdoors together.

During your stay, you'll also have access to the estate's heated outdoor swimming pool during designated time slots, shared with the other holiday properties on the estate, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely swim as part of your day. A nearby tennis court offers another opportunity to embrace the outdoors, while walks through the surrounding countryside begin right from your doorstep.


Guests are also warmly invited to make the most of the experiences that come with staying at Minterne. Complimentary access to the celebrated Minterne Gardens allows you to wander through a spectacular Himalayan-style valley alive with streams, waterfalls and one of the country's finest collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and rare trees. Return throughout your stay to discover how the gardens transform with the changing seasons, from vibrant spring displays to the rich colours of autumn.

Minterne has been shaped by generations of remarkable characters. Once home to the Churchill family before passing to the Digbys in the eighteenth century, its story stretches from naval hero Admiral Henry Digby to the captivating Jane Digby, whose extraordinary life eventually took her from Dorset society to Damascus. Today, that sense of heritage can still be felt throughout the estate, adding another layer of fascination to every stay. Guests interested in learning more can arrange private tours of Minterne House and uncover the stories woven into this unique corner of Dorset.

5 Bedrooms:
First Floor - Superking/twin (defaults to Superking with ensuite bathroom), twin bedroom and three double rooms (one with two day beds on request).

Lounge: Smart TV, Woodburner.
Snug with open fire.
Dining Room for 10 guests
Large kitchen: a range-style cooker with gas hob and electric ovens, a microwave, fridge, and a dishwasher.
Utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, and freezer and a useful shower room with WC next door.
Bathrooms: Ground floor WC. Ensuite bathroom with bath and ground floor WC.
Garden, large lawn with outside furniture and gas BBQ.
Hot Tub for extra £50 charge
Parking, 4 off road spaces.
Central Heating. Travel cot, high chair and stair gate.
Linen and towels included in weekly and short break bookings.
Three dogs welcome, the first dog is charged at £25 extra.
WIFI

Shared tennis courts and outdoor pool with allocated time slot 10 am until noon (300m away).
Free access to Minterne Gardens when open. The pool is open from late April/Early May to October only.

Nestled within the Dorset Downs, Minterne Magna feels wonderfully untouched by modern life. Here, winding country lanes lead to picturesque villages, rolling hills stretch towards the horizon and every season brings a new perspective on the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of it all are the magnificent Minterne Gardens, one of Dorset's hidden treasures. Influenced in part by ideas from Capability Brown and enriched by generations of Himalayan plant collecting, these extraordinary gardens invite exploration through woodland pathways, past lakes and waterfalls, and beneath canopies of rare trees and seasonal colour. They remain a living legacy of the estate's enduring passion for horticulture and discovery, offering guests a truly unique experience throughout the year.

Just a short distance away, Cerne Abbas invites exploration with its famous hillside giant, charming cottages and traditional pubs serving locally brewed ales and hearty meals. From here, walking routes weave through the countryside, offering spectacular views and opportunities to immerse yourself in Dorset's quieter side.

History enthusiasts can spend time discovering Sherborne's magnificent abbey and two castles, while Dorchester offers museums, independent shops and literary connections to Thomas Hardy. Farm shops and local producers provide an abundance of Dorset delicacies to enjoy back at the farmhouse, from artisan cheeses to freshly baked treats.
Yet many guests find that the greatest luxury of all lies much closer to home. Days spent wandering the gardens, afternoons enjoying a swim, evenings gathered around the barbecue and peaceful moments with a book from the library are often the memories that linger longest after departure.

Whether you're celebrating togetherness, embracing the outdoors or simply seeking a slower pace of life, Manor Farmhouse offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Dorset at its most authentic.

Distance to Minterne Gardens – Complimentary access included
Distance to Heated Outdoor Pool & Tennis Court – Designated shared sessions nearby
Distance to Cerne Abbas – 2 miles
Distance to Dorchester – Approx. 10 miles
Distance to Sherborne – Approx. 10 miles
Distance to Jurassic Coast – Approx. 18 miles