Dorchester 
0/5
Nr Dorchester
4.9/5
Nr Dorchester
5/5
Nr Dorchester
4.8/5
Dorchester
5/5
Nr Dorchester
5/5
Nr Dorchester
5/5
Silverlake
5/5
Dorchester
5/5
Nr Dorchester
0/5
Nr Dorchester
5/5
Nr Dorchester
5/5
At the heart of the valley stands Minterne House, a grand family home that has watched over this landscape for centuries. Built in the 18th century and still privately owned by the Digby family, the house is surrounded by twelve acres of exquisite gardens, designed in the tradition of Capability Brown. Lakes, waterfalls, and rare plantings weave together to create a scene that feels both cultivated and completely natural.
Stepping into Minterne House is like entering a different rhythm of life. The interiors are elegant and historic — panelled rooms filled with light, portraits that tell the story of generations, and views that stretch unbroken across the valley.
Hidden away in one of Dorset’s most peaceful valleys, Minterne is a place that feels untouched by time. With its winding lanes, ancient trees, and soft hillsides, it’s the kind of countryside that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and stay a while. Our holiday cottages in Minterne capture that same quiet charm — comfortable, characterful places to stay where every window looks out onto green fields and every morning begins with birdsong.
Each cottage has its own character — some with open fires and flagstone floors, others with light-filled kitchens and views across the Cerne Valley. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic weekend, a family holiday, or just a quiet few days to yourself, you’ll find everything you need to feel at home.
Minterne sits between Cerne Abbas and Dorchester, right in the heart of rural Dorset. It’s best known for Minterne Gardens, a remarkable collection of plants and trees from around the world, shaped by generations of the Digby family. In spring, the valley bursts with colour from rhododendrons and magnolias, while in autumn the woodland glows with copper and gold.
01929 481547