Pull up to this dreamy retreat and you'll be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into a fairytale. Part of the incredible Compton Castle estate on the Somerset/Dorset border, Sherborne Lodge is the principle gatehouse to the castle, sitting in an elevated position amidst rolling countryside. Please note that the grounds are private property. Dating from 1800, it frames the original Regency carriage drive and boasts two imposing castellated turrets and has stunning views of cedar, oak and larch woodland, lawns and the original 16th century trout ponds.
Step inside this unique retreat and you'll find splendid rooms which beautifully merge the old with the new; exquisite original features such as the spiral staircase, windows and fireplaces are carefully paired with more modern touches such as a freestanding bathtub, fabulous kitchen and huge, sumptuous beds. Dedicated to the memory of late interior designer William Yeoward, the property is dotted with incredible pieces that have been sourced from all over the world, with rugs, mirrors and coordinating fabrics also Yeoward.
With the bedrooms in separate buildings, this is an ideal getaway for couples seeking their own space. It's also a perfect honeymoon retreat - after all, where could you find anywhere more romantic?
Living and eating
We have fallen in love with the spacious bespoke kitchen in Farrow & Ball Pitch Blue with dramatic white quartz work surfaces, creating a beautiful Wedgewood feel to the room. Filled to the brim with everything you could possibly need, there's a large induction range, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, larder, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine, Kenwood blender, food mixer, Nutribullet plus all the other essentials. With everything in shades of blue and whites, the beautiful vintage china on display is just lovely. There's also a handy dumb waiter to take food down to the dining room and garden, whilst a breakfast bar at the far end is perfect for snacks on the go or for when you want to watch the cook at work. A door leads out on to the main terrace and outdoor eating area.
Take the spiral staircase in the turret down to the lovely dining room, where a wooden dining table easily seats four and French windows overlook the lawns and trout ponds. This view faces south west and offers beautiful sunsets.
In addition, on the ground floor is a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer.
From here, take the turret staircase that winds up on oak boarded treads and exposed stone walls, showcasing the expertise of stonemasons hundreds of years ago, into the glorious sitting room. A triple aspect curved room, the owner has used this space to showcase pieces by the interior designer, William Yeoward. His fabrics, carpet and vintage collectible furniture give this unique room a handsome post war feel, made complete by the vintage crystal pieces on display. There are five sumptuous velvet restored Art Deco club chairs from the Savoy Hotel nestled around the beautiful wood burner for cosy evenings together.
Sleeping
There are three beautiful bedrooms to choose from.
Follow the staircase upwards to the vast, stunning master bedroom. With triple aspect windows, gorgeous freestanding roll top bath for two and super king bed. The turret staircase is an additional set of stairs to this suite, concealed behind castellated doors.
The second bedroom is a cabana, completely independent from the main house and accessed from the deck area. With loggia effect full size glass doors and balcony overlooking the trout ponds, this is a peaceful, hidden-away room with a king size vintage bed, wall mounted Smart TV and en suite shower room.
In addition, there is a super-sweet third bedroom with a single bed.
All of the bedrooms are swathed in beautiful Yves Delorme linens, Brinkhaus pillows, sumptuous throws and a plethora of cushions.
Bathing
As well as the gorgeous roll top bath in the master bedroom, there's a shower room on the half landing and the en suite shower room for the second bedroom.
Both shower-rooms and the bathroom have heated rails to ensure towels are kept warm and fluffy.
Outdoor space
The garden at Sherborne Lodge is just spectacular. Leading from the kitchen is a vast deck area complete with a dining table and chairs with umbrella and a brasier for cooking for afresco meals with spectacular views. A gate leads off into private woodland as well as a generous terraced garden, with dramatic 30 feet high stone walls at one side.
Setting
Sherborne Lodge enjoys a quiet, rural setting, within beautiful countryside - much loved by the people who live in it. Due to its peaceful location, we kindly ask our guests to maintain the tranquil setting to respect our neighbours' peace and privacy.
Please note, this retreat is not suitable for hen or stag parties.
Parking
There is private parking via electric gates for two cars.
Antiques and collectables
This stunning retreat is also home to a large collection of original, one-of-a-kind antiques including furniture, crystal, china and silverware. Whilst we know our guests always take the utmost care in our retreats, in the unlikely event that something gets broken, any breakages will need to be paid for – thank you.
Super eco friendly home
Sherborne Lodge is striving to be as green as possible, as such they have a strict policy on recycling as well as composting all natural food waste. The owners also provide grind compostable coffee pods, organic toiletries, low energy appliances, logs from the estate and locally sourced charcoal to name just a few of their greener endeavours.
Babies and children
Babes in arms are very welcome at Sherborne Lodge. Due to the spiral staircase and steep stairs in the garden, this property isn't suitable for young children. Please bring your own baby equipment and contact the office to book a baby in.
Dogs
Sherborne Lodge welcomes one dog. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break.
WiFi
Sherborne Lodge has WiFi so if you need to stay in touch with the outside world you can.
In the Area
As you would expect for a countryside idyll, there are some fabulous places to eat and drink nearby, with The Kings Arms in Charlton Horethorne, The Queens Arms in Corton Denham and The Camelot in South Cadbury. Make sure to book a table at The Newt in Castle Cary, famed for its incredible grounds, whilst the Roth Bar & Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Bruton is a must too. The gorgeous town of Sherborne is just seven miles away and home to all the amenities you need, plus a beautiful abbey and castle dating from 1594 built by Sir Walter Raleigh. There's a train station if you're thinking of arriving by train for a complete break. Additionally, you're close to Glastonbury (make sure to visit the abbey and iconic Tor), the city of Wells, the natural wonders of Cheddar Gorge, the Wookey Hole Caves, the Mendip Hills, Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Blackdown Hills. You're also only an hour from the Roman city of Bath. This is also an ideal location to stay for wedding guests of Cadbury Court.
