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Hartgrove Farm - Award winning self-catering accommodation. Delightful cottages set in the glorious Dorset countryside of Southern England.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Magnificent Views, Organic Working Family Farm, Pretty Thatched Villages, Friendly Farm Animals, Tennis Court, Swimming, Games Barn, Lovely Walking and Wildlife, Easy Access to Jurassic Coast and Beautiful Sandy Beaches, Accessible Holidays
The farm is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty deep in the heart of the most beautiful countryside, one and a half miles from the pretty thatched village of Fontmell Magna. This organic family farm straddles a small hill between the Cranborne Chase and the Blackmore Vale. The views from the farm are truly spectacular and surely amongst the finest in the county.
The farm and surrounding countryside is a nature lover's paradise. We have recorded over 70 species of birds. Deer, foxes, pheasants and buzzards are a common sight. We have a large badger sett and, although very shy, many guests have caught sight of the odd "Mr Brock" rummaging in the wood.
You are very welcome to walk the farm – picnic by the stream, watch the children fish. Hartgrove is a very special place to relax in.
We are really lucky to be surrounded by beautiful rolling country and the walking locally is outstanding, whether on National Trust chalk downs or on one of the many valley footpaths. Detailed maps and guides are available.
The farm is run organically, with cows heifers and sheep grazing the gently undulating fields.
The sheep lamb in the summer. At this time everyone pitches in to bottle feed the orphans.
Come and meet our four, thoroughly spoilt, pet goats: Daisy, Jasmine, Jessy and Gypsy. They are great characters and love being fed by the children. On certain mornings we organise a feed round when children (and grown-ups) can help feed the animals around the yard:- a very popular way to start the day!
Come and see our colourful flock of chickens, bantams and guinea fowl, and meet Columbus, our enormous Light Sussex cockerel. Collecting a still warm egg and taking it back for tea is a rather special experience.
Cleopatra and Tufty, the two pot-bellied pigs, are great characters and love being fussed over by the children (and grown-ups!). Not to mention Rosie and Poppy, our two black Labradors and Pebbles the naughty little Jack Russell.
We have a small shop selling eggs, honey, real Dorset Dairy Ice Cream, post cards and souvenirs.
Some of the old traditional farm buildings have been converted into award winning self-catering accommodation. These very individual character cottages and farmhouse flat are furnished and equipped to a high standard and have been awarded 4 star classification by the English Tourism Council. All have central heating and most have log fires for those chilly evenings. There is a laundry room equipped with automatic washing machine, tumble dryer, deep freeze and pay phone. Families are especially welcome and high chairs, cots, put-u-ups and stair gates are available. James, our son, can often babysit when he is at home, or otherwise one of the girls in the village can normally help out.
There is a variety of farm animals, cows, calves, goats, sheep, chickens and pigs, so plenty of interest for the children.
The lovely old 18th Century threshing barn has recently been converted into a superb games room with table tennis and pool. The mellow brick walls lined with old farm implements give it tremendous character. Fully carpeted and heated, there is a small library, tables and chairs for board games and some toys for younger children. This lovely barn is available for hire by larger parties
All cottages have telephones for incoming calls. We welcome well-behaved pets. The cottages are "non-smoking".
There are often discounts available for couples and we welcome short breaks outside the peak season.
Our village of Fontmell Magna is a thriving little thatched village nestling beneath the chalk downs of the Cranborne Chase. We have a doctor's surgery, a school, a village pub which serves really good food, and an excellent post office and general store. John and Wendy, who own the stores, are happy to deliver groceries to your cottage before you arrive and during your stay. The village church is lovely, and well worth a visit.
Many of the local thatched villages have good pubs serving food. Amongst these is the Crown at Marnhull, (The Pure Drop Inn of Thomas Hardy's novels).
Shaftesbury, with its renowned Gold Hill (made famous in the 'Hovis' advertisements), is a lovely old town and a good shopping centre.
There are several fine stately homes and gardens within easy reach, including Stourhead (National Trust), Kingston Lacey (NT) and Chettle.
The world-renowned Jurassic Coast is an easy drive, whilst the beautiful sandy beaches at Studland are about 45 minutes away. Poole Quay, with its regular crossings to Brownsea Island, is even closer. Brownsea is a must for the children.
Lyme Regis is a must for fossil hunters; with fossil shops and organised fossil hunts in the summer.
Over the years, guests have been amazed at the variety of nearby attractions: Longleat, Monkey World, the Sealife Centre, Farmer Giles Farmstead, Moors Valley Country Park with its fishing, railway and play and treetop walks, the Bovington Tank Museum. We really are spoilt for choice!
Walking: The whole area is a walker's paradise with beautiful walks on the magnificent National Trust downs, Hambledon Hill, Duncliffe Hill or the patchwork of valley footpaths including the lovely Stour Valley Way. We have lots of guides for you to borrow. These cover coastal paths, walks based on pubs and other interesting ways to enjoy the beautiful Dorset countryside.
Fontmell Down is particularly lovely, a dry walk on the chalk with majestic views. Ideal for families, as you can picnic, play football, fly a kite or wonder at the scenery - a very special place.
After all this activity, a glass of beer or cup of coffee at the small private airfield on top of Zig Zag Hill goes down well while watching the little planes come and go. There is a museum of flying too.
Tel 01747 811 830
www.hartgrovefarm.co.uk
Dorset self catering holiday cottages