Serving Up Style

Serving Up Style: Dorset

Part of a nineteenth-century groom’s cottage on the grounds of St Giles House in Dorset, this maisonette in a former stable block looks like a scene straight out of Bridgerton. A stylish mishmash of antique brickwork, vintage pieces and modern design touches, every inch has been cleverly renovated by Lord and Lady Shaftesbury to enhance the history and character in an uber-cool way. Think bold paint colours, jazzy wallpapers, traditional flagstone floors, hand-crafted bespoke showers and a drool-worthy copper roll-top tub. While the Egyptian cotton bedding and plush dressing gowns are modern luxuries worthy of a boutique hotel, the estate's rolling green fields, the stable views and the cosy living area – complete with a wood-burning fire – feel authentically rural. You'll love strolling among the manor's private garden, or, when you crave a bit of adventure, enjoy day trips to the beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest and cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth. Larger groups can even rent the neighbouring cottages and lodges, all beautifully designed by Lady Shaftesbury. If you're looking for a glamourous stay in the stunning English countryside, this is it.

Home truths:
*The stairs to the upstairs bedroom are original, so they’re quite steep
*There is no private outdoor area for guests to use exclusively, but you do have access to the estate’s gardens and grounds
*The bathroom in bedroom two is free-standing, meaning there are no doors to separate the bathroom from the bedroom
*Larger groups can hire all three properties on the estate for big get-togethers
*There is a lake on the grounds, so the host’s ask that you take care with children
*There are quite a few breakable decorations as well sharp-edged furniture, so this home is not suitable for infants
*Check-ins are available Monday-Saturday only, year-round