Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset
We provide comfortable, beautifully furnished accommodation for two people (perhaps accompanied by a baby or small child) in an idyllic setting in North Dorset, UK, within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast and many other places of interest in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. These include the old market town of Sherborne (formerly the capital of Wessex), with its abbey and two castles, Athelhampton House near Dorchester, Stourhead Gardens, Longleat House and Safari Park, Montacute House, and the picturesque towns of Wells, Glastonbury and Bath, not forgetting, of course, West Bay near Bridport, home of the TV program Broadchurch.
We are close to a number of SSSIs, and our garden is visited by a variety of wildlife. Alner's Gorse, a local butterfly sanctuary is a short walk down a green lane. We also maintain a small flock of sheep and in the spring there may be lambs in our paddocks.
The accommodation we offer is located in an annexe that adjoins the main house. It has recently been refurbished throughout. Guests are welcome to bring a dog, as long it is well behaved (we have our own dog, cats and sheep).
Ridge Farm Annexe is often described by our guests as being 'like a home'. And that's exactly what it was for 25 years when Madeline's mother lived here. The Annexe was completely refurbished during 2014, with brand new bathroom fittings, new carpets and a redesigned kitchen. The accommodation consists of a sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and hall.
The sitting room is equipped with a comfortable sofa and armchairs, and there is access to the patio outside through sliding French doors. A TV is provided, as is wireless high-speed fibre broadband (45-50 mbps), and there is also a selection of games and jigsaw puzzles -- and two bookcases full of books in the hall.
The bedroom is furnished with two comfortable 3' beds with pocket-sprung mattresses and duvets, 2 chairs, 2 bedside cabinets, each with a bedside light, a small chest of drawers, and a built in wardrobe with shelving. A cot for a baby or camp bed for a child can be provided.
The recently completely refurbished bathroom is equipped with a corner bath, walk-in shower, basin and toilet. There is a mirrored cabinet over the basin and a shaver point suitable for both 240v and 115v appliances.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a ceramic-topped, two-oven electric cooker, a microwave cooker, a fridge with a small freezer compartment and a washing machine (3kg wash). In the winter there is also a condenser tumble drier in the porch. Crockery and cutlery are supplied, together with cooking utensils and all other normal kitchen equipment. For dining there is a table and chairs. Towels and linen are provided. Meals are not provided, but a supply of basic provisions, including bread, butter, milk, coffee, tea, sugar, flour, salt and pepper, will await you on your arrival. If you would like us to, we can also supply additional provisions at cost (payment on arrival). Please order these at least 48 hours beforehand.
Access to the Annexe is via a private porch and you will be free to come and go as you wish. You will also be very welcome to make use of the patio and the rest of the garden.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Beautifully appointed west Dorset Cottage With Open Parkland Views
Dorchester
Beautifully appointed west Dorset Cottage With Open Parkland Views
Check-in and checkout times may be flexible by prior arrangement if we do not have other guests leaving or arriving on arrival or departure days
The use of room fragrances other than those we provide is not permitted.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1746122
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Guests may not hold events at Ridge Farm
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Sturminster Newton
Located in Sturminster Newton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Cineworld Yeovil and Melbury Vale Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Yeovil Country Park. Badger Watch Dorset and Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre are also worth visiting. Break out the clubs and hit the links on a nearby golf course, or seek out an adventure with hiking.
Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - 9 min drive - 5.5 km
Badger Watch Dorset - 15 min drive - 11.4 km
Sturminster Newton Mill - 18 min drive - 13.5 km
Sherborne Abbey - 21 min drive - 16.3 km
Cerne Abbas Giant - 23 min drive - 17.7 km
Getting around
Sherborne Station - 20 min drive
Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 68 min drive
Restaurants
Meaders - 10 min drive
Benjis Kebab - 11 min drive
The Clockspire - 18 min drive
The White Horse - 14 min drive
White Hart Alehouse - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset on 29 June 2026 start from NZ$191, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset?
Check-in begins at 4:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Farmhouse Annexe For 2 People In A Peaceful Location In North Dorset located?
Situated on a river, this holiday home is 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within 6 miles (10 km) of Badger Watch Dorset and Sturminster Newton Mill. Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre and Cerne Abbas Giant are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Had a wonderful 4 nights at this property. Hosts were very welcoming and informative. Nice cosy annexe and supplied with everything you could possibly need. Beautiful gardens and lovely dog. Would highly recommend.
Great short peaceful break. Hosts were very helpful and friendly.
Property had all the space and facilities needed in a lovely setting with many birds and various wildlife. We were wishing we could have stayed there longer.
This property was well equipped Had a nice kitchen and bathroomThe garden was lovely lots of birds Sheep and horses in the field Owners very friendly Maybe it could do with some updates It was quite remote We enjoyed our stay
Paul C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 August 2025
We aren't sure what 'updates' this guest has in mind; most of our guests are delighted with the decor and furnishings as they are. We aren't in fact all that remote, but the house is located far enough from traffic for peace and quiet that most guests enjoy. Given the guest's other more positive comments and that they enjoyed their stay, '6/10' seems a little harsh. :)
Lovely garden surrounded by countryside with lots of good walks and a very nice pub within easy walking distance. The annexe was extremely well equipped and comfortable and there was extensive information on local attractions. The owners Madelaine and Mark were very friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed the time that we stayed there.
JILL J.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dawn
27 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very comfortable home from home, so quiet, so clean and beautiful cottage gardens. Heaven for my dogs . Lovely owners
We really enjoyed our stay in this cozy cottage in beautiful rural surroundings. The sympathetic hosts were very friendly and helpful with any kind of questions and they gave us valuable and interesting tips. We would love to come back!
Set in isolated rural village with lovely views and walks.
Our vist was marred by horrendous wet weather,but we made the best of it.
Mark and Madeline were lovely people who made us welcome and dealt with any issues and gave advice about the area.
What a lovely, clean, well equipped, nostalgic place to stay. Nice big garden, sunny patio area, & so peaceful. Plenty of lovely walks surrounding the property. Just what my friend & I needed. Great hosts, very welcoming & helpful. Already planning our next visit! Thank you.
Delightfully quiet. Everything provided.
Hosts were most helpul and attentive but in no way intrusive.
This was home from home - but without the noise of traffic.
We hat a beautyful week in a nice landscape. Madelines and Marks annexe ist lovingly furnished in an English country house style.We had wonderful hosts an a very good time. Thank you Madeline and Mark!
Such friendly and helpful hosts. Beautifully clean. Essential supplies waiting for us on arrival. Lovely decor throughout, sitting room very tasteful and comfortable. Kitchen has everything you need including washing machine and microwave. Spacious, very well kept garden where you can sit and eat outside. Near historic towns and places of interest. River swimming near Sturminster Newton. No noise at night, just the hoot of an owl.
The accommodation was very cozy and well equipped.
My husband and I never appreciated how rural the property was and the very narrow lanes we had to negotiate to get anywhere.
Lorraine B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
david
16 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Charming and enjoyably unsafisticated. impeccably. Tidy.
The annexe was very well kitted out with everything you could need, but also included a photo of the late mother in the lounge, and a few cobwebs in the bathroom, possibly missed due to the necessary cleaning of the place after the previous tenants had been there three months. And the settee cushions in the lounge could do with reupholstering with sponge. But overall a lovely place to stay, with visits from Jango the dog, and the very affectionate cat
Christine W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2022
Sorry about the cobwebs. We thought we had got them all, but our country spiders are quite busy at this time of year. :)
We guess that foam cushions are a matter of taste. All the cushions in the Annexe are feather-filled -- and very comfortable -- we have had no complaints up to now.
Most guests think that the photo of the original annexe resident (for 25 years) is a nice touch.
Exactly as stated on advert. Mostly all we needed. Owners very welcoming. Just be aware that not all restaurants, pubs etc. are open on a Monday and Tuesday
Die Anliegerstraße war sehr holprig. Ansonsten war alles wie beschrieben. Super Standort um die Umgebung zu erkunden. Wir haben uns überwiegend für den national Trust interessiert.
Wir haben die Ruhe sehr genossen.
Hinzu kommt, dass wir die ganze Zeit tolles Wetter hatten!
Booked this stay last minute around some walking and visiting and it honestly could not have been better. Our hosts were wonderful, warm and welcoming and on hand if we needed them. The property itself was perfect for us with everything we needed - and more we would never have thought of ! We already have plans to return to further explore this beautiful part of the world and will have no hesitation in booking again. Thank you for everything.
Nice little property for two people. Well equipped. Owners friendly and helpful. Well placed for visiting places in Dorset. One suggestion would be a visitor book for people to put recommendations for eating and visiting as many of the leaflets were well out of date.
Lovely peaceful location, an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. The annexe is well equipped and cosy. Highlight: the warm welcome from the owners' dog when returning to the annexe each day!
Ruth A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
About the host
Hosted by Madeline and Mark
Madeline and Mark have lived at Ridge Farm since 1980. Madeline trained as a cook and is a keen upholsterer. Mark is a former writer turned photographer, designer and IT consultant.
Why they chose this property
We bought Ridge Farm in 1980 almost entirely because of its peaceful location some distance from the nearest road. At the time the house was in a fairly dilapidated state, but over the years we have carried out repairs and made improvements and now we have no intention of ever moving out if we can possibly help it.
What makes this property unique
Its peaceful, rural setting.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests