Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Two casual chic cottages in a majestic estate flanked by orchards and organic vegetable gardens. Take a drink – or sketchpad – to the terrace for views of Wimbourne Minster, distant cricket matches and the birds over Stour Meadows; sunsets are stunning. Exposed stonework reflects the 13th-century origins of these Georgian gardeners' cottages. Clean-lined interiors reflect 21st-century design. Spotlights gleam off brick walls washed in porcelain white, a rustic yet contemporary canvas for original oils, vintage chairs, oriental cushions. Apple has an inglenook fireplace, Plum an elm table for ten – perfect if you take both cottages together. Sisal carpets lead to simple bedrooms where linen blinds frame meadow views. Cook and eat in modern country kitchens (arrange a veg basket and home-laid eggs) then step out to a private garden lined with fruit trees; a large gravel patio is shared by the two cottages. An easy walk from historic Wimbourne, a short drive from blue flag beaches at Poole and Bournemouth, wrapped in pastoral peace – except during the September food festival or garden open days.