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

Go slow in Dorset. When Tim and Lucy first came across this Victorian forge – across the yard from their house – they found the blacksmith's tools exactly as he'd left them. They have restored the building with a sensitive eye. Bellows, anvils, pincers and hammers from the smithy's days complement stone, brick, coir matting and the ancient roof timbers of the sitting room – warm and cosy with a wood-burning stove and jugs of wild flowers. The terracotta tiled kitchen is small but has all the bits and pieces you need; off here is the immaculately pretty bathroom. Up six steps and you're into a pretty galleried bedroom, with folksy painted furniture, iron bedstead, French style bedspread and crisp white sheets. On fine days take tea under a clematis and rose covered arbour. Walk from door across gorgeous Fontmell Down, explore the nearby iron-age cross dykes, or go a little further for historic castles and grand houses. The easy-going and friendly Kerridges don't stop at simply restoring old buildings: if you're into veteran cars you'll appreciate Tim's collection of classics, including a magnificent 1930s Lagonda.