Stockford Lodge

Stockford Lodge is a 250-year-old gate lodge at East Stoke, near Wareham, on the A352 between the riverside Saxon market town and the villages of Bovington and Wool. It stands in over 2 acres of grounds and bluebell woodland that run down to a stream. The lodge sleeps four.

Flagstone flooring and exposed beams run through the house. The ground floor has a dining room, a sitting room and a kitchen with an electric oven and hob, a microwave and a Smeg fridge. A garden room off the kitchen has underfloor heating and a stable door onto the terrace. The only bathroom is also on this floor, with a slipper bath, a shower over the bath and a WC. The cottage staircase is steep. At the top, the double bedroom has an en-suite WC and a twin room sits across the landing, both with built-in storage.

A Purbeck stone terrace wraps around the back, with garden furniture. The private driveway has space for three cars, and a high car barn gives covered parking with room for boat trailers. The lounge has a Smart TV, and a highchair and travel cot are available on request.

The nearest shop is 1.5 miles away and the pub 2 miles. Dogs are not allowed. The lodge suits a couple, or two friends, who want a wooded and private base and are comfortable with a steep staircase.