Sydling Brook Lodge

Sydling Brook Lodge is a detached lodge at the end of a private drive in Sydling St Nicholas, near Dorchester, with Frampton nearby. It has two bedrooms off the lounge, each with a super-king zip-and-link bed that can be made into twins on request, and sleeps four. One dog is welcome, with additional charges possible. It suits two couples, or friends sharing, who want a quiet spot beside the water.

The open-plan lounge, kitchen and diner has French doors and sofas that look out to the brook, and an open fire with the first basket of logs included. The kitchen has an electric Range master oven, a hob, a microwave, a fridge freezer, a dishwasher and a washing machine. The bathroom has a bath, a separate shower and a WC. Wi-Fi covers the whole lodge, running over a 4G connection at about 15Mbps with unlimited data. A travel cot and highchair are available on request.

The French doors open onto a veranda, open on two sides but covered, with a second open fire, a garden table, chairs and a charcoal BBQ. The brook runs past the front of the lodge and the lake is not fenced, so children need watching. Dry fly fishing with exclusive use of the lake is available at an extra cost by direct arrangement with the owner, who can also arrange instructors and equipment hire.

Parking is ample and off-road, to the side. Electric vehicles cannot be charged at the property under any circumstances, and the nearest charging point is in Poundbury, about 6 miles away. The pub and shop are 2.5 miles away and the beach is 11 miles. Woodbury Meadow Barn, which sleeps eight, is a 5-minute walk away and can be booked alongside, subject to availability.