Deans Court – Wimbourne, Dorset
Some things never change, and they are all the better for it. The Hanham family have lovingly cared for Deans Court since the Reformation, maintaining the surrounding land and the elegant redbrick Georgian house, as well as the Serpentine-walled kitchen garden – the first of its kind to be accredited by the Soil Association. Guests are invited to experience a slice of the sustainable lifestyle promoted on the estate from the comfort of two recently renovated farmers’ cottages located within their own walled garden and adjoining orchard, or just outside the main entrance is the seven-bedroom gate house. Altogether, the accommodation can sleep up to 26 people – handy if you’re planning a large get-together. Those that have the fishing bug will be pleased to hear that, just a short walk from your temporary abode, Deans Court has a beat on the River Allen, home to wild brown trout. Tight lines! Best of all, produce from the garden – think eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables – can be pre-ordered for your arrival. Isn’t it nice when you have everything in one place, or estate for that matter?
tip
Name to Know: Owner, Ali Hanham. Deans Court has been in the Hanham family for nearly 500 years. Ask her to take you on a tour around the garden.
See: Guests are free to wander around the Court’s kitchen garden, the first one in the country to be fully organic. It is lovingly tended to by one of the very knowledgeable gardeners.
Eat: Deans Court’s cafe serves salads, quiches and soups using ingredients picked every morning from the kitchen garden. For those with a sweet-tooth why not try a slice of courgette and lemon or beetroot and chocolate cake.
Buy: The Home Store sits opposite the café and offers a mix of old and new products, all hand selected from independent makers, designers and suppliers across the world.
Want to find out more? Visit the hotel's website.
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