Downwood
16 guests
-
8 bedrooms, 12 beds
5 bathrooms
+1 extra toilet
Out in the unspoiled countryside of Cranborne Chase AONB, this Victorian house sits in red-brick splendour. It’s a five-minute drive into the centre of Blandford Forum, a charming town to stock up on groceries and perhaps pause for a cup of coffee. Though there’s plenty to keep you busy on the estate as well – wander between the grapevines of the small vineyard, or head to the private tennis court. There’s over 30 acres of woodland walks to explore too. Within an acre of private garden, this home has its own heated swimming pool, hot tub for six, gas barbecue and croquet lawn. But, if the weather isn’t on your side, you can always while away the days in the games room. Two living rooms and a conservatory offer the group plenty of space to spread out, and you’ll have the choice between a cosy crackling wood-burner or streaming sunshine from glass walls. You can still picture scullery maids bustling around in the country-chic kitchen. In keeping with the Victorian grandeur of the home, bedrooms are a plush medley of chandeliers, silk curtains and four-poster beds and the master comes with a beautiful claw-foot tub.
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Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights
![Visit the charming harbour town of Poole, a twenty-minute drive away](https://static.plumcache.com/listings/bba10cd9-c2b3-40ca-be28-889b7fea6502/d481f301-f6de-417e-b714-fb2995da80e8..jpg?w=480&fit=min)
Visit the charming harbour town of Poole, a twenty-minute drive away
![Take your afternoon tea in the sunny conservatory](https://static.plumcache.com/listings/bba10cd9-c2b3-40ca-be28-889b7fea6502/d783887d-12c0-4d88-8bf9-0e90ac63821b..jpeg?rect=690%2C26%2C2424%2C2422&w=480&fit=min)
Take your afternoon tea in the sunny conservatory
![Rack up a game of pool in the games room indoors](https://static.plumcache.com/listings/bba10cd9-c2b3-40ca-be28-889b7fea6502/1c4ead1a-1916-465b-a384-dc1c05d2c901..jpeg?rect=94%2C8%2C2442%2C2440&w=480&fit=min)
Rack up a game of pool in the games room indoors
![Get cosy in front of the fireplace](https://static.plumcache.com/listings/bba10cd9-c2b3-40ca-be28-889b7fea6502/b1ba5533-fa3f-443e-8602-9cc63ff43b56..jpeg?rect=1324%2C101%2C2349%2C2347&w=480&fit=min)
Get cosy in front of the fireplace
![Head to the private tennis court for a game of doubles](https://static.plumcache.com/listings/bba10cd9-c2b3-40ca-be28-889b7fea6502/9bc10ee2-ab18-4d1e-8569-585cea92774e..jpeg?rect=253%2C8%2C2442%2C2440&w=480&fit=min)
Head to the private tennis court for a game of doubles
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
Your host can provide a high chair and cot, just ask
The swimming pool is closed between October and March
All of the bedrooms are upstairs, so this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
The closest food shop is over a mile away, so having a car is recommended
There is parking for up to ten cars with this home
About this stay
Amenities
Outdoor fireplace / firepit
Outdoor seating
Laptop friendly workspace
Wi-fi
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Bedrooms & bathrooms
8 bedrooms, 12 beds
5 bathrooms, 1 additional toilet
Local guide
About Blandford Forum
Sixty-five years after the Great Fire of London wreaked havoc on the capital, the sleepy Dorset town of Blandford Forum was also the victim of a catastrophic inferno that burnt down the vast majority of the wooden, thatched dwellings. From the ashes, local architect brothers John and William Bastard were called upon to draw up a new town plan and using stone quarried from the nearby Isle of Portland, they...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts
![Mingle with the locals at The Langton Arms](https://i.plumcache.com/attractions/9493/ATplDJbuLRJLmMR_R-CoD4K4kzfp-97HV_qjyMIw4JJMr.jpg?w=210&fit=min)
Mingle with the locals at The Langton Arms
Owned and run by Barbara and James (who also own Rawston Farm just down the road), The Langton Arms is worth a visit if you're looking for award-winning food in charming surroundings.
![Explore Milldown Nature Reserve](https://i.plumcache.com/attractions/23169/AUGGfZkbPV70ZKn9Uh5BJ8vEXCd06P7pqmG0ZxGrzKE0E.jpg?w=210&fit=min)
Explore Milldown Nature Reserve
A clean and well-kept park ideal for dog walking. Visit at sunrise for a peaceful experience amidst wildlife, flowers, and insects.
![Explore Wimborne's 1950s Model Town & Gardens](https://i.plumcache.com/attractions/57682/AUGGfZmk5kCZUaiAIw_a1xI81flWllpVKw5pOkYEsd8hV.jpg?w=210&fit=min)
Explore Wimborne's 1950s Model Town & Gardens
Step back in time and wander through the charming 1/10th scale model of Wimborne's streets, shops, and gardens from the 1950s. Immerse yourself in the intricate details and enjoy the serene ambiance of the well-maintained gardens. A delightful family day out!
![Dine at Topogigio](https://i.plumcache.com/attractions/57687/1PoaXQ5Ztwo.jpg?w=210&fit=min)
Dine at Topogigio
A lovely restaurant with friendly staff, delicious food, and great value for money. The Cannelloni and Mushroom Pizza are highly recommended. Make sure to book in advance!
![Dine at The Green Man](https://i.plumcache.com/attractions/57688/AUGGfZmtiut605XGGCWYwL1EecaUMAbBe320l6KGIVyA3.jpg?w=210&fit=min)
Dine at The Green Man
Quaint local tavern offering fantastic British fare, cask ales, and spirits. Enjoy a cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, and live music events. Great value and service.
![Explore Wimborne Minster Parish Office](https://i.plumcache.com/attractions/57689/AUGGfZkpbRJpLtunAbYxShfnOIwWuWtYZlFxt6gr2pavM.jpg?w=210&fit=min)
Explore Wimborne Minster Parish Office
Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this remarkable religious building with its interesting architectural features and refurbished organ. Located in the centre of town, it's a must-visit if you're in the area.
![Explore the Royal Signals Museum](https://i.plumcache.com/attractions/57755/AUGGfZmBzavBQ4ARVlCBwui9wQQ3qWvISDjkfb3omWYpC.jpg?w=210&fit=min)
Explore the Royal Signals Museum
Discover the fascinating history of military communications and codes at this interactive museum. From fire beacons to the Internet, experience the evolution of technology. Enjoy delicious home-baked cakes at the on-site cafe too.
Get around
Airport
Bournemouth
39 min
Southampton
1 hr 0 min
Isle of Wight/Sandown
2 hr 27 min
Train station
Hamworthy
26 min
Bus stop
Farquharson Arms
6 min
Local shops & services
Supermarket
7 min
Cafe
11 min
Pharmacy
5 min
Points of interest
Beach
Lake Beach
31 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 15:00
Departure before 10:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
30
days
Cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date for a full refund.
Up until
7
days
Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Leyla
This home is managed directly by its owner who will be your point of contact before and during your stay. With a handful of unique holiday homes in the grounds of Downwood Vineyard, Leyla and her team aim to provide perfect breaks surrounded by nature.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
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- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
- Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.