Hollywood

Why you'll love staying here

Located just 10 miles from Blandford Forum, Hollywood is a single-storey Victorian barn conversion on a working farm situated beneath Bulbarrow Hill, Dorset’s second-highest point. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Blackmore Vale and set deep in Thomas Hardy country, it offers an exceptional rural retreat for a family or group of friends.

Built in the 1830s and originally used to house small animals, the barn has been beautifully restored retaining timber beams and exposed stonework, while large skylights flood the open-plan living space with natural light.

Outside, Hollywood benefits from a patio garden complete with a hot tub and wonderful views over the surrounding fields.

The farm has an excellent range of leisure facilities including a games barn, an activity suite, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, picnic areas, and children’s outdoor playground with swings, slides, trampolines, and playhouse.

Hollywood is also a good choice for anglers too, with three coarse fishing lakes on the farm. Stocked with carp, bream, perch, and rudd, some weighing up to 30lb, the lakes offer a challenge for anglers of all levels of experience. Guests should note that although the lakes are fenced, children must be supervised.

The 65-acre farm, originally a dairy enterprise and now home to beef cattle, welcomes guests to explore the grounds. The owners are dedicated to sustainability and wildlife conservation, planting native trees such as oak, ilex, ash, and hornbeam to encourage species such as deer, hares, hedgehogs, and bats. Birdlife on the farm includes red kites, buzzards, and house martins, which you may spot on the nature trails that wind through the estate.

The nearby market town of Blandford Forum is one of the most complete Georgian towns in England, with stunning architecture, a parish church, independent shops, and a lively market place. Blandford Fashion Museum, located in Lime Tree House, displays a superb collection of clothing from the early 18th century to the 1970s, including day wear, evening gowns, wedding dresses, and accessories. Another fascinating attraction is the Royal Signals Museum, which tells the story of military signalling from visual methods to modern digital battlefield communications.

A little further afield lies Shaftesbury, a medieval town home to Sherborne Abbey and two historic castles. Sherborne Old Castle was once a grand fortified palace of the Bishops of Salisbury, and the ruins of its great tower, chapels, and impressive southwest gatehouse can be explored. Nearby Sherborne Castle, a 16th-century Tudor mansion built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, houses fine collections of art, porcelain, and furniture, and is surrounded by Grade I listed gardens designed by Capability Brown, with spring bulbs, herbaceous borders, and majestic trees around a 50 acre lake.

The Jurassic Coast offers a wealth of pretty seaside towns and beaches to explore via the South West Coast Path. The iconic limestone arch at Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, with a shingle beach, chalk cliffs, and dramatic sea caves to explore.

For a traditional seaside day out, head to Weymouth. Its award-winning sandy beach and gently sloping seabed make the water ideal for swimming and watersports, while classic seaside entertainment, including Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides, pedalos, and amusement arcades, adds to the charm of the Georgian esplanade. Hire a deckchair, enjoy fish and chips on the beach, while children entertain themselves building sandcastles.

A country pub serving food is within walking distance of the farm although this is only open from Wednesday to Sunday and booking in advance is recommended. There are several other pubs a short drive away, while supermarkets and other amenities can be found in Blandford Forum.