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Bryanston Cottage

Bryanston Cottage was built by Lord Portman in the late 1700's for his mistress. He was able to walk across his Deer park to visit her without entering the town. Today, the old Portman seat forms the core of Bryanston School, the Deer Park is known as the Crown meadows and Bryanston Cottage continues to sit behind its Ha Ha overlooking them, the river Stour and Bryanston School's woods beyond.

Bryanston Cottage is a Grade II listed building and Blandford is a conservation area. The Cottage was featured in the July 2002 edition of '25 Beautiful Homes' and has 3 guest bedrooms each with its own bathroom ensuite. All of the rooms have large flat screen TVs with free view and are served by complimentary WiFi broadband internet access.

The Twin Room is large and airy and is decorated with early 19th century French antiques. The Double Room is decorated with a large antique French bed with corona and drapes, small sofa and antique French wardrobe.

The Studio Flat is self-contained with its own private entrance. Decor is 'Out of Africa' eclectic. It has a tiny kitchenette and bathroom with bath and shower.

Breakfast is served by Wyn in the large kitchen who cooks the most fantastic breakfast on the aga. The garden has benches and a large table and chairs that are there for guests to use weather permitting.

The Cottage is built with its back facing the street so that the front of the house faces the meadows and every room shares this stunning view. This makes Bryanston Cottage the most fantastic house in the most amazing location. In the centre of town not 200 yards from the main square, and yet in the middle of the countryside with not a house in sight.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair at the end of August is Blandford's main annual event, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. The Georgian Fayre, when all dress up in Georgian clothes is held at the beginning of May followed by a Carnival after the Steam Fair.

Other local attractions include Monkey World and the Tank Museum.
Priest's House Museum (8 miles) is a historic town house dating from the 16th century. This is a Grade II listed building, which retains many original architectural features. Chettle House (6 miles). In 1710 Thomas Archer was commissioned to build Chettle House. The house has no corners; all the corners are rounded in common with the Archer style.

Kingston Lacy (6 miles) is a magnificent mansion managed by The National Trust. It has important collections and is set in attractive formal gardens and parkland.
Athlehampton House and Gardens (10 miles) is one of the finest 15th century houses in England, containing many magnificently furnished rooms. The gardens, dating from 1891, have excellent views and gain much from the fountains and River Piddle flowing through.

Wimborne Minster (9 miles) is a delightful historic, bustling market town, which lies in the picturesque water meadows of the rivers Stour and Allen.
Stapehill Abbey (11 miles) for nearly 200 years was home to a silent Order of Nuns and was a place of quiet retreat and meditation locked away from the outside world. It is now a museum, farm, gardens and craft centre.

Cerne Abbas (14 miles) famed for the Cerne Giant - a striking mysterious, 180 foot high figure cut into the chalk downs overlooking the village. Cerne Abbas is popular for its picturesque streets, 15th century houses and Abbey ruins.

Milborne Port (14 miles) was once one of the most importnant towns in Somerset, with its own mint. Attractive old buildings include the market hall, Guildhall, church and fives court.

Dorchester (15 miles) is the county town of Dorset and Thomas Hardy's Casterbridge. It has much to offer the visitor, with its bustling shopping precincts, elegant 18th century houses and vital cultural life and museums.

Bournemouth (15 miles) is internationally renowned for being one of Europe's most fashionable resorts. It attracts millions of visitors of all ages and nationalities each year.