What’s The Orangery like?
This luxurious two-bedroom property is part of Broadmayne House, which dates back to the 1840s and was used as a base for US soldiers during the Second World War. The Orangery was added by current owners Andrew and Emma in 2016 and stands on the site of the former servants’ quarters. Dorchester is approximately 10 minutes away by car, and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is also within easy reach.
How dog-friendly is The Orangery?
It’s very good. Dogs stay for free, and they will love exploring every nook and cranny of this spacious property. While the orangery looks out over the beautiful patio and garden, there is an enclosed courtyard to the rear of the property that is perfect for pets to explore off-lead. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and bowls for your stay though – and while the owners leave some throws to cover the main sofa, you may want to pack a couple of extras as the sofa is white! The owners also ask that all dog mess is removed from the site – you’ll find a bin on the bridle path, a five-minute walk away.
Tell me more about The Orangery
If you’re looking to stay somewhere with the Wow Factor, then look no further as The Orangery is really rather special. This spacious property is accessed via a long gravel driveway and, despite being attached to the main manor house, it feels very private and exclusive. You enter the property via the coach house to the right – which has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors, a cobbled stone floor and can be used to store bikes, BBQ and outdoor games.
This opens into a luxurious boot room, where you’ll find a washing machine, lots of storage and hanging space for coats and shoes. From here, you can also access the fully tiled wet room, which comes complete with complimentary toiletries, and the panelled boudoir area, with its separate loo, standalone sink, lots more storage and a sizeable wine rack. This entire area has motion-activated lighting too.
A large room in the middle of the property houses the main living area, with its big white sofa, even bigger flatscreen TV, chandeliers, sash windows and built-in storage. The kitchen and dining area also shares this space (keep reading to find out more) and there is stone flooring – with underfloor heating – throughout.
A set of double doors to the rear open out into the enclosed courtyard, where you’ll find some patio furniture, pretty established trees and plants and further storage areas. There are actually three separate sets of doors you can use to access this enclosed space, while some sliding doors to the front of the living area lead out into the orangery. This really is a gorgeous space and a real sun trap, with three more sets of sofas to choose from.
And there is still more to come in terms of living space – with the large master bedroom to the front of the property and a cute second bedroom with bunks at the rear. Both rooms can more than comfortably accommodate two adults and there is plenty of storage space once again, especially in the second bedroom where a former fireplace has been cleverly transformed into a chest of drawers. Two robes can also be found in the main bedroom, as well as a large TV.
While The Orangery is in a semi-rural location, the WiFi is excellent so you don’t have to worry about keeping connected. And if the weather lets you down, Andrew and Emma provide a whole host of books and board games to keep guests of all ages entertained. Parking is no problem either, with plenty of space for at least two cars on the driveway right outside.
What’s the food like at The Orangery?
This is a self-catering property so you’ll need to bring your own food, but Andrew and Emma provide a few essentials to get you started, such as tea, coffee, milk – and a bottle of fizz. We also had a pack of shortbread waiting for us and, as we visited around Easter, some mini chocolate eggs. The kitchen was incredibly well-equipped though, with everything you’d need to cook up a feast on the large island, and a dishwasher to tidy it all away. I also loved all the sliding storage and cupboards that lit up when you opened them.
If you’d rather eat out during your stay though, there are plenty of dog-friendly options nearby. The Black Dog, just a five-minute walk down the road in Broadmayne, serves delicious pub grub and The Sailor’s Return, in nearby Chaldon Herring, is renowned for its homemade shortcrust pies. Andrew and Emma also provide a comprehensive list of their favourite places for breakfast, lunch and dinner nearby. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
Where are the best walks near The Orangery?
Oooh, where to start? You can walk for miles along the bridleway that leads up to the main house. This is an unmade road but lovely and shaded with lots of well-established trees. It’s perfectly possible to walk to the Osmington White Horse as well. This local landmark – a giant chalk figure carved into Osmington Hill – is a few miles from Broadmayne and you can reach it in about an hour.
There are some amazing walks to be had along the South West Coast Path too, all of which will reward you with beautiful views, such as the above. One of the most popular stretches is from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, which is approximately a mile each way. If you park at Lulworth, like we did, be aware that the first part of the walk is incredibly steep! Parking can also cost up to £20 per day at peak times. From The Orangery, it’s roughly a 10-minute drive to the coast.
Are there resident dogs at The Orangery?
No, but you’re sure to meet plenty of local dogs when you’re out and about – especially if you pop in to The Black Dog!
What Ernie and Stan loved about The Orangery
Exploring the enclosed courtyard, keeping watch over the garden, having so many great walks on the doorstep
What I loved about The Orangery
The opulence, the peaceful location, having such a beautifully designed space to enjoy
How to book The Orangery
Stays start from £150 a night. A two-night minimum booking applies. For more information or to book, visit The Orangery listing on Airbnb or find the property on Booking.com.
