Sumner Lodge, Dorset

Description: Sumner Lodge

Standing in the heart of Thomas Hardy's fictional Wessex, Sumner Lodge is set in a magnificent Georgian mansion, originally built in 1798 as a noble residence. An extension was added by Hardy in 1893, and after an eventful history and a number of modifications, it was purchased by its present owners. This fabulous property now offers luxury boutique accommodation, first-class cuisine and a magnificent range of facilities in an idyllic West-Country setting.

A fantastic spot for tranquil visits to this beautiful corner of Dorset, Sumner Lodge is just footsteps away from a number of Hardy's locations, including the Acorn Inn and Tess Cottage. Close to countless areas of great natural beauty, guests can enjoy hiking, cycling, water sports and golf, among many other outdoor activities. On-site, the hotel boast an all-weather tennis court, a croquet lawn, an indoor swimming pool and a fully-equipped spa centre.

Sumner Lodge's award-winning restaurant - it boasts 3 AA Rosettes - serves a unique combination of traditional English cuisine with a modern European twist. Guests can choose from a range of menus, including tasting menus, à la carte, and surprise menus, but whatever the choice, all food is meticulously prepared from the finest ingredients the West Country has to offer, much from the hotel's own gardens. Guests can expect magnificent wine pairings from the extensive cellar, while the Bar and Whisky Lounge is a cosy spot to relax with a spectacular selection of malts and blends from all around the world.

Type of rooms: Sumner Lodge

Classic Room:
A Classic Room is inspired - a hi-tech rural escape with delightful views over the courtyard or towards the village. Each room is exquisitely decorated in the rich, yet relaxed, Summer Lodge style with fresh flowers, 200-thread-count Belgian linen, and soft bathrobes. There's a cosy gas fire and plenty of discreet technology, including plasma TV and wireless internet. One queen-size bed. Room size 25 sq m.
Superior Room:
Stepping into a Superior Room feels like coming home. The rooms may be richly decorated with fine fabrics, magnificent furniture, and imaginative wallpapers, but they're never less than homely. A Superior Room, with its tranquil views, fresh fruit, home-made shortbread, and twice-daily maid service, puts guests at instant ease. This is comfortable, rural living at its most elegant. 1 queen-size or 1 king-size or twin beds. Room size 28 sq m.
Principal Rooms:
No two Principal Rooms are the same. Each has its own distinctive, stately-home or country-cottage style. A Principal Room is luxury on a grand scale with a generous king-size bed, soft furnishings, and ornate bathroom, and plenty of room to stretch out. 1 king-size or twin beds.
Room size approximately 35 sq m.
Principal Deluxe Rooms:
Principal Deluxe Rooms are much the same as the Principal Rooms. Principal Deluxe Rooms are located in the Main House and have double aspect windows which overlook the garden. Each has its own distinctive, stately-home or country-cottage style and no two rooms are the same. A Principal Deluxe Room is luxury on a grand scale with generous king-size or twin beds, soft furnishings, ornate bathroom, and plenty of room to stretch out. One of the rooms has a four-poster bed. Room size 33 sq m.
Suite Collection:
Our variety of the luxury Suites makes choosing difficult. They range from a suite with a glass conservatory and private walled garden to a family-friendly suite with an adjoining Superior Room. All are splendid, with an appealing blend of originality, airy grandeur, and cosy, West-Country intimacy.
Master Bedroom:
If we could sum up our Master Bedroom in one word, it would be 'regal'. This is how you imagine royalty must have lived - with a grand king-size four-poster bed, a homely fire in the grate, and a room big enough to take the most exquisite fabrics and furnishings. To this we've added 21st-century comforts in the form of two magnificent bathrooms and three plasma Tvs.
Room size 53 sq m.
Summer Lane Cottages:
The 400 year old Summer Lane Cottages are ideal for families. A quaint two-bedroomed duplex cottage with one double room and one single room interconnects to a Superior room offering twin or double accommodation. The Cottages are just across the gardens from the main building, providing total privacy whilst being able to take advantage of all of the hotel facilities.
Ivy Cottage:
Ivy Cottage is made for lovers. This is the luxurious Dorset cottage with private garden, open-air hot tub, and 400 years of romance. When they're not soaking in that tub or curled up in front of an open log fire, newly-weds and couples celebrating birthdays or anniversaries find all the peace and privacy they deserve. With the hotel next door, they also enjoy 5-star service.

Additional information: Sumner Lodge