Small Boutique hotels in DORSET

Located in the heart of the charming little Dorset town of Beamister, Bridgehouse is set in a former rectory, with a history stretching back 700 years. This historic property has been lovingly and painstakingly converted, and is now a small boutique hotel, offering luxurious accommodation and award-winning cuisine in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This magical Dorset country house is ideal for exploring Thomas Hardy country and the locations featured in 'Far From the Madding Crowd', and is also within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by some of Dorset's most spectacular landscapes, it offers excellent golf, fishing, cycling and e-biking, and a range of water-sports, all a short distance from the hotel. One of the "raisons d'être" of Bridgehouse is its fine dining restaurant. The proud holder of two AA Rosettes and many more awards, the Beaminster Brasserie has an enviable reputation for home-grown, seasonal cuisine served in a wonderful choice of dining areas, including the al fresco garden terrace. The cooking style is fresh and modern British, and the wine list is eclectic. The restaurant's philosophy is "Keep it simple. No compromise on quality."

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.

Surrounded by delightful gardens in the heart of Bournemouth, The Green House is situated in a Grade II listed Victorian villa. After a painstaking, 18-month renovation, this charming boutique property was opened in April 2010, and now offers luxurious accommodation, great food and select services in a unique green-friendly environment. Ideally placed for both business and pleasure in this buzzing seaside town, with its grand Victorian architecture, long sandy beaches and varied night-life, The Green House is within easy reach of all of Bournemouth's most important points of interest, including Bournemouth and Boscombe piers, the BIC centre or the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Firmly committed to the sustainability ethic, everything in the hotel, from the original renovation to the present day furniture and furnishings, and from the restaurant's food to the company car, have been carefully considered to reduce the carbon footprint of the hotel. Nevertheless, being eco-friendly does not mean boring, and the hotel's restaurant, the Arbor. serves delicious menus based on the finest locally sourced, sustainable produce. The proud holder of two AA. Rosettes, cuisine is carefully cooked, honest, uncomplicated and imaginative. The spacious dining room features FSC timber flooring and beautiful garden views.

This historic property enjoys a privileged location in the centre of Shaftesbury, and is set in a charming inn with a history stretching back to Medieval times. The current building dates from 1820, and after an extensive renovation, now offers delightful boutique accommodation and great food in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Ideally placed for exploring the historic town of Shaftesbury, called Shaston in the novels of Thomas Hardy, the The Grosvenor Arms is just footsteps away from the famous Gold Hill and the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey. Known as 'The Gateway to the West', Shaftesbury is strategically placed within an hour's drive of Bath, Salisbury and Stonehenge, Lulworth Cove and Sherborne, and is close to some of the most beautiful landscapes in England. Popular outdoor activities available nearby include rambling, riding, fishing, cycling and golf, and the Grosvenor's friendly staff are on hand to organise these and many more activities and trips. The Grosvenor Arms' restaurant, bar, deli and courtyard are open daily for a range of dining options, including bar meals, brunch, coffee and cakes, or delicious thin-crust pizzas. The hotel's head chef has immense experience in some of England's finest gourmet restaurants, and creates simple, honest cuisine based on the finest local, seasonal, wild and organic produce whenever possible. Guests can also expect excellent wine pairings, and tastings are organised throughout the year.

Enjoying an idyllic, privileged location on the banks of the river Frome in Wareham, The Priory Hotel is set in a beautiful heritage building, with a history stretching back to the 16th century. Lovingly and painstakingly restored, it offers luxurious boutique accommodation, fine food and bespoke services in a fabulous riverside setting. Standing four acres of carefully tended English cottage gardens, this independently owned country house hotel is ideally placed for exploring Thomas Hardy's Wessex, 'The Isle of Purbeck'. Wareham itself is steeped in history, with over 200 listed buildings, while Corfe castle, the seaside town of Swanage and the beautiful National Trust nature reserve of Studland are also within easy reach. Popular outdoor activities in the area include walking, cycling, horse-riding, golfing and of course an extensive selection of water sports. The Priory Hotel also hosts a fine dining restaurant, where guests and visitors can enjoy classical French and English cuisine in a number of unique venues, including the delightful Garden Room or al fresco in the garden terrace. Dinner is served in the Abbot's Cellar restaurant, a magnificent heritage space of the priory, while drinks and canapés can be enjoyed in the Cloisters Bar or the Drawing Room. Moorings are available for guests arriving by boat.