Voltaire is an exquisite boutique-style house for 12, a modern design classic within the shell of an 18th century traditional farm building.
This is a house for lovers of minimalist flair, all very warm and comfortable. The living/kitchen/dining area is large, light and open plan, with plenty of moving around space for a big group. The six double bedrooms, havens of calm urban chic, have zip and link super kingsize beds, which can be converted to twins if required.
There’s plenty of entertainment within the grounds, with more in the way of watery activities on the doorstep as it’s only six miles to the sea. Within the grounds there’s an indoor swimming pool, a steam room, a sauna and hot tub and a games room. The garden is a designer affair, with carefully parterred planting of shrubs and slender birches rather than lawn. The house stands within the grounds of West Axnoller Farm, and from the top of the farm’s half mile driveway, lined with beech, oak and lime trees, you can see the sea at West Bay.
You can either book Voltaire alone, or incorporate it with a neighbouring property, Burggraaf, also for 12, or Axnoller, sleeping 10.
As soon as you walk into Voltaire you’ll feel the warmth of the underfloor heating seeping up through the stone floor. The whole house is elegantly lit, and exudes designer style and comfort.
The six bedrooms are decorated in chocolate browns and neutral tones, with the occasional splash of blue. Each has an ensuite bathroom, again 21st century in every respect, right down to the circular sinks, stone tiling, potted orchids and louvre windows.
The dining area seats 12 around a darkwood table. The white-covered chairs and contemporary tableware are worthy of many a city restaurant. This area opens onto the living area with deep, comfortable sofas.
The indoor pool has its own room, loungers and terraced area, one wall opening to the garden in summer. The very keen can pound in the gym and follow with a swim, steam and sauna. Spa treatments can be booked in the house with visiting therapists. There is also a yoga teacher available, for both adults and children.
The house is well geared up for families, with all the necessary baby and toddler accessories available. There are lots of games and a Nintendo Wii.
The garden area has an outdoor fireplace, its real fire available year round, surrounded by various chairs including a weatherproof sofa.
Meals can be delivered to your door, always imaginative dishes using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.
Three miles from the town of Beaminster, midway between Dorchester and Lyme Regis, not far from Crewkerne. It is six miles down to Dorset’s delightful Jurassic coast.
Airport: Bournemouth (1hr 20 mins)
Station: Crewkerne (10 mins)
This is Thomas Hardy Country, but is probably better-known nowadays as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Country! At Voltaire you can cook for yourselves if you care to, or let your catering needs be taken care of by one of several renowned local chefs. Great, locally-produced food is a Dorset speciality - try the weekly market in Bridport. You can also have one of the many local delis, butchers and green grocers or a supermarket deliver here in time for your arrival. When you’re ready for a meal out you’ll find some excellent restaurants and pubs.
This stretch of coast, known as the Jurassic for its prehistoric remains, has some fabulous beaches. Activities in the area include fishing, riding, quad bike riding, clay pigeon shooting. There are also historic gardens well worth a visit.
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2012 Rates:
Low Season (January, February, March, November, December):
Weekend: £1,950.00 Mid Week: £1,450.00 Week: £2,500.00
Mid Season (April, May, June, September, October):
Weekend: £2,500.00 Mid Week: £1,950.00 Week: £3,250.00
High Season (July, August):
Weekend: £2,950.00 Mid Week: £2,950.00 Week: £4,950.00
Christmas:
Weekends: On Request Mid Week: On Request Week: £4,750.00
New Year:
Weekends: On Request Mid Week: On Request Week: £5,000.00
February Half Term:
Weekend: £2,500.00 Mid Week: £2,500.00 Week: £3,950
Spring/Autumn Half Term:
Weekend: £2,750.00 Mid Week: £2,750.00 Week: £4,500
Easter School Holidays:
Weekend: £2,750.00 Mid Week: £2,750.00 Week: £4,500.00
Bank Holidays (excluding August):
Weekend: £2,750.00 Mid Week: £2,750.00 Week: £4,500.00