The Smithy

Reference Number: H319
Location: Compton Abbas, Dorset
Sleeps: 2

Introduction
Accommodation
Photo gallery

The double-height open-plan living room comprises a sitting area with woodburning stove and a dining area with oak refectory table.

Wheelwrights and The Smithy have immediate access to the large village green, a lovely picnic area with views up to Melbury Beacon and Fontmell Down

Across the yard from the main house, The Smithy was once a working forge. Its current owners have restored and converted it with meticulous care and, with an eye to its past, have kept on display in a corner of the living room the original blacksmith’s tools they discovered – bellows, anvils and hammers – making this an interesting and highly unusual retreat.

This is a highly unusual location, full of character and atmosphere. If you have an interest in vintage cars then this is the place for you. The owner, Tim’s post-war car restoration workshop and small museum with all its “automobilia” and 1934 Lagonda will transport you into a bygone era. A little way up the track Lucy keeps Arab horses, a donkey and free range hens.

The Smithy is also a fantastic spot for keen walkers, with footpaths leading directly up to Compton Down and Fontmell Down, part of an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty managed by the National Trust and well known for its wild flowers, butterflies and iron age cross dykes.

This part of southern England is rich in visitor attractions; grand houses and gardens such as Chettle, Longleat, Stourhead and Kingston Lacy are an easy drive and the historic towns and cities of Salisbury, Bath and Sherborne are all less than an hour away. South Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic coast is reachable in 30 to 40 minutes.

See Also:
° H318 Wheelwrights

Accommodation

The Smithy is approached from the courtyard by four stone steps, which lead up to a stable door entrance giving access into the double height, open-plan living room. At one end the large fireplace houses a woodburner and at the other there’s an oak refectory table for dining. 5 steps up from here the galleried bedroom area has an ornate iron double bed. Quarry tiled steps from the living area lead down to a fitted ‘galley’ kitchen and a bathroom/WC with shower attachment to the bath.

Outside, The Smithy has its own sitting-out area under a vine and honeysuckle covered pergola. There is also immediate access to the large village green, a lovely picnic area with views up to Melbury Down.