The ideal spot for a restful luxury escape, Summer Lodge is nestled in the quiet village of Evershot in Dorset.
Originally built as a majestic dower house in 1798, Summer Lodge has been reinvigorated as a collection of welcoming guestrooms with cosy fireplaces. There's also an indoor pool and pampering spa.
You could combine time relaxing at the hotel with some explorations of the local area, perhaps taking one of the hotel's bicycles to see the surrounding countryside, or just going for a peaceful stroll. There's a croquet lawn and tennis court in the four acres of gardens, or you can disconnect with a mindfulness class.
Summer Lodge's gorgeous restaurant is the heart of the hotel. Dining is along farm-to-table princples where the chef uses excellent local produce, including regional cheeses and Dorset truffles, to rustle up exquisite dishes. Meals are perfectly matched with selections from the Summer Lodge sommelier.
£395 for a two-night stay in a Cosy Double if you stay between 2 January and 30 April or between 1 October and 23 December 2024 (excluding Easter Weekend).
£500 for a two-night stay in a Cosy Double if you stay between 1 May and 30 September 2024 (excluding bank holiday weekends).
We love the peaceful location, close to the coast but without the crowds, and the stunning walks right on the doorstep.
Summer Lodge is a five-star country house hotel in the heart of Hardy country - the sleepy village of Evershot, in the Dorset countryside.
By car: The hotel is 3 hours from London and Birmingham and just under 4 hours from Cambridge. There is plenty of parking on-site.
By train: London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction train station takes 2 hours 20 mins. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi from the station. thetrainline.com
By plane: Bournemouth Airport (44 miles)
The hotel makes a peaceful and romantic retreat for couples, but children and dogs are also made very welcome. The sumptuous drawing room occupies an extension designed in 1893 by author Thomas Hardy, who originally trained as an architect.
The pool is glass covered, making the most of the views of the surrounding, classically English gardens. Pets are pampered, with dog beds, bowls, towels, dog-food menu, 'dog in room' door hanger and a list of walks.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Gardens
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Pet-friendly
- Family rooms
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
The splendid garden suite comes complete with a private courtyard garden and a conservatory with bar and private dining area. Sunggle into soft Belgian linen with a fire crackling in the grate, snacking on the chef's homemade shortbread.
Cosy Double, Classic King, Superior King/Twin, Principal King, Courtyard Suites, Duplex Cottage Suite, Master Bedroom, Ivy Cottage, Garden Suite, Bea's Cottage
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with shower, luxury toiletries, coffee and tea facilities, biscuits, mineral water, fresh fruit, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, TV, desk, fresh flowers
Chef Steven Titman's dishes are creative but not too complex, letting the locally sourced ingredients shine. The Lyme Bay brill fillet, basmati rice, sautéed king prawn and Thai lobster curry sauce is our favourite dish - fresh local fish and bold flavours.
The restaurant: classic English and modern European dishes, fine dining, extensive wine list. Mains from £27. Open for dinner, 6.30-8.30pm and Sunday lunch 12.30-1.30pm.
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