Wraxall Yard

Dorchester, Dorset
Self-catering
+44 (0)7831 334480
Visit owner's website

From
£88 - £323
per night
From
£615 - £2259
per week

Five beautiful and fully accessible cottages on an organic farm for restful retreats with family or friends – a Sawday's Community Champion

Place

5 places

Sleeps

Sleeping from 3 – 6

Children welcome
Pets welcome
Babies welcome

£88 - £323 per night

£615 - £2259 per week

The Experience

A wonderful renovation of farm buildings by architect Clementine Blakemore, who has received two awards for Wraxall Yard. Owner Nick and his daughter Katie are driven by the belief that everybody, whatever their physical ability or state of mental health, should be able to enjoy the countryside and engage with nature – but not at the expense of aesthetics. The interior spaces are beautifully designed, light, comfortable and fuss-free with views over a prettily-planted, nicely maturing courtyard garden.

There are gently sloping paths out onto a wheelchair accessible boardwalk, which wends its way through an orchard to the river bank and picnic spot where you may see a kingfisher, tree creeper, even otters. The community space can be used for bigger groups and has its own sleek kitchen. You can say hello to lambs in spring, learn about countryside stewardship, help to groom ponies, be inspired.

The 250-acre farm is transitioning to a regenerative farming system.

Wraxall Yard - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • Being able to stay whatever your level of physical or mental ability. To rest, have fun, learn about nature and be close to animals in elegant surroundings
  • Taking all the cottages, cooking in the communal kitchen, having memorable meals around the long table with the merry wood-burner gently warming you
  • Having a picnic on the river bank, surrounded by flowers and birds in summer
Wraxall Yard - Gallery

You should know

  • It's a gentle, quiet place. Not for the rowdy
  • Three of the cottages are dog-friendly but the garden is not enclosed and there are lots of sheep

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Accommodation

Pricing

Nightly price
from £88
Weekly price
from £615
Damage deposit
£
1 Cottage for 4
From £1333 beds2 bedrooms
1 Cottage for 3
From £882 beds2 bedrooms
1 Cottage for 6
From £1975 beds3 bedrooms
1 Cottage for 4
From £1153 beds2 bedrooms
1 Cottage for 4
From £1153 beds2 bedrooms

Information

Booking information

Check in
From 4pm
Check out
By 10am
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Property
This property is part of a working farm or vineyard.

Reviews

This was a stunning weekend break. Nick managed the let and was really welcoming from the start. There are five cottages and we took one with our three kids. Being near lambs was a special treat but the surrounding area is so stunning, there is so much to do. The property is very well done, great bedrooms: comfy beds, clean, minimalist but with so many great details. There is a very large communal eating and cooking space in addition to your own pitching living, so if you travel with another family or so (which we did) this was an added bonus. It’s a quiet area, stream nearby and good walks.

James, London

We had 3 wonderful nights at Wraxall Farm with a 2 other families 6 small children. This place is an absolute gem. We were superbly looked after by Nick and left full of happy memories - petting the lambs, playing pooh sticks in the stream, some wonderful local pubs and the glorious Dorset countryside. Huge recommend! Thank you Nick you have built something truly special!

George, Coleshill

What a wonderful place. Nick the owner was there to great us and assist for the course for our stay including helping with our (large) grocery order when we got stuck in traffic! The cottages are minimalist in style but high spec with every detail having been thought through. The kitchens are well stocked with everything you could need (even Tupperware). Beds are super comfy. The set up works really well for families with children. We went as a group of 3 families and it was ideal with the separate living space surrounding the courtyard and communal kitchen for group dinners. A++

Jamie, London

It is hard to imagine somebody who wouldn't benefit from a stay here – such a beautiful, peaceful, very English spot and very attractive, completely accessible cottages. The garden is still young but burgeoning, you are surrounded by much wildlife and those who are keen can learn about organic farming methods and land conservation. Walkers, peace-seekers, nature-lovers, children will be happy.

Nicola, Sawday's Inspector

Read more reviews

Location

The neighbourhood

Nearby is the Kingcombe Visitor Centre (fully accessible) for wildlife-friendly gardens, river, boardwalk and café. Cattistock, two miles, has a village store and Maiden Newton, three miles, a bigger village shop with good cheeses and vegetables. Visit Thomas Hardy's house, Max Gate, and many other NT houses and gardens. The Acorn Inn at Evershot or Brassica in Beaminster serve good food.

Local points of interest from Nick & Katie Read

  • Wraxall Yard sits in the centre of our Organic Farm and is on a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. There is abundant wildlife which can be enjoyed alone or you can join one of our guided nature walks and talks.
  • We're 40 minutes from the Jurassic coast and some beautiful beaches. Also great for coastal walks.
  • We have some lovely pubs and restaurants nearby. The Acorn Inn and The Greyhound serve excellent local food and Brassica in Beaminster is a lovely restaurant for a special meal out. Several good local shops and supermarket about 15 minutes away.
  • There's a good network of footpaths in the area with some fabulous commons and other places to walk run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust including the Kingcombe Centre about 10 minutes drive away.
  • You can also enjoy just hanging around Wraxall Yard in our beautiful courtyard or take a stroll down our boardwalk, an incredible peaceful place where all you hear is the river and the birds.

Introducing

Nick & Katie Read

Nick had a career in IT but escaped to Dorset with his family whenever he could. 25 years ago he took the leap and bought the farm, knowing not very much about farming! Now he has grown a small flock of Poll Dorset sheep into a big flock and has a herd of English Longhorn cattle which he manages with his daughter Kate and her husband. Kate runs the courses here, tailored to people's needs.