Short stay: Hood’s, Salwayash, Dorset, UK /

Hood’s offers some of the best self catering accommodation in Dorset. Turning off the road into Bridport, grass growing on a track made for horse-drawn carts, is a step out of hectic modern life into a blissful rural retreat.

That path, yellow primroses blooming on a sunny bank, hedges fringed with holly and ivy, leads to Kingsland Farm. Hood’s and sister property Loaf are literally Dorset Hideaways.

Dorset Hideaways are a large collection of luxury holiday cottages, often dog friendly, spread across one of Britain’s most beautiful counties.

From Hood’s a panoramic window looks out over sheep-studded Marshwood Vale and onto Colmer’s Hill. This vision has echoes of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex. A rural landscape where Hardy’s characters, like Jude and Tess, trudged through lanes and across moors, looking for work, love, fulfillment.

Built on the footprint of an old cart shop and 1930s parlor, two-bedroom Hood’s sits next door to Loaf: a cozy retreat for two. Both offer luxury self-catering accommodation away from the hustle and bustle.

Kingsland Farm has been owned by the Morrish family for over six centuries. Current caretakers Danette and Nick Morrish, who live on site, began the restoration project in 2018.

The Hood’s name and Royal Navy sailing ships on the windows pay homage to the proud maritime tradition of the local Seafaring Hood family. After the drama of service in the Napoleonic Wars, Kingsland Farm provided respite for part of the family.

The welcome

One week before arrival an e-mail with directions and door code. The accommodation guide includes recommendations and sometimes discounts for local pubs and restaurants.

A basket welcomes us with bread, cake, coffee, crackers, crisps, marmalade, tea and a very good bottle of Merlot. Butter, cheese and milk are waiting in the fridge. There’s even a bone-shaped cookie for the canine guest.

As ours is a multi-generational and multi-species residence, the cot, dog crate and high chair we requested are all provided.

Ownership

Two spacious bedrooms, both with flat screen SMART televisions, are located where the brick wagon house once stood. The master bedroom with wooden beams has an en-suite bathroom with a shower. An eco-creative detail is that the headboard, with waste-don’t-want-no ingenuity, comes from surplus vinyl flooring.

The light graphite-colored second bedroom has another vinyl headboard and also has a 6-foot-wide double bed. This restful room is close to the main bathroom with both a shower and bath. Handmade Gardener’s lemon verbena scented soap comes from Bramblewood. Environmentally friendly hand soap, body lotion and shampoo are supplied by Bright Earth.

Kitchen and dining area continue through to the living room in the open plan living area. A long rectangular window at head height, which once provided ventilation for the parlour, runs the length of the room.

An exceptionally well-equipped kitchen invites guests to relax and enjoy cooking. Knives are sharp, dishwasher tablets ready and four recipe books inspiring.

The facilities

Hood’s large deck features a wooden table plus two benches for alfresco drinking and dining. Sun loungers are also available.

Guidebooks and local maps offer plenty of hiking suggestions.

A utility room with washing machine and separate dryer helps to keep track of laundry.

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Rent

Six miles from the Jurassic Coast, the nearest beach is at West Bay. You may recognize it as a brooding location of the Broadchurch TV serials.

The 65 acres of Furleigh Vineyard, which offers tours and tastings, is within walking distance of Kingsland Farm. As buzzards fly overhead, wine enthusiasts sample some of Furleigh’s wines.

Heading west, nearby Lyme Regis reminds visitors of its reputation for finding fossils. Inland, the Royal Fleet Air Museum represents the Royal Navy in the Air with over 90 aircraft, 2 million records and 30,000 artifacts. In Bovington, The Tank Museum tells the story of the military vehicle since its appearance in World War I.

Monkey World, near Wareham, is a sanctuary for abused monkeys from around the planet. Chimpanzees from Spanish beaches, monkeys from Chilean labs and even abandoned pets from the UK are among 260 primates given a second, better life on the sanctuary’s 65 acres.

Closed to visitors only on Christmas Day, Monkey World has helped 28 governments around the world fight the illegal primate trade by rescuing and rehabilitating 25 species. In addition, Monkey World provides education and entertainment for around 400,000 visitors every year.

Other nice keys

Chalked blackboards give tips on how to spend days, both sunny and dull.

Dogs can enjoy a luxurious dog wash in the adjoining barn in a roll top bath with dog shampoo provided.

Binoculars are provided to spot church and tawny owls, kestrels, skylarks and summer visits from swallows.

cost

Dorset Hideaways offer short stays in Hoods, for 4 people, from £503 (£42 per person per night) or 7 nights for £914 (£33 per person per night).

Loaf, the adjoining property, sleeps 2, has short breaks from £248.

For accommodation in the former granary, this results in a competitive price of € 62 per person per night.

For longer stays at Loaf, 7 nights starts from £811.

The best bit

Pack flip flops, slippers and walking boots for the varied charms of Hood’s and Dorset beyond.

From the striking Corfe Castle, through the spectacular Lulworth Cove and along the fossil-laden Jurassic Coast, Dorset offers many spectacular stretches of unspoilt coastline.

The final verdict

Neighboring Hood’s and Loaf live up to their name as perfect Dorset Hideaways. Booked together they provide an idyllic rural retreat for groups of family or friends.

With panoramic views from both the bath and living room, magazines on the glass coffee table, tantalizing books piled high in the bedroom, Hood’s is the country retreat you’ve always longed for.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Dorset Hideaways.