This warm and welcoming family home is the perfect retreat for those seeking a blend of countryside charm and lively fun. Set in stunning Dorset countryside but just 7 minutes’ drive from the local train station, the house provides the ideal space for multi-generational families or groups of friends to come together and create lasting memories.
The heart of the house is the huge family-friendly kitchen and old fashioned larder next to a conservatory dining room which seats up to 18 under a lush vine. There is a beautiful big living room with open fire and Smart TV and a second Smart TV in the study/playroom. The ground floor also has a music room with piano, wc, utility and boot room.
There is an outdoor seating area under the pear tree on the terrace which seats 18 with coal BBQ. In the garden there is outdoor seating and sun loungers. There’s a cricket net, basketball hoop, swing, croquet and badminton as well as a good size lawn area with goal post for football shooting practice. Upstairs, you’ll find 4 bedrooms: a spacious master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two smaller yet inviting double bedrooms, and a large attic room with king size bed and space for a cot if needed. The family bathroom has a bath and separate shower. Bedroom 5 is a ground-floor guest bedroom with an en-suite shower room which is ideal for older family members or anyone with mobility challenges.
Across the courtyard, the fun continues with a well-equipped games room, featuring table tennis, darts, snooker table and boxing bag! Upstairs from this is a sleepover room with kingsize bed, 2 single beds and a sofa bed that can be made up on request. There is a shower room which services this area.
For tennis enthusiasts there are 2 public tennis courts almost opposite the house. It's pretty scruffy and the nets are rather old but serviceable but it's great fun for a knock around.
For an extra touch of countryside charm, children are welcome to collect fresh eggs from the resident hens each morning.
The house is perfectly located for exploring the best of Dorset and beyond. Glorious countryside walks begin right from the doorstep, winding through rolling hills and picturesque villages. A short drive away, you’ll find attractions such as the beautiful Stourhead House and Gardens, while the city of Bath, with its historic charm and vibrant shopping, is just 50 minutes away. The world renowned Stonehenge is a great day out or for family adventures, Cheddar Gorge and Go Ape at Moors Valley offer thrills and excitement. The stunning beaches of the Jurassic Coast are just over an hour’s drive. Closer to home, the nearby market town of Frome is perfect for boutique shopping, markets and delicious dining – but there are many great places to eat out in the area.
Northmoor House has a spacious turning circle and parking for up to 6 cars. It is just five minutes from Waitrose (Asda and Lidl also are within 10 minutes drive) for all your shopping needs and the property is very close to Gillingham train station. Please be aware that Northmoor House is a much-loved family house for much of the year so we ask that you treat the house with as much care as you do your own home. It isn’t designer smart, the crockery and cutlery don’t match and the walls are wobbly, but its quirky charm and character, lovely garden and countryside charm make it an inviting and unique place for all the family to enjoy.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit 3 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No candles or smoking in the house.
No dogs on furniture.
No stag nights or hen parties.
No functions allowed at the house; staying guests only.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 11731438
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Gillingham
Gillingham is home to this holiday home. Longleat is a notable landmark and some of the area's popular attractions include Center Parcs Longleat Forest and Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Riversmeet Leisure Centre and Shaftesbury Arts Centre.
Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs - 12 min drive - 10.7 km
Stourhead - 12 min drive - 12.4 km
Gold Hill Museum - 17 min drive - 10.8 km
Getting around
Gillingham Dorset Station - 6 min drive
Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 74 min drive
Restaurants
The Butt Of Sherry - 6 min drive
Hunters Lodge Inn - 9 min drive
Spread Eagle Inn - 9 min drive
The White Lion Inn - 6 min drive
The Old Brewery - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming Dorset Escape for Families and Friends pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Dorset Escape for Families and Friends?
As of 18 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Dorset Escape for Families and Friends on 25 June 2026 start from AU$2,120, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Charming Dorset Escape for Families and Friends?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Dorset Escape for Families and Friends?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Dorset Escape for Families and Friends?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming Dorset Escape for Families and Friends located?
Located in Gillingham, this family-friendly holiday home is 1.5 mi (2.3 km) from Riversmeet Leisure Centre, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Shaftesbury Arts Centre and Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs. Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden and Gold Hill Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great stay, lovely house and very friendly host. Stayed here with a group of 13 including young children who loved it as well. Would definitely recommend.
Plenty of room for everyone, and our bikes in the outside areas under cover.
Bob S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Suma S.
18 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Perfect stay for multiple and/or multi generational families. Reasonable amount of stuff to do within the property - even if the sports equipment all a bit dated. Loved having the piano (which, although old was in tune and perfectly playable.) Very friendly and considerate host.
The perfect location for our extended family gathering. The property offered something for all generations having ample space both inside and out for everyone to be together but also allowing for quiet time as needed with its many rooms and great facilities. Thank you
Lovely host with excellent communication. Laura supplied us with loads of information about the property and responded straight away with any questions we had.We booked the house for a large family party and it was perfect for all the different ages. Everyone loved it.Highly recommended.
Thomas S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
About the host
Hosted by laura lye
I take care of a number of properties in the area and I'm always on hand for help and advice!
Why they chose this property
This is a beautiful area with wonderful walks, stately homes, castles and places of interest. It is about 1 hour drive to the beach
What makes this property unique
This property is perfect for large groups and there are many different zones so everyone can be sociable or have their own space.