Downview farm

Escape to Downview Farm, a unique countryside retreat in Winterborne Houghton. Experience ultimate tranquillity at our on site yoga shala, complemented by a heated indoor swimming pool, stone grotto with hot tub and enchanting fire pit. Guests can enjoy the rustic charm of farm life with goats, sheep, chicken and a friendly horse. We have flexible bedroom setups to accommodate your requirements, and are pleased to welcome pets upon request. Excellent location for exploring rural Dorset.

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The Space
Embark on a picturesque journey as you make your way to this enchanting property. The scenic route guides you through the beautiful village of Winterborne Houghton, where country lanes wind alongside a gentle stream, setting the stage for a relaxing and restorative break. As you approach, a gravel driveway unfolds, offering convenient parking for up to six cars (overflow parking available on request).

Hallway
Step into grandeur as you enter the property through a large tiled hallway with an impressive sweeping staircase. This central hub provides access to the various wings of the home, including the lounge, kitchen, and dining room.

Kitchen
The large kitchen is bathed in natural light, radiating warmth and charm with farmhouse style aesthetics. Pops of colour in duck egg blue and contrasting dove grey cabinets create an inviting atmosphere, complemented by a delightful candy pink Welsh dresser. In the centre of the room sits a long table, perfect for casual dining, which can comfortably accommodate 10 guests. Modern amenities include an American style fridge/freezer, electric oven and hob, microwave and dishwasher.

A utility room, conveniently connected to the kitchen, houses a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board. There is direct access to the rear garden from the utility room.

Ground floor WC.
The thoughtfully located downstairs WC features delightful dinosaur themed wallpaper that playfully nods to the proximity of the Jurassic Coast. The space includes a toilet, basin and a wall-mounted mirror.

Rear outside space
Discover an enchanting retreat in the fully enclosed cottage garden space at the rear of the property. This hidden gem feels like a secret garden and unfolds into two delightful spaces, each offering a unique charm. In the first, a hand-built stone grotto with beautiful locally sourced fossils intricately set into the walls. A half-moon roof shelters this charming space where ivy gracefully climbs the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere. Within, a circular hot tub invites relaxation, accommodating five to six people for a soothing soak. On the other side, a delightfully presented circular brick fire pit with seating becomes a magical focal point, providing the perfect spot for evening conversations and creating treasured memories. There is direct access from the garden into the swimming pool.

Heated indoor swimming pool
Immerse yourself in luxury with Downview Farm’s heated indoor swimming pool, featuring a conservatory roof that offers an pleasant view of the lush tree canopy. The pool caters to swimmers of various skill levels, featuring depths that range from 1.5m at the shallow end to 2.2m at the deep end.

Please note, the swimming pool is shared with our neighbouring property, Houghton Lodge, who have access to the pool through the rear garden from 8:30 AM. Guests of Downview Farmhouse can enjoy exclusive use of the pool daily from 12:30 PM until late.

Front Outside Space
Bask in the warmth of the sun as you unwind in the secluded charm of the spacious front garden, a delightful outdoor haven that seamlessly blends modern design with natural beauty. The deck, directly adjacent to the pool, features a stunning dining table crafted from trees felled within our woodlands, creating a unique and eco-friendly dining experience. Ample seating is provided for all, ensuring a comfortable and communal outdoor setting, and the barbeque provided makes dining alfresco a breeze. A gravel lined courtyard, situated next to the deck features bistro tables set against an impressive stone wall adorned with cascading ivy and climbing plants. This area is spectacularly landscaped with stone steps leading you to a second level of garden featuring a lush green lawn. From this elevated vantage point, you can take in the scenic beauty of the Merkabah Retreat, catch glimpses of our resident animals and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills that surround this enchanting property.

Conservatory
Decorated in a modern and lively shade of green, this space exudes contemporary flair. A stunning feature window with a red brick arch adds character and charm. Equipped with a pool table, games and a spacious leather L-shaped sofa, the conservatory is the perfect place for social gatherings. Filled with natural light and a lively atmosphere, it is a versatile and inviting space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, thanks to french doors leading to the front garden, swimming pool and lounge.

Lounge
Indulge in the opulent embrace of the lounge, where maximalist design captivates the senses. Teardrop chandeliers cast a warm glow over the ornate wall-mounted mirrors, velvet chesterfield sofas and luxurious heavy drapes. Damask wallpaper and playful animal print accessories contribute to the eclectic aesthetic. Three large sofas frame the room, with the feature fireplace taking centre stage. The lounge at Downview Farmhouse is the ideal fireside spot for putting your feet up and enjoying a good book. For family film nights, we have a 50” Smart TV which guests can use to sign in to their preferred streaming platforms.

Please note: we will provide guests with one bag of logs during their stay, further bags can be purchased on request.

Dining room
Accessible through the lounge or the hallway, the dining room is a testament to splendour and artistic sophistication. A bold dark colour palette sets the tone, complemented by a warm modern chandelier and wall sconces that create a welcoming ambiance.

The large dining table is a focal point of this lavish setting, accommodating up to 10 guests. The room is adorned with various artworks by local artist Matt Donovan, curated by a professional artist who has collaborated closely with Andy Warhol, ensuring a display that resonates with art lovers.A generous bay window offers views of the rear garden and fire pit, while a smaller table and chairs provide a more intimate dining spot bathed in natural light.

Indian Garden Room (with en suite)
Discover a world of Eastern-inspired tranquillity in the Indian Garden Room, a ground floor retreat located off the dining room. Adorned with beautiful Eastern-influenced decor, this room features twin beds surrounded by vibrant gold and green canopies crafted from recycled sari silk. Ornate mandala headboards, red drapes, bedside tables, and a dressing table with a mirror complete the room's aesthetic. The room offers a view over the rear garden and its newly fitted modern en suite is equipped with a power shower, WC, basin and a wall-mounted mirror.

The remaining five bedrooms are located on the first floor.

Chocolate Room (with en suite)
The Chocolate Room is a large triple room with billowing canopies above the beds. Large built-in wardrobes, full-length mirrors, bedside tables and a dressing table with a mirror enhance the room's lavish feel. Offering a view over the front garden, this room has three single beds, with the option to add a fourth bed upon request. There is also the option to have the two single beds as a superking. The en suite boasts a spacious walk-in shower with a rainfall head, WC, bidet, basin and a wall-mounted mirror.

The Bird Room (with en suite)
The Bird Room is generously sized and adorned with beautiful feature wallpaper showcasing colourful wild birds, complemented by a teardrop chandelier. Ample storage is provided with a chest of drawers, two double built-in wardrobes, and bedside tables with lamps for convenience. The room provides a scenic view over the surrounding countryside. The super king size bed can be split into two singles upon request, and a third bed can also be accommodated. The en suite features a bath with a shower overhead, WC, basin and a wall-mounted mirror, providing a perfect blend of comfort and style.

Blue Room (with en suite).
A sumptuous velvet upholstered super king size bed takes centre stage in the Blue Room. Facilities include bedside tables, a seamlessly integrated double wardrobe, a dedicated dressing table area with a mirror and an inviting occasional chair. Two sets of windows offer captivating vistas of the surrounding gardens. We can split the bed into two singles upon request. The recently fitted en suite boasts a power shower, WC, basin and a wall-mounted mirror.

Golden Twin
Our cosy twin room features two comfortable wooden beds in a gold themed decor. The room offers a vanity area with a wall-mounted mirror, a built-in wardrobe and a chest of drawers. Windows provide captivating views of nearby hills and our charming goat paddock. We can configure the beds into a super king on request.

Merkabah Retreat
Nestled within the serene landscape of Downview Farm, the bespoke and recently completed Merkabah Retreat beckons as a haven for rejuvenation and holistic wellbeing.Carefully positioned to harness the energy of this unique location, encircled by ancient hill forts and cradled atop a fire ley line, the retreat has a spiritual connection to its surroundings. The shala, a focal point of the retreat, boasts an infrared heated floor embedded with quartz, providing a solid foundation for spiritual practices. Copper accents amplify the effects of the ley line, creating a captivating and harmonious space. Adding a touch of local creativity, the shala proudly showcases artwork by the talented Matt Donovan, enriching the retreat's atmosphere.

Guests are invited to partake in the transformative offerings of Merkabah Retreat, including blissful yoga, immersive gong baths, Fit n Flo, and shamanic healing with Merkabah Retreat’s founder, Claire Donovan. Whether joining a group class or booking a private session, the retreat promises an unparalleled experience. For additional details and reservations, please contact our team in advance, as classes should be booked prior to your stay.

For more information on Claire, Merkabah Retreat and our ethos, please visit the separate Merkabah Retreat website.

Sleeping arrangements
2 x super king bed (can be split into two singles on request), 1 x double bed, 2 x twin room with two single beds (can be made into super kings on request), 1 x triple room (various configurations available, please enquire), 2 x additional bed available on request