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Large self-catering mansion in Dorset to accommodate up to 25

The Old Rectory - Telephone Ann Barnes on 
01308 422575, or 07956 160 232

The Old Rectory is a very fine Grade II* Georgian Rectory It is set in grounds of about one and a half acres with large lawns and flower gardens to the east and south which are suitable for croquet and knockabout tennis games. 

Beyond the gardens is a beautiful valley with views to the sea cliffs and downlands. The house overlooks the very pretty village of Symondsbury, quaintly rustic, with its parish church, village school and thatched pub and cottages. 

The entire area is designated as being of outstanding natural beauty with the local Chesil bank now classed as a World Heritage site - the Jurassic Coast. It is ideal for long walks or a relaxed seaside holiday. It is about a mile and a half from the sea and there are a variety of beaches to choose from ranging from sandy beaches at Weymouth and Lyme Regis to small coves at Eype, Seatown and Burton Bradstock. Bridport, the nearest town is a mile and a half away and has large street markets twice a week of fruit and vegetables, antiques and bric-a-brac. Bridport Leisure Centre is well equipped for indoor swimming, squash, badminton, weight training etc. and there are golf, horseriding, sailing and diving facilities within easy reach. There is a wide choice of restaurants and good pubs including one in Symondsbury only one hundred metres from the house.

	Patio - perfect for gatherings on summer days and evenings Telephone Ann Barnes on  01308 422575, or 07956 160 232

Stuffed with original features including flagstones, delicate plaster mouldings, oak floors, open fireplaces and a fine central staircase ascending through three floors the Old Rectory has full central heating and fire alarm system. 

The accommodation comprises a tiny Georgian kitchen, with large range-type gas cooker, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine; a very large drawing-room with various unmatching comfy sofas, stuffed birds and grand piano; very large dining room with long refectory-type table and chandeliers; 60'long verandah with sunchairs and tables; library with quarter-size billiard table; breakfast-room; eleven double bedrooms - four with super kingsize 6' wide 'boatbeds', one kingsize 4-poster (with an extra single and stowaway single underneath} three antique standard doubles, three twins (one with a futon); two shower rooms and two large bathrooms with central standing roll-top baths.

The accommodation sleeps 25 but can be booked for parties of twelve and above. Catering for house parties can be arranged if required with an exceptionally good local catering organisation. The chef is ex-River Cafe and Moros Restaurant. 

The decor of the house is eclectic and occasionally eccentric but is in keeping with its period. We have tried to marry comfort with the atmosphere of a traditional country rectory. The building lends itself to weekend houseparties in a genuine and unspoilt Dorset village. Both Thomas Hardy and William Barnes were regular visitors here - and more recently, Mick Jagger - and we like to feel that they would be pleased to see how familiar the house has remained.

	Marquees can be erected in the grounds for various events, including weddings.

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