The spacious wing of a large and very beautiful country house that is occasionally let independently of the main house. It has a completely separate entrance, its own private Mediterranean garden, and beautiful views over the garden of the main house and to the sea beyond. There may be guests in the main part of the house so it is very important that guests in the Garden Wing are mindful of this.
There is a spacious and comfortable sitting room, a well equipped kitchen and 3 very comfortable bedrooms. The Garden Wing has its own garden - the Mediterranean Garden which is full of shrubs and other flowering plants. There is a wooden table seating 6 on the patio area outside the front door of the Garden Wing which is perfect for meals outside.
The house is within walking distance of Kimmeridge Bay and surrounded by rolling hills.
Great place to stay. Quiet and peaceful. We enjoyed the walk around the house and the Kimmeridge bay close by. Good driving distance to many attractions in Dorset. If we had a chance, would visit again.
Smedmore is the most incredible house and it is a joy to spend time there in the garden cottage. We had four fantastic days there running around and exploring the area. The children loved it - it is so peaceful and you feel as if you've come to a real haven. The team who run Smedmore are friendly, kind and very responsive. We would go back and back.
Dr Philip Mansel, the owner of Smedmore House, is an historian who specialises in writing about France and the Ottoman Empire. His most recent book is about Louis XIV of France.
The Garden Wing is part of a wonderful historic estate on the coast at KImmeridge Bay which is well known for its fossils, wind surfing and snorkelling. There are marvellous walks in the area and many local attractions - including the Etches Collection of fossils, the many bays such as Lulworth Cove, and Chapman's Pool and also the forgotten village of Tyneham.
The marvellous position of the house - nestling between the hills and the coast. You really have the impression of being in the depths of the country and the sea views will take your breath away.