Smedmore House

General information

Smedmore House in the words of Lord David Cecil.

Nestled amongst the secluded Purbeck hills this 1800 acre Dorset estate offers views of farms, woods and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

This splendid Georgian house in a dramatically beautiful setting, in the words of historian and biographer Lord David Cecil is "breezy friendly and romantic, fresh with the smell of the sea". Dramatic views of the coast contrast with the intimate walled gardens whose layout has changed little since 1620 when the first house on the site was built by the ancestors of the present owner.

Again Lord David Cecil captures the atmosphere: "This home combines in a very special way the charms of the homely and romantic. The reception rooms are of the highest degree...welcoming and reassuring...They invite visitors to relax. They are made more cheerful by the fact that they are light with large windows letting in the sunshine." The current owner has created a walk to Kimmeridge bay, famed for its geology and the recently relocated Clavell Tower on the clifftop. This smugglers' bay offers world class surfing, snorkelling and fossil-hunting.

Children can enjoy crabbing in the rock pools and swimming in the shallow waters. Six miles away are some of Dorset's best beaches: Lulworth cove, Durdle Door and the vast sandy sweep of Studland bay. The 1000 year-old ruins of Corfe Castle are a similar distance and the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club can be reached in 30 minutes by car.

RENTAL
The house contains a panelled Cedar Room with a fire-place lined with Delft tiles; an eighteenth-century dining room decorated with Rococo plaster panels and over 100 Furstenberg plates which have been in the family since the 1760's; Dutch pictures and cabinets; a drawing-room with views of the park and the romantic walled gardens; and a dressing-room with a Rococo fire-place.

Sleeps up to 14 people (2 en suite double, 2 double, 2 double singles and 2 single rooms).

Prices range from £500-£1000 per day (seasonal) plus an additional £2000 marquee pitching fee.

Additional services include:

Chauffeurs
Butlers
Personal chefs cooking with local produce
Holistic therapists
World class performers
Traditional entertainment evenings
Guided tours of the estate by family descendant