It has been a rocky road with lots of ups and downs trying to purchase The Old Forge. We both had good jobs on a local farm which secured a stable income for us to be able to buy (just!). Unexpectedly, half way through our transaction, we both suddenly were made redundant with leave immediate effect. The most sensible thing would have been to let go of the dream, but we simply couldn’t. It was worth fighting for despite the risks. Alex created his own business ‘Forging Roots’ specialising in ecology, soil health, field maintenance and groundworks. Whilst I concentrated on making The Old Forge the best it could be and re-opening the B&B.
We have two wonderful children, Iris who is 6, and Woody who is 4. They sleep under the thatch in the attic bedrooms that me and my brother Jack once had when we were their age. We even renamed the shepherds huts from Mabel and Sam, to Iris and Woody.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our home so we can share it with you, The Old Forge is truly a wonderful and special place. We have many exciting plans and we can’t wait to get going.
Alex, Sophie, Iris and Woody.
Our Story
The Old Forge has been a labour of love since 1986 when my parents Tim and Lucy were captivated by its charm and endless potential. They created the most beautiful home and business with hard work, passion and determination to create what it is today. After 38 years, the time finally came for Tim and Lucy to retire and downsize.
After a very difficult decision, they decided to put The Old Forge on the market. We couldn’t bare to let such a special family home go and a wonderful opportunity, so we decided to make the leap, sell our home and go for it!
My father Tim loved it so much, he just couldn’t leave. He was able to take up residence in The Smithy (which was once a holiday let) whilst mum has always loved the local town of Shaftesbury so they are able to flip between the two. She still visits regularly to ride the horse, and of course look after the grandchildren (2 of 10!)
The Old Forge is ideal for classic car enthusiasts, Tim owns a 1934 supercharged Lagonda Rapier which is kept in a nostalgic garage which still contains old automobilia to retain the pre war classic style
The Old Forge dates back to approximately 1700. It's a building full of local history and was formerly used by the local estate wheelwright and carriage builder. Sophie used to run the business alongside her parents, but now owns and runs The Forge with her family. Tim still has a museum of automobilia, where his 1934 Lagonda currently resides, bought for £12-10s in 1963! It's a classic car enthusiast's, and animal lovers dream.
Look out for the old enamel signs and petrol pumps that set the scene for a bygone era. Classic cars have always been a part of the landscape here when Tim started his restoration business over 30 years ago. Enthusiasts will delight in Tim’s treasured 1934 Lagonda Rapier which he lovingly restored. The Morris Minor pick up is the most wonderful work horse and is in use every day. Tim is now retired, but still likes to tinker in the workshop and loves showing guests around.
Environmental policy
We feel very passionate and proud about looking after our word and leaving the smallest footprint. Nothing gets thrown away, and everything gets recycled. We pride ourselves in rarely buying anything new, reusing where we can and always recycling and we urge our guests to join us and do the same. Our products that we use are all eco friendly and plastic free from loo roll to re-fillable soaps.
Follow our journey.
