Mabel

Peep through the pergola and tip toe around Silas to find Mabel patiently waiting for you.

Mabel is the perfect retreat for two.  A vintage patchwork quilt on the bed, a Caledonian dumpy wood burner, a digital radio, board games, books and a pair of binoculars has you all set.  The up-cycled bedstead veranda offers glorious views and is the perfect spot for watching light fade into evening, and the night skies awakening.

The bathroom is just a skip away next to Sams bathroom in a converted outbuilding. An antique commode-come-composting loo, a salvaged suite complete with electric shower, sink and a heated towel rail all combine to make a very comfortable convenience.

With the camp entirely to yourself - gather in the silo BBQ hut, take a dip in your own private hot tub or head off to your hut to rest up for another hard day relaxing in lovely rural Dorset

You can’t miss the orange hot tub with its bespoke timber surround, designed and created by Tim, offering complete privacy and protection from the elements.

 First use is on us, and super easy. The hot tub can be ready in 90 minutes with the turn of a tap (with our propane heater). This is probably the most economic way to get the best value as it will require less wood on subsequent days.  The hot tub is now under cover and has two open sides with amazing views up to Fontmell Down, so if it is raining only your bottom half will get wet. If however it is fine, you can gaze at the stars.

Hot tub

Hot Tub

‘Silas’ is the most recent arrival in the glamping field.  Re-invented from a humble grain store, he provides a one-of-a-kind seating area.  An integrated fire pit will keep you warm and you can even barbeque in here.

Silas started life as a humble grain silo at Gourd’s Farm, just a hop, skip and a jump away from his new abode here at The Old Forge.

With a passion for all things galvanised, I couldn’t help but notice that this particular silo appeared to be in retirement on the farm. The cogs started turning in my mind to come up with a new lease of life for him; an observatory? a bar? a new Glamping unit?

Silas spent rather too long sitting without purpose at the top of our field until being winched into position for his transformation to evolve. A gradual process ensued, inspired by the miscellany that I wanted to upcycle.

What we have created is a beautifully simple and intimate seating area making the most of the panorama that surrounds it. Silas will give you shelter from the elements and has four removable shutters to cope with all prevailing weathers. He can be used as a BBQ or fire pit.

Silas the Silo

Silas the Silo

Essentials

  • Check in - 4pm

  • Check out- 10am

  • Cosy 4ft double bed

  • Linen and towels provided

  • Private bathroom with composting loo and shower 30 metres away

  • Basket of logs provided, £5 extra for re-fills

  • Fire pit wood available to purchase as well as extra firelighters, matches and kindling

  • BBQ’s and fire pits provided

  • Minimum three night stay

  • Prices start from £145 per night. Book direct for best prices!

Kids & Pets

Children under 10 can stay if accompanied in one of the huts by an adult. It's also possible for children to stay in a tent alongside the hut at £15 per child per night. Please contact us to enquire & book.

We are proud to be a dog-friendly property and would be happy to accommodate your pet for £25 per stay. Please enquire when you book your stay for more information.

Facilities

  • Hot tub

  • Silas the Silo BBQ hut

  • Exclusive use of the glamping kitchen, with all the amenities that you will need. Fridge, freezer, gas cooker, sink, picnic utensils, kettle, tea and coffee

What our guest have to say

  • "Tim and Lucy are excellent hosts and really look after you while staying. We had the shepherds huts in their big open field and all of the family really enjoyed it. Very comfy and the old silo barbecue is excellent. Wonderful to see the kids interact with the animals and just be free for a few days. Great place for a break."

  • “WOW. We had an amazing time getting back to basics so to speak. Beautiful countryside, stunning views and the animals for company. Tim and Lucy are fantastic hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves”

  • “Cosy, vintage and full of charm. Tim and Lucy offer a unique experience at their lovely home and grounds The Old Forge and were such lovely friendly people and so welcoming”