Netherway Farmhouse and Barn are 2 separate buildings on the same site which offers accommodation for up to 12 people. There is a large garden and parking space for 3 or 4 cars, as well as some roadside parking at the front of the cottage. It is ideal for family gatherings or for friends who want to share the gardens, outside eating spaces with a large pizza oven and meet together in the main cottage for meals but who may also want their own private space. The cottage has 4 bedrooms and will sleep up to 8 people but has a dining room which can seat up to 12 for communal dining. The barn has a downstairs bedroom which makes it easily accessible for elderly people. It also has two single beds in the mezzanine area which could be well suited to accommodate a family with 2 children. The barn also has a dining area with a table to seat 4. We have a separate listing for those who just want to book out the main cottage. Please view this for prices for up to 8 people. The cottage is already a holiday rental so please also look at this listing for our reviews from previous guests.
The Farmhouse itself is a 17th century thatched cottage (although the oldest section of the cottage was recorded as being in existence as ‘Netherway Farmhouse’ in a survey of the village undertaken in 1585). Netherway Farmhouse was carefully refurbished in 2018. In keeping with its character, a new kitchen was installed with new appliances and exposing the original stonework. The original pantry was reinstated and a new utility room created with a downstairs toilet. Upstairs there is a new bathroom suite with separate bath and shower. At this time a 4th bedroom was added to the third storey with an ensuite shower and toilet. The refurbishment preserves the same homely feel of the farmhouse but gives our guests more comfort and facilities.
The old barn was completely renovated in 2019 with a new oak timber A-frame structure to replace the beams that were beyond repair. It remains a listed barn because of the ancient cob-wall at the back which has been preserved and carefully lime-rendered. Internally we have tried to retain the character of the barn while at the same time providing modern comfort and a spacious feel to the property.
Netherway Farmhouse is one of 25 listed buildings in the conservation area of Okeford Fitzpaine, one of Dorset’s most attractive villages exhibiting rural charm and relaxed pace. The cottage and barn are available for weekly bookings. Please note that our changeover day is a Friday.
10 good reasons to stay at Netherway:
1. Spend your holiday in what we believe is the best village in Dorset! (Indeed Okeford Fitzpaine won ‘The Best Large Village in Dorset’ award in 2018.) The cottage is in the conservation area of this beautiful village.
2. The cottage is in the heart of the beautiful Blackmore Vale with amazing walks direct from the cottage, stunning views and a variety of activities.
3. Okeford Fitzpaine is in striking distance from the coast; the Jurassic region around Weymouth and the sandy beaches Poole are roughly equidistant and under an hour. To the north Stourhead, Shaftesbury and Sherborne are conveniently situated.
4. Relax in the comfortable oak beamed lounge, with inglenook fireplace and a log-burning stove, many preserved original features but also with modern comforts, broadband, and Smart TV.
5. The Royal Oak pub is only a few doors down; a really good traditional and friendly pub with log-burning fires in the winter. You will receive a friendly welcome here. It is also dog-friendly.
6. Enjoy a perfect night’s sleep in Netherway’s bedrooms, each with its own character and charm. Lower Street is quiet and peaceful and a popular thoroughfare for cyclists and horse riders.
7. The whole family can enjoy the large secluded garden. There are some ancient apple trees, extensive flower beds, patio areas as well as a large lawn area where ball games or a game of croquet can be enjoyed. Younger children can enjoy the recreation ground opposite.
8. For al-fresco dining there is a large wood-fired oven in the garden where guests are welcome to try cooking their own pizzas or may be a slow cooked piece of lamb from a local farm shop. There are 2 al-fresco dining areas- one near the oven and a 12 seater dining table at the back of the cottage.
9. The village is an ideal place for many outdoor activities. Walking around the local countryside and across the hill ridges is recommended. Views from Okeford Hill back towards the village are superb. Okeford Fitzpaine is on the Dorset route and near a local mountain bike trail-way. On a calm day you can see the hang-gliders descending from Bell Hill.
10. At the end of a long day enjoy the lack of ambient light by watching the stars on a cloudless night from the patio, or listening for owls in the nearby wood. (We find this is also a good excuse for a nightcap!)
