Darby House United Kingdom

Darby House is a cosy, mid-terrace two-bedroom cottage, nestled into the heart of the Lakeside Estate. With views stretching out across the lake and its own enclosed garden, this modern holiday home feels like a private retreat amidst the Dorset countryside. Exploring the great outdoors is at the very heart of holidays at the Lakeside Estate, with waterways to discover, cycle pathways to relish and the rolling Dorset countryside to explore. Whether you are interested in active adventures, wildlife spotting or trips to the spa, there is something for everyone in this beautiful setting.

Inside Darby House, the design is modern, yet homely charms have been slotted into each room, making it feel like a place you can settle into. On the ground floor, the layout is open plan, with bi-folding doors which open out to the garden, extending the living space into the great outdoors. The kitchen is fully equipped with a social breakfast bar, so adults can gather round with a bottle of wine, or kids can enjoy quick breakfasts! With the wood burner fired up, the entire room becomes a cosy haven, where you can indulge in long dinners around the dining table and restful evenings curled up on the sofas. Equipped with Wi-Fi and a satellite TV, even rainy days are brilliant in this modern home. 

On the first floor there are two bedrooms, one twin room and one double with a good-sized family bathroom. The bedrooms are designed with the same modern aesthetic as the rest of the house, with comfy beds and plenty of storage for your belongings. Both bedrooms lead out onto a balcony with views over the lake and crescent, our favorite spot for a morning coffee!

There is a communal barbecue and firepit located on the village green, a short distance from the garden gate, a brilliant spot for sunny afternoons or if you want to get to know other groups staying at the Estate. With seaside towns and beautiful beaches scattered along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, as well as endless breath-taking countryside, there is plenty to keep you busy, in fact the hardest decision is deciding what to do first!

The dramatic Jurassic coastline plays protector to the wild heathlands and rolling dales of beautiful Dorset. It is no wonder that this captivating area has enticed filmmakers, poets, authors and artists for centuries, with visitors allured by the sweeping golden beaches, grand historic houses, cobblestone market towns and idyllic country pubs. 

All around the Lakeside Estate and scattered down the Jurassic Coast there are picturesque towns to visit. From the breezy coastal town of Poole to the rich history of Dorchester and the picture postcard vistas of Lyme Regis. The Estate itself is located amidst the rugged beauty of this area, in the environs of West Dorset. Formerly the site of RAF Warmwell, the Estate boasts a rich history, offering a breath-taking space combining unspoilt nature, beautiful wildlife, and modern luxuries, so you can leave all worries behind, settling in for a holiday of complete relaxation.  

Enjoying the great outdoors is all part of a stay at the Lakeside Estate, with waterways to discover, cycle pathways to relish and the rolling Dorset Countryside to explore. Whether you want to hop in a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or bike, there is something for everyone, it is a real of hub of activity! The Estate’s tennis court and 3G artificial-turf Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Beaumont Village offer the perfect facilities for a quick knock-about or a lively game of five-a-side football with friends and family. The views from the courts over Beaumont Lake are gorgeous, making for a tricky distraction when you are trying to hit a winning shot! 

Lowland heathland is one of Britain’s most important habitats for wildlife conservation. The outer Heath is a SNCI (Site of Nature Conservation Interest) and it supports an unbelievable range of plants, birds, insects and mammals making it a remarkable place for wildlife spotting. For those eager to get close to nature, there are hundreds of acres to explore, with woodlands and hedgerows sheltering this diverse array of native wildlife. You can explore down the waterways, or by foot or bike making the most of the vast network of private footpaths. 

After a busy day immersed in nature, the Estate Spa is the perfect respite. The spa has been designed to offer a tranquil sanctuary of stress-free indulgence and ultimate relaxation! There is an outdoor pool, roof terrace, sauna, gym, library and a ‘restful relaxation’ lounge for some post treatment ‘you’ time. In the peaceful, candlelit treatment rooms you can enjoy an array of luxurious treatments.

Of course, no holiday is complete without a satisfied appetite. Your holiday home offers its own kitchen for home cooked delicacies, or for a night off, there are plenty of options within the Estate and in the surrounding towns. The Hurricane Terrace and Bar is located on the roof terrace of the spa, offering bespoke cocktails inspired by the area and a variety of snacks and small plates if you are feeling peckish. The Estates traditional handmade yurt offers the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon, with an outdoor woodfired pizza oven which is often fired up by expert chefs to provide the tastiest authentic woodfired pizza using the freshest local ingredients. Hours will idle by, as you play bored games, tell stories, and get cosy by the log burning stove!
At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Please contact our Excellence Luxury Villas concierge team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!