Old Red Lion House in Market Town

A beautiful listed building located on a quiet lane in the centre of the pretty market town of Blandford Forum, offering the perfect place to explore Dorset or simply relax in one of the cosy sitting rooms and indulge in one of the house's many books. Plenty of board games and DVDs will keep the younger ones entertained or get outside to the nearby River Stour to spot otters and kingfishers (just a 5 minute walk from the house) or head in any direction to Dorset's spectacular countryside. The space Old Red Lion house is a treat. This Georgian house is in the middle of the thriving town – on a quiet lane through an archway just off Market Place. Step through the wide blue door in to a friendly place, awash with warm colours, art, market finds and funny little nooks and crannies. There’s plenty of space, we have created an easy home you can share with friends and family (our own boys love it here!). Downstairs there’s a big sitting room with wood-burner, books, comfy sofas, colourful rugs. This opens out to a sociable dining area with old pine table and masses of cushions on benches; the kitchen has a two-oven stove, coffee machine and all you need to cook for a hungry hoard. Stone steps lead up to another elegantly furnished sitting room – a lovely spot to chat or read. Pretty bedrooms have well-dressed beds: two on the first floor and two up more stairs at the top of the house - each floor has a shared bathroom. Your garden is at the end of the lane: a sheltered patch for snoozes in the sun, snifters before dinner – and you can spot great wildlife on a stunning river walk. Guest access You'll have the whole house to yourselves so can relax in peace (in the knowledge that Hilary is on hand by phone to answer any queries). The house can accommodate 8 guests on the ground floor in the living room or dining room, but if some of you need space, head up to the sitting room at first floor level where there are more comfortable sofas. Other things to note We have a spiral stone staircase which can be tricky for elderly folk and young children. Young children must be supervised at all times on the ground floor as we have no stairgate at the bottom of the spiral staircase. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets due to pet allergies and the garden is not connected to the house.