Discover the enchanting Houghton Lodge, a very special 5 bedroom property nestled in the heart of the countryside at Downview Farm. This unique retreat combines luxury and serenity, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and recreation. Immerse yourself in yoga and spiritual healing at our onsite shala, unwind in our heated indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and infrared sauna. Enjoy unforgettable evenings by the woodland fire pit, in the gentle company of our resident goats.

Read More..

The Space
Embark on a picturesque journey as you approach Houghton Lodge through the charming village of Winterborne Houghton. Meander along country lanes, accompanied by the soothing sounds of a nearby stream. The property welcomes you through wooden gates onto a secluded gravel driveway, with parking space for up to six cars. The tranquil surroundings establish the perfect ambiance for your countryside retreat, offering an undisturbed and private gateway to this delightful oasis.

Lounge
The lounge at Houghton Lodge exudes comfort and elegance with a spacious yet intimate feel. The atmosphere of the space is accentuated by high ceilings, a farmhouse style chandelier and rustic wooden beams. Bathed in natural light from floor to ceiling windows which are framed with luxurious drapes, the lounge offers a pleasant view of the front courtyard garden. Two large three seater sofas and two chesterfield armchairs surround a central log burner, creating a cosy haven reminiscent of a stately library. Put your feet up and immerse yourself in relaxation - this fireside spot is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon snooze. The lounge features a 48” Smart TV which you are welcome to use to sign in to your preferred streaming platforms.

We provide guests with one bag of logs during their stay, further bags can be purchased on request.

Open plan kitchen and dining room
The kitchen really is the heart of the home at Houghton Lodge, this vast communal space is perfect for social gatherings of all sizes. Ample seating includes stools at the breakfast bar, a small two seater sofa and a large dining table with 10 chairs (extra chairs for additional guests are available in the conservatory). The dining area exudes grandeur with an antique style wine larder, feature wallpaper and a substantial table with space for guests to sit and enjoy a meal together. The well-equipped kitchen boasts an electric oven and hob, large fridge/freezer, microwave, and a dishwasher for your convenience. French doors open onto the expansive outside space, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

A utility room off the kitchen provides additional amenities, including a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron, and ironing board.

Outside Space
Houghton Lodge features two large private outdoor spaces which are guaranteed to make your stay truly magical. The delightful and fully enclosed private garden (accessible via the kitchen) is adorned with mature shrubs and trees and features a small area laid to lawn. A patio welcomes outdoor gatherings with a large wooden table and chairs, creating an ideal setting for al fresco dining. A BBQ is available for guests to use.

For relaxation, indulge in the hot tub, accommodating 4 to 5 people, or unwind in the infrared sauna tucked away in the corner of the space. Beyond the garden gate lies the paddock, a large area laid to lawn, perfect for children to play and adults to sunbathe on the sun loungers provided. Adjacent to the paddock is our goat enclosure, home to our three beloved rescue goats, Wendy, Kevin and Tracey. The picnic bench in the paddock is a popular spot for an afternoon snack - just watch out for four legged friends who might like cake too!

When the evening falls, a charming fire pit with a circle of logs awaits you in the gated woodland area. This idyllic setting invites conversation, laughter and fun, and promises lasting memories with friends and loved ones. All of the above outside areas are for your exclusive use during your stay.

Heated indoor swimming pool
Dive into paradise with Houghton Lodge's heated indoor pool, featuring a conservatory style roof that offers a pleasant view of the tree canopy. The pool caters to swimmers of various skill levels, featuring depths that range from 1.5m at the shallow end to 2.2m at the deep end. Accessible through the garden of the neighbouring property, guests of Houghton Lodge enjoy exclusive use of the pool from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM daily.

Conservatory and front patio
Accessible from the open plan kitchen/dining room and the lounge, the conservatory is ideal for socialising, featuring a full-size pool table and speakers. The conservatory seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor social areas, with a view of the surrounding trees and French doors which open to a patio area. This bright and airy room features a separate entrance to three ground floor bedrooms.

GF bedroom one
Bedroom one features a sumptuous grey upholstered super king size bed, complemented by feature wallpaper for a touch of elegance. Bedside tables, a wardrobe, and an accent chair complete the ensemble. A window provides natural light and a view of the vines outside. The bed in this room can be split into two singles on request, making it an ideal choice for children or friends sharing the space.

GF bedroom two (with ensuite)
A velvet upholstered super king size bed exudes luxury, and is accompanied by bedside tables and a dedicated dressing table area with a mirror. A window provides natural light and a view of the vines outside. The attached ensuite bathroom boasts a bath with a shower overhead, WC, basin, wall mounted mirror and a heated towel rail. The bed in this room can also be split into two singles upon request.

GF bedroom three (with ensuite)
This twin room offers a cosy retreat adorned with blush pink accessories. Laminate flooring enhances the warmth of the room, while a vintage style mirror and bedside table add character. A window offers natural light and a delightful view of the garden outside, contributing to the room's inviting atmosphere. The ensuite bathroom boasts floor-to-ceiling tiles, a power shower, WC and basin with a wall-mounted mirror.

GF bedroom four (accessible room)
Located between the lounge and kitchen, bedroom four features a super king size bed and has a farmhouse chic aesthetic. Pale eucalyptus wooden headboards complement this room’s charm, with a matching dressing table with stool and mirror, wardrobe, and two bedside tables. The bed configuration in this room is flexible, we can split the super king bed into two singles, and it is also possible for us to place an extra bed in this room if required.

GF bathroom
Conveniently located adjacent to bedroom four, the ground floor wet room has been thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and ease of use for all guests, enhancing the overall inclusivity of the property. The floor-to-ceiling tiled space is equipped with a rainfall showerhead, accessible WC with grab rails, basin with a wall-mounted mirror, and a heated towel rail.

FF master bedroom (with ensuite)
The master bedroom is a spacious dormer retreat perched on the first floor, offering breathtaking views across the local countryside and the charming goat enclosure. This elegantly appointed and inviting space features a comfortable double bed, complemented by two chest of drawers, a two seater sofa bed and an accent chair. The ensuite is equipped with a bath featuring a handheld shower attachment, WC, basin, and a wall mounted mirror.

The sofa bed, suitable for two children or one adult, provides additional flexibility. Kindly inform us in advance if you wish to utilise this option. There are stair gates fitted at both the top and the bottom of the stairs for the safety of smaller guests.

Merkabah Retreat
Nestled within the serene landscape of Downview Farm, just moments from Houghton Lodge, the bespoke and recently completed Merkabah Retreat beckons as a haven for rejuvenation and holistic wellbeing. Carefully positioned to harness the energy of this unique location, encircled by ancient hill forts and cradled atop a fire ley line, the retreat has a spiritual connection to its surroundings.

The shala, a focal point of the retreat, boasts an infrared heated floor embedded with quartz, providing a solid foundation for spiritual practices. Copper accents amplify the effects of the ley line, creating a captivating and harmonious space. Adding a touch of local creativity, the shala proudly showcases artwork by the talented Matt Donovan, enriching the retreat's atmosphere.

Guests are invited to partake in the transformative offerings of Merkabah Retreat, including blissful yoga, immersive gong baths, Fit n Flo, and shamanic healing with Merkabah Retreat’s founder, Claire Donovan. Whether joining a group class or booking a private session, the retreat promises an unparalleled experience. For additional details and reservations, please contact our team in advance, as classes should be booked prior to your stay.

For more information on Claire, Merkabah Retreat and our ethos, please visit the separate Merkabah Retreat website.

Sleeping Arrangements
3 x super king bed, 1 x double bed, 1 x twin room with two single beds, 1 x sofa bed (please advise in advance of your stay if you wish to use this bed), 1 x additional bed available on request